h1>How to Market Your Photography Business (Without Feeling Salesy or Icky)
As a business coach for photographers, one of the questions I get asked most often is:
“What’s the best way to market my photography business?”
And my answer is simple (but important):
The most effective way to market your photography business is in a way that feels natural, authentic, and good to YOU.
Let’s break down what that means—and how you can start aligning your marketing efforts with your values and personality.
Is Your Current Photography Marketing Strategy Working?
Before jumping into new strategies, take a moment to reflect:
- Are you showing up in your marketing in a way that feels true to you?
- Does marketing your photography business feel awkward, forced, or overwhelming?
- Are you posting or promoting inconsistently because it all just feels…off?
If you answered yes to any of these, you’re not alone. Many photographers struggle with marketing until they find an approach that actually feels good—and gets results.
Why Authentic Marketing Matters for Photographers
You’ve likely experienced this as a consumer:
You get an email, ad, or social media post that feels pushy, disingenuous, or just…off. It doesn’t connect with you—and instead of wanting to buy, you feel turned off.
The same thing happens when photographers market in ways that aren’t aligned with who they are.
Here’s the truth:
If your marketing doesn’t feel good to you, it probably won’t feel good to your potential clients either.
Your energy comes through in your messaging.
Quick Gut Check: Are You Marketing in a Way You’d Want to Be Marketed To?
Here’s one question I always encourage photographers to ask themselves:
“Would I like being marketed to this way?”
If the answer is yes → You’re probably on the right track.
If the answer is no → It’s time to pause and realign.
What If Marketing Always Feels Salesy and Gross?
If the thought of marketing your photography business makes you cringe, here are a few gentle suggestions:
- Outsource your marketing tasks (blog writing, social media management, SEO, ads) to someone who loves doing them.
- Take a break from marketing until you find an approach that feels more authentic.
- Lean into word-of-mouth marketing and let your happy clients naturally promote you.
- Explore your beliefs about marketing: Are you holding onto limiting beliefs like “marketing = being pushy” or “self-promotion is bragging”? These thoughts may not be true—but they’re definitely holding you back.
Journal Prompts: Discover Your Authentic Photography Marketing Style
If you’re unsure how to move forward, here are some journal prompts for photographers to help you uncover your best-fit marketing strategy:
- What marketing approaches have I experienced as a customer that felt really good to me? What did I like about them?
- What kinds of content do I naturally enjoy creating? (Writing, speaking, behind-the-scenes videos, educational posts, storytelling, etc.)
- If I had zero fear of judgment or rejection, how would I share my work with the world?
- What do I want potential clients to feel when they come across my website, social media, or emails?
- Am I resisting marketing because I don’t believe in what I’m offering… or am I just afraid of being visible?
- What do my happiest clients say about working with me? How can I use their language in my marketing?
- What would marketing look like if it felt like a fun, creative extension of my photography business instead of a chore?
- How can I build more connection and trust with my audience in ways that feel natural to me?
Final Reminder: Your Marketing Can—and Should—Feel Like YOU
Your marketing strategy doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
- Some photographers thrive with daily Instagram reels.
- Some love writing educational blog posts.
- Some build connection through in-person networking or collaborations.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The key is to choose marketing strategies that feel good, feel true—and allow you to show up as your best self.
Ready for More Personalized Support?
If you’re a photographer wanting help discovering a marketing approach that feels good AND gets results, visit my coaching page to see how I can support you.
