lsterling

[lsterling]

Week 13 Update

What’s Working?

This week has been pretty exciting! I’ve seen another 20% increase in website traffic, which is awesome. It feels like the word is really getting out there, and more people are checking out my work. I’ve also had some great conversations with other photographers about sharing studio space. We’re getting closer to making it happen, and it could be a fantastic way to cut costs and collaborate.

What’s Not Working?

The e-transfer issues are finally sorted out, which is a huge relief. I may create a new website on a paid platform and then obtain a proper email address with a .CA extension. However, the marketing tool I’ve been using is still not delivering the results I hoped for. I’m looking into other options that might be a better fit, but for now, I’m sticking with free online services until I can afford something better.

How Do You Feel the Project Is Coming Along?

It’s still a bit of a mixed bag. I’m really pumped about the growing interest and the potential studio sharing, but the financial and technical challenges are still there. It’s frustrating at times, but I’m staying positive and focused on the progress I’m making.

What Are You Learning About Running a Business?

I’m learning a lot about the importance of community and networking. Connecting with other creatives has been super helpful for finding solutions and sharing resources. It’s also teaching me to be resourceful and think outside the box. Every conversation and connection is a step forward.

What Are You Learning About Yourself?

I’m discovering that I can adapt to new challenges and stay motivated even when things get tough. It’s pushing me to keep an open mind and be proactive in seeking out new opportunities. I’m learning to balance my time better and prioritize what’s most important.

Looking forward to seeing how things unfold next week!

[lsterling]

Week 12 Update

What's Working? I've seen another boost in website traffic—up 25% this week! It seems like word is spreading, and more people are getting curious about my work. Also, I've been talking with some other photographers, and we're discussing the possibility of sharing studio space, which could be a great way to cut costs.

What's Not Working? The e-transfer issues are rectified. The small caps L in Sterling was not obvious to everyone and thought to be an i or a 1. I may update my website email to all caps. It was causing delays and making things awkward with clients. Also, the marketing tool is still underperforming, so I'm considering switching to something else that might suit my needs better, however, I am still utilizing free online services. This will change when I generate enough income.

How Do You Feel the Project Is Coming Along? It’s still a mix. I’m excited about the growing interest, but the technical and financial hiccups are frustrating. The conversations about studio sharing are a new positive development, though, so that's giving me hope.

What Are You Learning About Running a Business? I'm realizing the importance of community and networking. Connecting with other creatives has been super helpful for finding solutions and sharing resources. It’s also teaching me to be resourceful and think outside the box.

What Are You Learning About Yourself? I’m learning that I can adapt to new challenges and stay motivated even when things get tough. It’s pushing me to keep an open mind and be proactive in seeking out new opportunities.

Looking forward to seeing how things unfold next week!

[lsterling]

Week 11 Update

What is working?

The website suggests an increase of 20% in interest thanks to my website. It’s starting to make a difference.

What is not working?

I am having issues with receiving e-transfers. Also, the marketing tool I started using isn’t giving us the results we hoped for.

How do you feel the project is coming?

It’s a bit of a mixed bag. I'm getting more users, which is great, but I need to work on interest retention problems to keep moving forward.

What are you learning about running a business?

I’m learning how important it is to have good tech support and to be flexible with marketing when things don’t go as planned.

What are you learning about yourself?

I’m learning that I can handle setbacks better than I thought. It’s pushing me to stay calm and focus on solving problems.

More next week!

[lsterling]

Week 10 Update!

Hey everyone!

Quick update on Sterling Photography:

Website Launched: Check out my new webpage! It’s basic but gives me an online presence.

Learning Curve: Gaining valuable skills in website development and digital marketing.

Challenges:

Minimal client interest and no bookings yet.

No revenue generated so far.

Exploring other social media avenues within a tight budget to boost visibility.

Progress: Slow but hopeful. Facing financial challenges and time constraints, but committed to improving.

Business Lessons:

Patience is crucial.

Effective marketing is essential.

Always room for growth.

Thanks for your support! More updates soon. Stay tuned!

[lsterling]

Week 9 Update

Hey everyone!

I wanted to share a quick update on my start-up venture, Sterling Photography. It's been a few weeks since I launched, and while progress has been slower than I'd hoped, I'm learning a lot and staying positive. Here's a peek into what’s been happening:

What's Working?

Website Launch: I've successfully launched a webpage for Sterling Photography! You can check it out here. It’s still basic, but it’s a start and gives me an online presence.

Learning Curve: The journey so far has been an immense learning experience. From website development to understanding digital marketing, I'm gaining valuable skills that will benefit my business in the long run.

What's Not Working?

Client Interest: Interest from potential clients has been minimal. I've had a few weak inquiries, but no bookings yet. It's a bit disheartening, but I know it's just the beginning.

