In today’s fast-paced world, Instagram has an incredible reputation among professional photographers. Rightly so, the platform is designed specifically to share your favorite things through images or videos. 

Be it your own self or anything you love, this growing social media app is the right place to share it all in the form of images and videos. But knowing how to promote photography business on Instagram is also essential. 

Many of my students who are into photography wonder what makes Instagram better than other social media platforms for promoting their photography business. 

“Why use Instagram?”

The answer is straightforward and obvious, i.e., Instagram only emphasizes sharing images and videos. That said, photographers can showcase their skills to the fullest because that is what everyone here notices. With over 2 billion users on Instagram, your posts can easily reach the target audience. 

Who doesn’t enjoy seeing some aesthetically pleasing and beautiful images on their feed? Many users who find your post of their interest also save it; some even tag or share it with their friends in the DMs. 

One of the best things about photography businesses is that you never know when someone loves your picture-capturing skills and share them in their stories. These activities enhance engagement, boost reach, and attract more audiences.

If you use the right strategies to share your content, Instagram algorithms will take no time to rank your posts on top. 

Efficient Ways – How To Promote Photography Business On Instagram?

Based on my experience and research, the following are some of the most rewarding tips to help you learn how to promote photography business on Instagram. 

1. Create a business account

Some users convert their personal account into a business profile which fails to provide the stats and insights. Therefore, you must create a new business account separate from your personal one. 

It is user-friendly and almost the same as a personal Instagram profile. What makes a business account different is the availability of a professional dashboard. Following are some amazing features it offers:

• Insights: It helps you access analytics on your posts and stories, such as the number of views and engagement, which makes it easier to understand your audience and improve content strategy.
• Contact information: You can add a contact button to your profile so people can get in touch with you directly via WhatsApp.

• Promotions and advertising: Run ads on Instagram and create promotions for your products or services with a few taps.
• Shopping: The shop feature allows you to tag products in your posts and stories, making it easy for people to purchase from you right away on the platform. As a photographer, you can add service packages that you offer so that the viewers can choose directly from there.
• Instagram Checkout: With this amazing feature, buyers can make sales within the Instagram app without being redirected to a different site.
• Access to Instagram Creator Studio: This tool enables you to manage and schedule your posts, view analytics and insights, manage comments, and more.
• Swipe-up feature in stories: If you wish to add a link to your story that viewers can swipe up to visit, this feature comes in handy.

A business profile simplifies the hassle and helps track your account’s performance. 

2. Be specific about your niche

Choosing a specific niche is a vital element that must be added to unprofessional photography accounts. It is important to pick a niche you’re passionate about that aligns with your strengths as a photographer. 

By narrowing your focus, you can target a specific audience and build a strong brand on Instagram. Moreover, you will also succeed in creating a consistent portfolio, efficient networking, cost-effective marketing, and more. 

Some examples of photography niches for a business on Instagram include

• Portrait photography 
• Wedding photography (You can check my detailed guide on how to grow a wedding photography business)
• Product photography
• Sports photography 
• Travel photography 
• Food photography 
• Pet photography 
• Wildlife Photography

3. Invest in a good camera

Instagram is all about photos and videos. Professional photographers use top-notch cameras for shooting for their photography business accounts. That said, to match the standard and stand out in terms of quality, you must invest in a high-end DSLR camera. 

A good camera will enable you to capture high-quality images with a professional look and feel. This will help you to attract more clients and stand out from other photographers on the platform.

Furthermore, a DSLR comes with a wide range of features and settings that will let you take photos in various conditions, such as low light, fast-moving subjects, and more. Hence, it gives you more flexibility and creativity in your work.

These gadgets are built to last and withstand the rigors of professional photography. Hence, it will help you save money in the long run by avoiding constant equipment replacement.

A professional photography camera will also show your potential clients that you are serious about your business and are willing to invest in the best equipment. This will be an added point to your professionalism.

Not to forget, these top-end cameras give you the ability to control aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and other parameters, giving you more control over your images. With this, you achieve the look and feel that you want for your photos.

It is worth noting that while having a premium camera is important, it’s not the only aspect that is required to produce good images; lighting and composition play a vital role in creating a good image. Additionally, good editing software and workflow can help you produce high-quality images and make them stand out on Instagram.

4. Always post strategically

Remember, consistency is the key, which should be your top priority while running a photography business on Instagram. Strategic and schematic posting make your account organized and appealing. 

Following are some effective strategies you must follow:

• Be consistent

Posting consistently will keep your followers engaged and attract new ones. Aim for at least one post daily, and post at the best times for your audience.

• Make reels

Instagram Reels are a way to create short videos. According to some stats, viewers love short, creative, and engaging reels. Hence, they are perfect for showcasing your work and promoting your photography business. 

• Upload stories regularly

This is a great way to share behind-the-scenes content and promote your photography business. Use them to showcase your work, share tips and tricks, and interact with your followers. A great way to boost reach is to reshare older posts on stories regularly.

• Save stories as highlights

Keep important posts on your profile by adding them to Instagram highlights. This makes them more easily accessible to new followers to see.

• Post a mix of content

Try hooking your audience by mixing different types of content, such as finished images, behind-the-scenes footage, and testimonials from clients. A mix of content will help to keep your feed interesting.

• Use Instagram Live

It is a great way to connect with your audience in real-time and promote your photography business. Use it to give tours of your studio, answer questions, and showcase your work.

• Try Instagram IGTV

If you want to post longer video content, then IGTV is a great way. You can share photography tips and tutorials or even live stream your photoshoots through it.

