We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Ratliff recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
I’ve asked plenty of family and friends to help support my business. As a photographer, starting up was the hard part. I needed a portfolio and something to display to potential clients. So, I brought in family and friends. My own little sisters are the stars of many of my first portfolio favorites.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I first got into photography when my uncle gave me his late wife’s camera. She was known for going through phases, and photography was one of them. I was fortunate to receive her barely used, beautiful, and pristine Canon camera. It began as something to pass the time. I was young and lived in the country. Then it grew into following my mom around at events and taking pictures. It grew and grew, my editing styles changing and developing, the photos getting better as I matured. I was in my late teens when I began booking clients and establishing a name for myself.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Every time I deliver my clients their photo gallery, they get a client-specific promo code to receive a discount on their next session. This helps with client retention, brand relationships, and more. After a few sessions with the same client, they begin earning free sessions as well!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I first built relationships with the local businesses around me, such as the museum in my town and the local shops. I even befriended a band and did some street art of them playing. Once you’ve built business relationships, it’s easy for their owners/employees/volunteers to think of you when they need a photographer for their own needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darkroomphotography.cc
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/photographybydarkroom
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/photographybydarkroom