Revenue: So far, no revenue has been generated. It’s frustrating, but I understand that building a client base takes time and effort.

Promotion: I haven't set up social media accounts for the business yet, which is likely impacting my visibility and client interest. This is a priority moving forward.

How's the Project Coming Along?

Overall, the progress is slow. Financial challenges and time constraints are real, but I’m hopeful. The lack of immediate success is tough, but I'm committed to making this work and improving every step of the way.

Business Lessons

Running a business has taught me several important lessons:

Patience: Building a business takes time. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and persistence is crucial.

Marketing Importance: Without effective promotion, it’s hard to attract clients, no matter how good the service is.

Continuous Improvement: There’s always room for growth, whether it’s enhancing the website or learning new marketing strategies.

Thanks for following along on my journey. I appreciate your support and will keep you posted on how things develop in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned!

[lsterling]

Hi everyone, I chose to go with an video slideshow format for this task. Feel free to offer constructive criticism!

Turn up your volume!

[lsterling]

Update on My Start-Up Venture

It's time for an update on my start-up venture 'in photography 'Sterling Photography'. The journey has been a mix of learning experiences and challenges, and I want to share what’s been happening.

What is working?

Website Launch: I've successfully launched a free webpage for my photography business. (https://SterlingPhotography.renderforestsites.com/) It's a small step, but it's important to have an online presence.

Learning Curve: I'm learning a lot about the technical aspects of running a business, from setting up a website to understanding the basics of digital marketing.

What is not working?

Client Interest: So far, I've only had a few weak inquiries and no actual bookings. Client interest is pretty low, which is disappointing but not unexpected given the early stage.

Revenue: Unfortunately, I haven’t generated any revenue yet. This is a bit discouraging, but I know it's part of the process.

Promotion: I haven't set up social media yet to promote the business, which is likely affecting my visibility and client interest.

How do I feel the project is coming?

Overall, the project is progressing slowly. There are definitely challenges, both financial and time allocation, but I’m hopeful. The lack of immediate success is frustrating, but I’m committed to pushing forward and making improvements.

What am I learning about running a business?

Running a business is teaching me some valuable lessons:

Patience: Building a business takes time and patience. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and persistence is key.

Marketing Importance: Effective marketing is crucial. Without proper promotion, it’s hard to attract clients, no matter how good the service is.

Continuous Improvement: There’s always room for improvement, whether it's enhancing the website or learning new marketing strategies.

What am I learning about myself?

This journey is also teaching me a lot about myself:

Resilience: I’m discovering that I have a lot of resilience. Despite setbacks, I’m determined to keep going.

Adaptability: I need to be adaptable and open to trying new strategies to attract clients and generate interest.

Dedication: My dedication to photography and making this business work is strong. Even with the challenges, my passion keeps me motivated.

That’s it for this update! Thanks for following along on my journey. I’ll keep you posted on how things develop in the coming weeks.

[lsterling]

Sterling Photography - Budget Progress Update

Starting a photography business while attending college full-time is no easy task, especially with a tight budget. Here’s an update on how Sterling Photography is progressing:

What's Working?

Planning and Research: I've put significant effort into researching and planning my expenses. For instance, I've identified cost-effective sources for equipment like the background lighting kit and light dampening equipment available on Amazon at better rates.

Initial Set-up: The website setup and maintenance are straightforward, with a reasonable yearly domain fee from GoDaddy. This helps keep my online presence professional and manageable. I haven't yet committed to paying for a site, but i have established the begginning of a free site, using a free ai resource to craft the body of it and fine tuning as necessary. You can view it here: https://sterlingphotography.renderforestsites.com/

Insurance and Software: I have inquired about costs for comprehensive business insurance and subscribed to essential software (Microsoft 365 and Adobe Photoshop) to ensure I’m covered and equipped to handle my business operations efficiently.

What's Not Working?

High Initial Expenses: Some of the necessary equipment, like the Matterport Pro2 Backpack Kit and the EcoTank Photo ET-8500, have high initial costs. This expense is hopeful depending on the revenue in the first two months. Balancing these costs with my limited initial budget of $50 is a challenging idea, however, the quality printer is absolutley necessary.

Uncertain Sales Projections: While I’ve projected $8,000 in sales over 14 weeks, this is based on the presumption that I can secure 8 to 12 portrait and commercial shoots. The reality of achieving these sales targets remains uncertain.

How I Feel the Project is Coming Along

I’m cautiously optimistic about the project. While there are significant challenges, particularly with the high initial costs and balancing my studies, I believe careful planning and persistence will pay off.

Learning About Running a Business

I’ve learned the importance of detailed budget management. Each expense, no matter how small, needs to be carefully considered to ensure profitability.

