A couple of firsts for me this week

[Moray Kitchen Fitter]

Originally Posted by Brian McIntosh

My next marketing plan is to target the new camera owners after Xmas. Book early to avoid disappointment!!

That is where a well place and carefully planned adwords campaign could work really well! Hit people who are shopping the net for cameras now with a view to buying for Christmas. Just a thought...

Regards,

Gordon

[PughPhotography]

Good to hear you're doing well Brian.

I had a similar thought but it wasn't for the same reason, mine was purely to get my name out there. I also realised that there are so many people out there with decent P&S cameras or even DSLR's (as they're coming down in price, and 2nd hands even more so) don't know some of the basics and still shoot in Auto with the pop-up flash through glass! (happens a lot). I was going to go to my local newspaper editor to see if i could write a small column each week on photography and camera control.. for free, just to get my name out there. Haven't done it yet, but I might.

It may be an idea for yourself? Don't give away too much in the column though

[Brian McIntosh]

A newspaper column is a good idea although I've only got "O" grade English under my belt. I was also thinking doing a blog post every week and putting up before and after pictures to illustrate different techniques. This is all still in it's infancy so there is plenty of scope for adding bits and pieces. As far as getting your name out there, It's brilliant as long as people learn what they need.

[johnthesearcher]

Hi Brian

Just echoing the congratulations on the excellent advisory service addition to your core business.

I use a basic 'point and shoot' to create my amateur 'shaky' photos so I may seek some advice from you ....... as I am looking to upgrade shortly to a better camera.

A couple of marketing opportunities spring to mind....... although you're probably well ahead of me on this.

Guest speaker at camera clubs throughout scotland

Approach some of the distributer outlets - like Jessops etc and offer 'how to' free inserts McIntosh branded.....naturally.

Mailing to bird watchers (twitchers).....who take some terrible pictures and most haven't a clue about construction of their photos.

Architects.......we had an associate take photos to be displayed on a marketing board for a new building we had just completed and we eventually had to commission it out as his 'focus' wasn't on what we thought it should be! (despite him taking over 100 photos)

Photography 'forums' there are probably hundreds of them.

Just a couple of quick thoughts

John

[Brian McIntosh]

Some good ideas there John. One or two wouldn't fly but I've been working on some marketing aimed at Archtects and Interior Designers. Great minds maybe do think alike!! I'll be looking at other ideas I have for a new target market as I'm moving to a new area next year which should bring new opportunities.