The first two points deal with the technical aspect of photography and to master it you will need to study hard and learn with experience. However, the third point is key in determining how many customers you make and how much profit you take in.

How do I establish a Unique Selling Proposition or USP?

Your USP is the most significant features that differentiate your photos from your competitors. You should take time to discover your USP and then market it successfully to your competitors because this is what tells them why they should buy your pictures instead of your competitors.

When establishing your USP it is important that you don’t differentiate on the basis of price because that does not guarantee you constant sales. Some of the key factors which could be incorporated into a successful USP could be

Building a reputation in your particular genre as an expert photographer

You can do this by taking advantage of the internet and publishing a few pictures and blogs that help to establish your credentials and enhance your reputation. Add a few customer testimonies to this and you have yourself a reputation. “Nothings sells better than a testimony of a satisfied customer”.
 

After Sales Services

Most photographers do not provide after sales services. This is an easy way where you can get ahead of your competitors. Let your customers know that if they have any problems with their photographs or need advice in getting them published you will be able to help or refer them to someone who can assist. Also, let them know if they come back to you a second time to buy photographs they can avail a discount which is a special privilege given to previous customers.

Risk Reversal

Not many photographers have the courage to do this. However, if you let your prospective customers know that there is a risk reversal attached to your services you will immediately find a lot more customers knocking at your door. A risk reversal tells the customer that if they are not satisfied with your photographs they can return them back and they do not need to pay for your services. You should do this only when you are confident enough that you can turn out quality pictures and exceed the expectations of your customers.