5. Don’t forget hashtags

Hashtags on Instagram help users discover and engage with content relevant to their interests. Users who click on a hashtag are taken to a feed of all the public posts tagged with that hashtag.

Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, use some in the caption and leave some for the comments. Here are some tips on how to promote photography business on Instagram using hashtags:

• Relevant hashtags:

Use hashtags relevant to your niche and the type of photography you offer. This practice will allow you to reach the right audience and attract potential clients. 

• Location-based hashtags 

Add location-based hashtags to reach people in your area and attract local clients. For example, if you are based in a city, you could use hashtags such as #CityPhotographer or #CityWeddingPhotographer. 

If you wish to target a specific city or area, you can also use it in the hashtag. For example, #Chicago, #DowntownNewYorkCity, etc.

• Some common/popular hashtags

The common and popular hashtags based on your niche will allow you to reach a larger audience. For example, you must always include hashtags such as #photographer or #photography.

• Branded hashtags

Create your own branded hashtags to establish your brand and make it easy for people to find your work. For example, you could use a hashtag such as #YourBusinessNamePhotography.

• Hashtags in Instagram stories and IGTV

You can use hashtags in Instagram stories to reach a larger audience and attract potential clients. Similarly, the use of hashtags in IGTV captions can increase the visibility of your videos.

• Keep track of your hashtags 

Lastly, keep track of your hashtags and monitor their performance to see which ones work best for you.

6. Be creative with the captions

Remember to craft the captions well since these can be capable of hooking the audience. Creative captions can increase engagement on your posts by sparking conversations and encouraging users to comment, like, and share your content.

You can also humanize your brand by giving your audience a glimpse into your personality, values, and culture. Captions give you an opportunity to tell your brand’s story, share your message, and create a connection with your audience.

Considering the current Instagram algorithms, posting captions with keywords can improve your post’s SEO and increase its visibility in search results.

Consistent and thought-provoking use of captions can increase the trust and credibility of your brand. You can also ask questions in the captions since it allows you to interact with the audience better by encouraging them to share their points in the comment section. 

For detailed guidance on creating captions, check out this YouTube video How to grow your photography Instagram account.

7. Add a watermark to the photos

Adding a watermark to your images on Instagram helps protect your work from unauthorized use and gives a professional touch. Create a unique logo with your Instagram handles as a watermark. Including the website link in the water is also a good idea if you have any. 

Make sure to use a transparent watermark, so it doesn’t take away from the image. This will make it less intrusive and more visually appealing. Fortunately, Instagram has a built-in feature that allows you to add a watermark to your images. This feature is available on Instagram Stories and IGTV.

8. Interact with the followers through comments

By interacting with followers on comments on your business profile, you can build relationships, promote your business, and increase engagement with your audience. Remember to respond promptly, use emojis and hashtags, show gratitude, address concerns and complaints, ask questions, and share behind-the-scenes content.

Instagram is extremely convenient when it comes to running a business. It has a quick reply feature that allows you to respond to multiple comments simultaneously. You can personalize your responses and use this feature to save time and increase engagement.

9. Establish a community

Building a community on Instagram will increase engagement, attract new clients, and promote your brand. Here are some tips on establishing a community on Instagram for your photography business:

• Engage with other users in your niche by commenting, liking, and sharing their content. This activity helps to build relationships and attract new followers.
• Host giveaways and contests to increase engagement and attract new followers.
• Collaborate with other businesses and influencers in your niche to reach a larger audience and attract new followers.
• Respond to comments and DMs in a timely and professional manner. Doing so will show your followers that you value their engagement and appreciate their feedback.
• Create a sense of belonging by fostering community among your followers. This can be done by creating a dedicated hashtag for your community, hosting regular Q&A sessions, or creating a Facebook or WhatsApp group for your community members.
• Encourage your followers to share content related to your niche and showcase it on your profile. This practice lets your followers feel more connected to your brand.

Establishing an Instagram community takes time and effort, but it is a worthwhile investment that can provide long-term benefits for your photography business.

10. Engage others using tags 

For better engagement, tagging other users on Instagram can be a powerful tool. Tag other photography businesses and influencers in your niche to increase your reach and attract new followers. It can also lead to potential collaborations and partnerships.

Also, tag your clients and customers in your posts to show appreciation and increase engagement. When shooting at any famous or historical places, tag the locations to increase visibility and attract potential clients in that area. Another amazing technique is to tag any services, products, or brands featured in your images. 

11. Get your posts featured on Instagram hubs

Instagram hubs are a group of accounts on the platform that features content from a specific niche or theme. They are usually run by moderators or curators who select and feature content that aligns with their aesthetics and guidelines. 

Instagram hubs can promote photography business, connect with other users in your niche, and increase your content’s visibility and engagement. You can contact these hubs to feature your photos and videos or even give you shoutouts. 

Believe it or not, these hub accounts have impeccable reach and engagement. Therefore, many of them charge some fees to share your work. However, they give the owner credit by mentioning their Instagram handle on the post. 

12. Advertise

When it comes to knowing how to promote photography business on Instagram, paid ads never disappoint. If you have the budget, run ads on your business platform. Instagram Ads allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can choose from various packages and opt for one that matches your budget and requirements. 

Get ready to rock with your exemplary photography skills

Learning how to promote a photography business on Instagram was never so easy and fun. This social media app has made things super convenient for everyone. 

A photography business is a brilliant idea as it allows you to reach a large and engaged audience, connect with potential clients, and promote your brand. 

However, it is worth noting that Instagram is highly competitive, and it takes time and effort to build a following and establish a successful photography business. 

Stay consistent with your content, engage with your followers, and stay up-to-date with Instagram’s latest features and trends.