Would you believe me if I told you I went from full time wedding photographer to sold out branding photographer virtually overnight? NO kidding—that’s what happened!

Back in the fall of 2023, I completely turned my business upside down by walking away from the wedding industry and entering a totally new photography field. Ever since then, I’ve stood out as a highly sought-after brand photographer. I’ve worked with more than two dozen brand owners, from Missouri, Georgia, Texas, and Illinois.

Why are people traveling from all over to work with me instead of hiring a local photographer? It’s because I discovered the secrets that allow me to stand out, and today, I’m going to share those secrets with you.  

Standing out in a saturated market can be challenging, but not impossible! Here are some strategies to help you differentiate your business and stand out:

Know who you’re serving and move full steam ahead. 

When I pivoted from wedding photography to brand photography, I made the transition obvious through the content I was sharing. Each Instagram post was directly targeted to small business owners and entrepreneurs with tips, relatable stories, and advice. 

If you want to stand out, you must know exactly who you’re serving, and show up 110% for that person!! If you want to be the best newborn photographer, skip the wedding content and share lots of family photos. If you want to be the best wedding photographer, don’t go on and on about the beauty of senior sessions. Think about the area you want to specialize in, and make sure each and every post talks directly to the people in your area of expertise. 

(Kind of) surprise your clients with the unexpected

Little things can go a long way. If you deliver physical products, how can you add unique embellishes to your packaging? If you’re a service provider, what can you provide the day of or the day after services that will take your clients by surprise? 

My best selling brand photography package is more than just photo sessions. I personally meet with each client (either in person or through Zoom) to help plan outfits and props. My galleries include more than photos—I also send gifs and plenty of B-Roll. 

Moreover, I give my audience a heads up about these perks through my package descriptions and social medi posts. I never publicly reveal all my secrets, but when new clients hire me, they know they’re about to get an exclusive, extra special experience. 

How can you provide unique value or benefits that puts you a mile ahead of all the competition? Highlight these advantages in fun reels, behind-the-scenes emails, or a what-to-expect packet at the time of an inquiry to make your offerings more attractive.

Build Your Babe Club

Your tribe, your fandom, your kingdom, your babes––whatever you choose to call it, develop a strong, personal connection with your audience. Invite them to be emotionally invested in your business as your personal fans by asking their opinions, getting personal with them, telling stories that resonate with them, and by taking the time to listen to them! 

Building a personal tribe or club through personal connection sets yourself up for sell-out moments as soon as you release new offers, and who doesn’t love that??

Never stop talking about your skills!

I can’t stress this one enough, sis. Part of what’s made me the stand-out brand photographer that I’ve been…it’s because I’m constantly talking about my sessions. My clients. Their successes. I share with my audience all the goodies that my clients get and the real results they experience from working with me.

Sharing the inside scoop with my audience does two things: (1) it makes my offer extremely popular everytime I relaunch, and (2) it makes my audience say, “When I’m ready for a branding session, I HAVE to do it with Lily!”

Do you have what it takes to be a stand out success?

Now you know all the necessary secrets to crush your industry. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Know who you’re serving and move full steam ahead. 
2. (Kind of) surprise your clients with the unexpected
3. Build Your Babe Club
4. Never stop talking about your skills!

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