SAY HELLO

subscribe to our newsletter

READ BLOG

The best Resets happen at the beach.

Join us March 3-5 in Panama City Beach, Florida for the annual Reset Conference for photographers!

register here!

hurry! Limited spots available

Email Marketing for Photographers: Why Your Email List is Your Marketing Best Friend

Have you ever found a really great coffee shop or boutique that you can’t believe more people aren’t talking about?  That’s exactly how I feel about email marketing. It’s the marketing tool that often gets overlooked but might just become your new favorite. In a world where social media gets most of the attention, email marketing quietly works behind the scenes, building connections and driving results. Sure, it may not have the instant gratification of likes or comments, but trust me, it’s a game-changer for photographers.

Sure, social media gets all the hype, but an email list? That’s where the real magic happens. Think of it as the peanut butter to your jelly, the Travis to your Taylor, or the lens cap you didn’t realize was missing (oops).

Why Should Photographers Care About Email Marketing?

We get it—email marketing might not sound as sexy as, say, an Instagram Reel with the perfect trending audio. But here’s the deal: social media is like a flaky friend who’s great at parties but might ghost you when you really need them. Algorithms change, accounts get hacked, and let’s face it—half your followers probably don’t even see your posts.

Your email list, on the other hand? It’s loyal, dependable, and always shows up for you. You own it. No algorithm is standing between you and your subscribers. When you hit “send,” your message lands directly in their inbox. That’s marketing on your terms.

What Makes Email Marketing So Powerful?

  1. It’s Personal, Baby!An email lets you connect on a more personal level. Address them by name, share behind-the-scenes stories, or give them first dibs on upcoming sessions. You’re not just another post they’ll scroll past—you’re popping up in their inbox like a friend with great news.
  2. ROI Like Whoa
    Did you know that email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) of any marketing strategy? For every $1 spent, the average ROI is $36. That’s some serious bang for your buck, especially compared to boosting a social media post that might not even reach your target audience.
  3. Direct Access to Your Audience
    Imagine this: you’ve got a mini-session sale coming up. Would you rather post about it on Instagram and pray the algorithm gods bless you, or send a message straight to people who’ve already shown interest in your work? That’s the beauty of email—you’re skipping the line and going straight to your VIPs.
  4. Build Trust and Loyalty
    By consistently showing up in their inbox with helpful tips, exclusive offers, or simply gorgeous images from your latest session, you’re staying top-of-mind. And when they need a photographer, guess who they’re calling?

How to Make Your Email List Work for You

  1. Start Simple
    If you don’t have an email list yet, don’t sweat it. Tools like Flodesk make it easy to set up. Start by adding a sign-up form to your website and social media.
  2. Offer Value
    Give people a reason to join your list. A freebie like “5 Tips for Stress-Free Family Photos” or “How to Look Your Best in Every Picture” can be a great incentive.
  3. Keep It Fun and Engaging
    Your emails don’t have to be all business. Share funny stories, show off your personality, and let your readers feel like they’re getting a peek behind the curtain.
  4. Be Consistent
    Aim to send emails regularly, whether that’s once a week, twice a month, or once a month. The key is to stay consistent so your audience knows when to expect you.

An email list might not be as flashy as social media, but it’s the steady, reliable friend who’s always there for you. Whether you’re filling up your calendar with bookings, launching mini sessions, or sharing tips to help your audience love their photos even more, email marketing is the secret weapon every photographer needs in their arsenal.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start treating your email list like the VIP it is—and watch how it transforms your business!

P.S. Want a step-by-step guide to help you get started building an email list – don’t worry, I have just the thing for you. The FREE Email Marketing Starter Kit gives you every things you need to have your email list up and running in just 1 day! Click HERE to get started. 

XoXo,

Kendra Swalls

Girl Means Business 

Business & Marketing Tips for Photographers

www.girlmeansbusiness.com

Comments +

Reply...

Sometimes you just need to escape to the beach.

White sand. Emerald waters. Lounging by the pool with poolside service. Palm trees and ocean waves. Oh...and incredible education, too!

register today!

Almost there!

You can embed an email signup form here by pasting the code for one in the blank "embed" box below.

SAY HELLO

subscribe to our newsletter

Find us on Instagram

Let's take that trip to the beach.

Register today for a few unforgettable days spent at the beach in Florida! We can't wait to see you in PCB!

register here!

hurry! Limited spots available

Helping photographers to love their businesses and thrive in their personal lives.