Archive for March, 2009

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Mar
16

New Media Photographer podcast #40

Monday, March 16th, 2009

This week Rosh shares a few ideas about “You” marketing and” Them” marketing.  He also talks about how you can be an expert in anything.

  • New Media Photographer Podcast #40
  • Time 20:00
  • Hosted by Rosh Sillars
  • This podcast is about social, digital and new media and how it relates to the photographer. 
  • Topics on this week’s show:  The new facebook fan pages, You marketing and them marketing, marketing ideas, why business should use quality photography, The internet story for the photographer, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), RSS and how to become an expert.  I’m opening up more opportunities for speaking. The first chapter from each organization (non-profit) to call on me to speak – expenses only.
  • Audio Comment from Jason Zimmerman – of  the web mix   Facebook
  • New Media Photographer Flickr Group
  • New Media Photographer Twitter   @newmediaphoto
  • Comment line 206 202 3568
  • Email New Media Photographer
  • New Media Photographer
  • Rosh Sillars Photography Portfolios
  • The Rosh Group, Inc.
  • Prosperous Artists
  • Tags: New Media, Digital Media, Social Media, Photography, Photographer, Photography marketing, Business of photography
  • Do  you have a recommendation for the new media photographer award? email

 

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Mar
13

How to be an expert in anything

Friday, March 13th, 2009

As I travel around the country speaking to groups about new and social media, I often ask my audience if they use Google reader or another RSS (real simple syndication) reader.  I am always surprised at the answer. On average, only 5-10 percent of my audience does so.

I subscribe, monitor and read about about 80 blogs and podcasts. I don’t have time to read them all!  It is a big waste of time to go to each site every day for updates.  Not every Web site, blog or podcast is updated each day.  Plus, I’m not interested in every post written by every blogger I follow. 

The solution is an RSS reader. This allows the Web to come to you.  A quick scan of my reader allows me to read the headlines of the latest posts that are of interest to me.  I can read the valued information in my reader or click through to the Web site. 

So, how does this make you an expert?  Isn’t it obvious?

The amount of quality, up-to-date information on the Web is enormous.  You can find information  on just about anything at most any level of complexity.

If I wanted to become an expert on butterflies, I’m sure it wouldn’t take me long to find the current experts and gurus that would guide me toward the information desired. 

Top bloggers, podcasters and video creators often link to other people they respect in their blogroll.  When bloggers link to someone, it’s their reputation on the line.  So, the blogroll is one of the first places I look for additional resources. 

It’s always good to subscribe to a variety of blogs and opinions.  Some expert bloggers offer links to current information on a regular basis.  Others offer opinion and analyisis.   Good opinion and analysis will support you in developing your expertise in the area of your choice. 

Most of the good blogs offer easy methods to subscribe to their RSS feed. But, if they don’t offer a simple subscription solution, all you need to do is click on the blue RSS icon in the URL field.  The page will reveal the feed and address. Often it will start with “feed://”.  Then you will need to cut and paste the address into your favorite reader.  Often you will need to replace the “feed://” with http:// for the feed to work properly.

After you have subscribed, study and apply the content of a variety of experts, teachers and knowledgable bloggers. Over time you too can become an expert. 

Rosh

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Mar
10

You marketing vs. them marketing

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

As a photographer you have a number of choices to make when planning your social marketing.  The first thing every photographer should ask is: Are my marketing efforts going to focus on me or them?

Displaying the portfolio is a major part of marketing for a photographer. Often a photographer’s first instinct is to create a blog about who he is and his work.   This effort is often rewarded with clients gaining a deeper insight, understanding and loyalty toward the photographer.

Although rewards may be found with the more common “you marketing,” the more powerful form of marketing is “them marketing,” which offers information and guidance to prospects and clients.  This is an effective public relations marketing application. This sets you up as the expert. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t use your images as examples. Actually, it is highly encouraged. But, the focus is not on the photographer.  The goal is to champion others and build a reputation as a quality resource for knowledge and inspiration.

First you need to develop a niche.  Find out what is working on a national level or in other regions and localize it. 

For example, a photographer could offer a resource for local models, create a community for designers, architects or small business people.  Whatever you do, make sure photography is part of the solution.

Remember, prospects are more concerned about looking good, selling more products and services than your service.  Your photographs may be appealing to them, but if they don’t understand the benefits of using quality imagery over “good enough” digital files than your beautiful portfolio is wasted.  Educating future photography buyers on the merits of quality photography will offer new opportunity for more business.

Rosh

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Mar
9

New Media Photographer Podcast #39

Monday, March 9th, 2009

This week Rosh shares a few ideas on new media, social media and digital media. 

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Mar
5

The hardest part about blogging

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

I would think the hardest part in the process of blogging might be finding new ideas to write about on a regular basis. But, it’s not.  The hardest part of blogging is found at the very beginning of the process: selecting a visual theme.

I’ve spent more time looking at and reworking themes than I have on any one post or project related to blogging.  I’m never able to find a theme that fits with the topic and offers the options I require.

Both prosperousartists.com and newmediaphotographer.com are based on themes that I downloaded and reworked.  We are upgrading Prosperous Artists right now;  I think I’ve spent more than 12 hours looking for a new theme. 

I’m not done. But, I’m ready to move on.

If you use WordPress, you don’t have to rely on the themes found in their system.  You can Google a request for themes.  Often you will find lists of free themes. You do have a large number of options including purchasing premium themes or hiring someone to customize a theme for you.

Below are some excellent WordPress theme lists.  I’m still working my way through them.  I hope it doesn’t take you as long to find your new theme.

www.bestwpthemes.com

the-ultimate-list-of-free-wp-magazine-themes

freewpthemes.net/

topwpthemes.com/

Rosh

 

 

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