Being flexible with my plans is crucial. I need to adapt my strategies based on actual sales and expenses, making adjustments as needed to stay on track.

Learning About Myself

I’ve discovered a newfound resilience in myself. Balancing college and starting a business has tested my limits, but it’s also shown me that I can handle more than I thought possible.

My reluctance to commit to large expenses highlights my cautious nature. However, I’m learning that sometimes, taking calculated risks is necessary for growth.

Reservations in Budget Outlook

Large Anticipated Expenses: The high costs for equipment like the Matterport Pro2 Backpack Kit and the EcoTank Photo ET-8500 are daunting. These expenses are necessary for providing high-quality services but are significantly large compared to my current projected income.

Starting with only $50 and balancing full-time college attendance adds to the pressure. I need to be strategic in managing my time and resources to make this venture successful. I may need to focus on doing portrait photography, selling packages and using a 3rd party print source to produce my clients finished copies. Eventually, I can save enough to improve my equipment while maintaing my other regular bills and expenses.

Despite the challenges, I’m determined to make Sterling Photography work. With careful planning, resilience, and a bit of creativity, I’m confident that I can overcome these obstacles and build a thriving photography business. Stay tuned for more updates!

[lsterling]

Starting My Photography Business: Navigating Cash Flow and Investment

Starting my photography business is an exciting journey, but I know managing my cash flow is crucial for success. Here's how I'm planning to handle the financial side of things, based on some key ideas I've learned.

Managing Start-Up Cash Flow First, managing cash flow is all about keeping track of the money coming in and going out. For my business, I need to make sure I have enough money to cover my expenses while also investing in growth. This means I'll need to carefully monitor all my financial transactions.

Cash Sources The main source of cash for my business will come from personal savings, some from family (patient capital) and hopefully some from a government grant which could see up to $5000 if I successfully meet the requirements. This is essential for getting my business off the ground. I've already invested several thousand dollars in some of the equipment I need to be fully operational for my move into real estate photography and eventually real estate drone photography. The grant will help me buy the remaining startup equipment and cover other startup costs such as website development.

Cash Expenses When it comes to expenses, my biggest costs will be:

Equipment: I need high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software to provide professional photography services. Since I already have already acquired several thousand dollars worth of equipment including subscriptions to necessary software, the grant would help me obtain the rest. Photographer Insurance: This will protect my business and equipment from risks and liabilities. This is generally a bundle of options including, but not limited to: Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL), Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O), Equipment Insurance, Drone Liability Insurance and Cyber Liability Insurance.

Online Presence: A professional website and digital marketing are crucial to attract clients. This includes costs for website design, hosting, and online ads. By knowing these expenses, I can plan my budget and make sure I allocate funds appropriately.

Projected Cash Flow Projecting cash flow means estimating how much money will come in and go out over time. For my business, I'll create a cash flow projection to understand my financial position. This will include:

Revenue Projections: Estimating the income from my photography services based on market research and pricing strategies. This helps me set realistic financial goals and understand how many clients I need to cover my expenses and make a profit. Expense Projections: Detailing all expected costs, including equipment, insurance, and online marketing. This helps me understand my financial obligations and ensure I have enough funds to cover them. By creating a detailed cash flow projection, I can make informed decisions and adjust my strategies to keep my business financially healthy.

Conclusion Starting a photography business requires careful financial planning. By managing my start-up cash flow, identifying cash sources, tracking expenses, and projecting cash flow, I can set my business up for success. With an initial investment from a government grant, I'll be able to buy the necessary equipment and insurance, build a strong online presence, and attract clients.

At this early stage, I won't be utilizing outsourcing heavily. As a start-up without a brick-and-mortar location or employees, I'm focusing on managing most aspects of the business myself to keep costs down. This means handling photography sessions, editing, marketing, and administrative tasks on my own. Outsourcing could be beneficial in the future, especially for tasks like advanced marketing, bookkeeping, or large-scale post-processing. However, for now, my goal is to build a solid foundation and grow the business sustainably before considering significant outsourcing investments.

Proper cash flow management will ensure my business grows sustainably and achieves long-term success. I'm excited about this journey and confident that with the right financial management, my photography business will thrive.

[lsterling]

Creative Advertising for My Photography Business

Word Association: A Simple Tool for Unique Advertising Ideas

To stand out in the competitive photography market of Niagara Falls, using word association is a powerful way to generate creative advertising ideas. This exercise can help me develop unique concepts for promoting my commercial, real estate, and drone photography services.

How Word Association Works: Start with a central word, like "photography," and brainstorm related words and phrases, such as "memories," "aerial views," "stunning visuals," and "real estate showcase." These associations can spark new advertising ideas that resonate with potential clients.

