As a photographer, I always look for new ways to grow my business and connect with potential clients. And with the rise of the social media platform TikTok, I’ve discovered an exciting platform to do just that.
TikTok has quickly become a popular social media app with over 800 million active users, and it offers a unique opportunity for photographers to create videos, reach a younger audience, and experiment with different types of content.
In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks for using TikTok to grow your photography business. We’ll explore how to create engaging content, network and engage with your audience, and showcase your workflow and value.
Whether you’re new to TikTok or just looking to up your game, these strategies will help you connect with potential clients and take your photography business to the next level.
So, let’s dive in!
To grow a photography business on TikTok, you need to understand how to use the app and its quirks. TikTok is a social media video app that allows access to a younger audience than Facebook and Instagram.
It’s less saturated with ads, and you’ll be able to grow your business faster with the right content ideas. Creating engaging content using the in-built editing system is also essential. You can make TikTok videos look great, or you can follow the latest trend, but it’s essential to keep a consistent schedule and theme. Don’t throw 26 different niche ideas or TikToks on your profile. Post on TikTok as you would anywhere else and stay within the audience you’re trying to engage with.
You can build a loyal following by engaging with your audience by providing value, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and asking questions.
TikTok offers a lot of the same ideas as other social platforms but keep your videos short with this philosophy.
Creating engaging content on TikTok requires understanding the app’s editing system and using popular songs, but how can you make sure your content stands out from the millions of other videos on the platform?
One way to catch people’s attention is by using music creatively. Instead of simply lip-syncing to a popular song, you can use it as a background to showcase your photography skills.
For example, you can make a slideshow of your best shots and synchronize them with the beat of the music. This will showcase your work and make it more fun and engaging for the audience.
Another way, and one of the most popular, is to create your videos with a photographer in mind. Use TikTok for your photography by teaching photographers what you know. I spend hours going through my feed and continue to learn from others. It doesn’t mean you need to focus on this niche entirely but TikTok is the perfect place to reach out and connect with people who share similar interests.
Another way to increase engagement is by using hashtags for growth. You can research popular hashtags related to photography and use them in your videos. This will help you reach a wider audience and increase your chances of getting on the ‘For You’ page. Everyone tried to go viral by adding the #FYP hashtag but you’re better off using photography related hashtags.
Additionally, you could create your own branded hashtag and encourage your followers to use it in their posts. This will help me build a community around my brand and increase my online presence. As you build your audience you could create a branded hashtag challenge that would help you reach more people.
Using music creatively and hashtags for growth, I can create engaging content that stands out on TikTok and grow my photography business.
Networking and engaging with other photographers on TikTok has been a valuable way to connect with like-minded creatives and expand my knowledge and skills in the field. By following other photographers on the app, I’ve seen different takes on trends and content and gained inspiration for my posts.
Additionally, engaging with my audience through comments and collaborations has helped me establish a loyal following and build a community of fellow photographers. I’ve utilized networking on TikTok by participating in photography collaborations. This involves working with other photographers to create content showcasing our skills and styles.
Collaborating with others has expanded my reach and gained exposure to new audiences. Another way I’ve engaged with the TikTok community is by participating in TikTok challenges. These challenges encourage users to create content using a specific theme or trend and can be a fun way to showcase your skills and creativity.
Be sure to find and follow other photographers you might like or just enjoy their video content.
TikTok isn’t YouTube. You don’t need to create a first-class production to get noticed, but it won’t hurt. If you’re using YouTube to create long-form content one of the tips for photographers is to split that up into multiple short-form videos for your TikTok account. If you’re like me and have to make money another way (think real estate photography), creating different types of photography content for each platform is almost impossible. Instead, one or two long form videos a week can potentially fill up your monthly TikTok calendar.
On the other hand, some of the most viewed videos are from users who create a TikTok just talking about industry news. There is no step-by-step guide here, you need to create videos on TikTok. The more you post the better opportunity you have to find out what works for your profile. Try to post at least once per day and find a tool to get it all scheduled. I use High Level for this as it’s more then a social media scheduling platform.
As I share my editing workflow and behind-the-scenes content on TikTok, viewers can glimpse the intricate and creative process of bringing my photography visions to life, like peering through a keyhole into a magical world. By showcasing my editing techniques and tools, I can help aspiring photographers learn new skills and techniques while also providing valuable insights into the art of photography.
