Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

Your company name alone isn't going to sell your services - with photography - it is your work - and they need to see it.

Using your name avoids the "double close" - they know who you are from the get-go - Keith Pitts from Pitts Portraits, not just Keith from, say, Scottsdale Portraits..

You also need to get your work in front of potential customers.

Once you get a customer, ask who their pediatrician is. Than ask if you can provide a portrait (free) for the pediatrician to hang in their waiting room - or offer a discount (limited time) for their other patients.

Think also of how you can get people to think of your portraits as gifts (Mother's day, Father's day, birthdays Christmas, etc.) - to the moms from their husbands, to grandparents - the list is endless.

remember - you've got competition from everyone who has a digital point-and-shoot camera - so your portraits have to be premium work - for special occasions. Maybe 5th birthday, 10th birthday, etc.

Might want to throw in complementary passport photos also - if they are under 16 - have to be re-done (passport expires) every 5 years.

Keep your name. Add a tagline that explains your specialties.

Don't rely on the name to sell your services. Develop a simple marketing plan and stick with it. At some point you'll reach critical mass and word-of-mouth will help you consolidate your business gains and multiply the impact of the advertising in which you have invested.