Applying Word Association: For example, "memories" could inspire a campaign highlighting how my services capture cherished moments. "Aerial views" could focus on the unique perspectives of drone photography. This exercise helps refine and target my messaging to appeal to real estate professionals and commercial clients in Niagara Falls.

Using word association, I can create a series of ads that showcase different aspects of my services, helping my photography business stand out in a crowded market. It's a simple yet effective way to unlock creativity and develop compelling advertising concepts.

[lsterling]

Customer Persona for Photography Business

Name: Real Estate Professionals Demographics: Age: 30-50 Gender: Mixed Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher Occupation: Real Estate Agents and Brokers Income: $60,000 - $100,000 per year Background: Real estate professionals in Niagara Falls understand the local market and are committed to excellent service. They use social media and digital tools to market properties and know the importance of high-quality visuals.

Goals: Sell properties quickly and at a good price. Enhance their professional image. Save time by outsourcing photography and drone footage. Challenges: Managing a busy schedule. Standing out in a competitive market. Finding reliable, high-quality photography services with quick turnaround times. Motivations: Professional: Desire to be top performers and sell properties effectively. Personal: Maintain work-life balance by outsourcing tasks like photography. Behaviour: Online Activity: Use Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to market properties. Follow real estate marketing trends. Purchasing Decisions: Prefer quality services with good reviews, even if they cost more. Quote: "We need a photographer who can make our listings stand out and help us close deals faster. Professional photos and drone shots are essential."

Understanding these real estate professionals' needs helps me tailor my photography services to meet their demands. Offering flexible scheduling, quick turnaround, and high quality will attract clients and build a strong reputation in Niagara Falls.

[lsterling]

Business Operations Plan

Starting a photography business in Niagara Falls, Ontario, requires careful planning. I aim to focus on commercial, real estate, and drone photography, but I'll also offer portrait photography to attract initial clients. This will help me build a portfolio and get steady work as I establish my brand.

I plan to invest in essential equipment like a DSLR camera, a drone, lenses, lighting, and editing software. Creating a professional website to showcase my portfolio and allow easy booking is also a priority. I am sourcing reliable suppliers, so I'm confident I'll have everything I need in time.

To operate legally, I'll get the necessary licenses and permits, especially for drone photography. I'll also secure business licenses and insurance. My goal is to deliver high-quality photography services that meet my clients' needs. With the right tools and a strong online presence, I am ready to launch my business and start selling my services within the next six weeks.

[lsterling]

Strengths and Weaknesses

After checking out local photography business websites, I noticed some strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. One company does fine art photography with really emotional and simple images that make the art stand out. Their site is easy to navigate, and they show off their work well, which is great. But, they don’t use social media at all, and they don’t show prices, which might turn people away.

Another website has clear pricing and focuses on event and real estate photography. Their pictures are front and center, but the design of the site is kind of plain and might make their services seem less special. They do use social media like Instagram and Facebook, which is good, but they could use a more unique design and show client testimonials to seem more trustworthy.

Finally, there’s a wedding photography site that feels very personal and tells a great story. The photographer’s passion shows, and the site has a warm, welcoming vibe. They have strong client reviews, which is a plus, but they also don’t show more than basic pricing, which could be a downside for new clients.

For my own photography website, I feel can design a smooth and welcoming appearance and make easy to navigate, showing off my unique style and services. Being active on social media like Instagram and Pinterest will help me reach more people. Also, sharing clear pricing info and client testimonials can build trust and help clients feel confident in choosing me. By using these strategies, I believe I can create a strong online presence that stands out in the competitive photography market.

[lsterling]

Local Competition

After checking out local photography business websites, I noticed some strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. One company does fine art photography with really emotional and simple images that make the art stand out. Their site is easy to navigate, and they show off their work well, which is great. But, they don’t use social media much, and they don’t show prices, which might turn people away.

Another website has clear pricing and focuses on event and real estate photography. Their pictures are front and center, but the design of the site is kind of plain and might make their services seem less special. They do use social media like Instagram and Facebook, which is good, but they could use a more unique design and show client testimonials to seem more trustworthy.

Finally, there’s a wedding photography site that feels very personal and tells a great story. The photographer’s passion shows, and the site has a warm, welcoming vibe. They have strong client reviews, which is a plus, but they also don’t show detailed pricing, which could be a downside for new clients.

For my own photography website, I can make it look good and easy to navigate, showing off my unique style and services. Being active on social media like Instagram and Pinterest will help me reach more people. Also, sharing clear pricing info and client testimonials can build trust and help clients feel confident in choosing me. By using these strategies, I can create a strong online presence that stands out in the competitive photography market.

[lsterling]

#Niagara #aerial photography #real estate photography