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Senior photography is such a fun and creative space that allows us to showcase our skills while helping others celebrate their accomplishments! In our niche, I think we can sometimes put more focus on marketing to the parents than the seniors themselves. After all, it is the senior’s photos we are taking. We want them to enjoy the entire experience and be just as happy with the outcome as their parents! I want to share with you 5 quick tips to market in a way that makes the senior beg their parents to work with you!! 

Marketing in a Way that Makes the Senior BEG Their Parents For You

Showcase Showcase Showcase!

Let’s dive right into tip #1, SHOWCASE your work! You need to showcase your portfolio to your potential seniors, not just the paying parents. I am sure you know the importance of having a portfolio as a photographer, and I am sure you offer to show all of the potential parents you meet. But how are you making sure your portfolio is getting in front of the seniors too? Make sure your portfolio is on your website and on your social media accounts! Have a link to it in your bio so those who come across your account can check it out. And make sure you update your portfolio frequently and showcase a range of photos to demonstrate your versatility.

Use Social Media To Your Advantage:

And while we’re talking about social media….how often do you post? Tip #2 is to use social media to your advantage. Seniors are ALWAYS going to be on social media. Consider using platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Tiktok to connect with seniors in your area. Make sure you post your latest and greatest photos routinely so that your page is up to date and showcasing your work. And remind your clients to tag you when they post their own photos! Consider sharing some behind-the-scenes content of a photoshoot to show potential seniors what their experience will be like working with you. Engage with others on social media, commenting and sharing others’ content. Share some testimonials from other seniors, and show your personality! I would venture to say that social media is one of your BIGGEST tools in marketing to seniors. I know it can be tedious to keep up with posting regularly, so consider batching out some content for the month in advance, and schedule it ahead of time with a scheduling platform like Plann, Planoly, or Later! 

Get Out and Involved in Your Community:

Tip #3: Get involved in your community! Meeting people face to face goes a long way in marketing yourself compared to an email or even a phone call. Collaborate with other businesses or influences that appeal to high school seniors such as makeup artists, hair stylists, or clothing boutiques. Cross-promote each other’s services on social media and even consider offering joint packages or discounts to seniors who use book both of you together! Attend local high school events such as football games, dances, or theater productions. Ask the school if you can set up a booth to showcase your work and offer special promotions! This a great way to not only connect with some parents but to meet the seniors themselves! 

Set up a Referral Program:

Alrighty, Tip #4! Set up a referral program for seniors. Incentivize your current clients to refer their friends to you. For every referral they bring in, you can offer them a discount or a free print. This is a greaaaat way to get your senior clients to do some marketing for you. You could even offer to do a joint session for friends where they get both individual photos and photos together! 

Create Marketing Materials that Attract Seniors:

As a senior photographer, your brand should reflect you and your personality but also be tailored to attract your ideal client. Our 5th and final tip is to create marketing materials that will catch the eye of your seniors! Follow what’s trendy for high schoolers and use bright, fun colors for brochures, flyers, and even graphics on your social media! Have fun with it and stick to your brand that is unique to you, but definitely try to catch the eye of your seniors! 

Homework Time:

These are my tips for you to market in a way that makes the senior BEGGG their parents for you! Remember, marketing to seniors is all about building relationships and connecting with your target audience in a way that resonated with them! By leveraging social media, collaborating with other businesses, attending local events, and using marketing trends, you can successfully market yourself to not just the parents in your community, but the SENIORS too! Now you know I love a little homework, but for this post, I will keep it simple! After you finish reading this post, sit down and make a list of upcoming school events in your community and a few businesses you can reach out to and connect with! Put some dates on the calendar and get a few materials ready so you can put yourself out into the community and start meeting some seniors! 

I hope you found these five tips helpful and are feeling ready to connect with the seniors in your area! If you are looking to connect and market to seniors in your area more effectively, I would love to hear from you and help you in any way I can! Have questions? You can DM me on Instagram or email me at info@seniorologie.com! If you are ready to take the senior side of your business to the next level, book senior clients on repeat, and make 4 figures per session, the Seniorologie Semester is for you! Learn more about The Seniorologie Semester HERE.