There are so many talented individuals out there that I feel like I’m learning something new daily from the abundance of photography tips on TikTok. It took a while for me to even post videos on TikTok, but you’ve got to get over that fear and share your TikTok. Ideas for photographers typically come easy with pictures but posting videos might seem a little more challenging. You could create a slideshow (in a video)
Building strong client relationships is an important aspect of showcasing my workflow on TikTok. By involving clients in the editing process and demonstrating how their feedback and input can shape the final product,
I can establish a sense of trust and collaboration that leads to better results and satisfied clients. Through my TikTok content, I aim to inspire and educate viewers on the importance of technical skills and relationship-building in photography.
It seems silly, but the most challenging part is just starting their first post. TikTok for your photography business may seem like a complete waste of time but it could end up being the perfect platform for photographers looking to grow a supplemental income online from becoming an influencer in their niche.
I struggled to put that first post up. I wanted perfection but I quickly realized that my TikTok feed was anything but. Creating a quick video is better than nothing. Your first 100 videos likely will stink but creating and sharing short videos over the next year is giving you the opportunity to get better.
GET your TikTok to market and share it with thousands of photography enthusiasts. Ask other TikTok users what they want to see and be sure to answer any questions you have…with a TikTok.
Q: What is TikTok and how can it benefit a photography business?
A: TikTok is a video sharing app that allows users to create and share short-form videos with a variety of filters and effects. As a photographer, TikTok can help you grow your business by showcasing your work and providing a platform for engaging with potential clients. TikTok uses hashtags and algorithms to get your content in front of people who might like it, making it a great tool for expanding your reach.
Q: How can I use TikTok to market my photography business?
A: To use TikTok as a photographer, you can start by creating content that showcases your work and provides value to your followers. This can include behind-the-scenes footage of your photo shoots, photography tips, and step-by-step guides to creating stunning shots. You can also use special effects to add a creative flair to your videos and make them more engaging. Finally, make sure to include relevant hashtags so that your content can be easily discovered by potential clients.
Q: What type of content performs well on TikTok?
A: Content that performs well on TikTok tends to be visually engaging and informative. As a photographer, you can create behind-the-scenes videos of your photo shoots, share quick photography tips, and showcase your portfolio with creative transitions and special effects. You can also use TikTok to share your personal brand and connect with potential clients by sharing your story and giving your followers a glimpse into your personality.
Q: What are some tips for using TikTok as a photographer?
A: Some tips for using TikTok as a photographer include using relevant hashtags, creating visually engaging content, and engaging with your followers. You can also tap and hold to save any codes or filters that you like for later use. Additionally, make sure to follow other photographers and creators in your industry to stay up-to-date on what’s new and popular in your field.
Q: Can TikTok help me get noticed and grow my photography business?
A: Yes, TikTok can help you get noticed and grow your photography business by providing a platform for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. By using relevant hashtags and creating visually engaging content, you can get your work in front of people who are likely to follow your account and engage with your content. This can lead to more leads and bookings for your photography business.
Q: How can I create content on TikTok that resonates with my audience?
A: To create content on TikTok that resonates with your audience, think in stories and try to provide value with your videos. You can showcase your work and provide tips and tricks for taking great photos, or you can share your personal story and give your followers a glimpse into your life as a photographer. You can also use special effects and creative transitions to make your videos stand out and grab your followers’ attention.
Q: How can I use TikTok to drive traffic to my Instagram page?
A: You can use TikTok to drive traffic to your IG page by including a call to action in your videos that encourages your followers to follow you on Instagram or check out your website. You can also include your IG handle in your profile bio and add it to your videos using creative transitions and text overlays.
Q: How can I get noticed on TikTok as A Photographer?
A: To get noticed on TikTok, create visually engaging content that tells a story and provides value to your followers. Use relevant hashtags to get your content in front of people who might like it, and engage with other creators in your industry by commenting and liking their videos. The more you engage with your followers and the broader TikTok community, the more likely you are to get noticed and gain followers.
Q: What are some ideas for photographers who are just getting started on TikTok?
A: Some ideas for photographers who are just getting started on TikTok include creating behind-the-scenes videos of your photo shoots, sharing tips and tricks for taking great photos, and showcasing your portfolio with creative transitions and special effects. You can also share your personal story and give your followers a glimpse into your life as a photographer. Above all, make sure to have fun and be creative with your content!