Marketing effectively can be very expensive but it doesn't have to be. Direct mail marketing can be effective but it can also be quite costly and have little return if you aren't careful. Marketing your photography business is essential if you want to make a decent living at it. The great news is that here you will learn 5 marketing techniques that can be implemented quickly allowing you to get your business off and running.

1.   Create a Business Website. A photographer without a website is leaving money on the table. Websites are easy to create and don't need to be incredibly detailed. When setting up your website, be sure to include a photo of yourself, your contact information and any formal education and experience that you have. You should also add a portfolio to your site that includes photos you have taken.
   

2.   Attend Tradeshows and Conferences. Make it a point to participate in these types of events because it will expose you and your business and allow you to network with other professionals. You can also learn tips and tricks from other photographers by visiting their booths. Conferences allow you to stay up-to-date on the latest information in the field of photography.
   

3.   Add Photos to Stock Photo Sites. There are several stock photo sites online that allow you to submit stock photos. Once approved these photos will be placed on their site for sale for others to purchase. Each time one of your photos is purchased you will earn money. The best part is that your name will appear with each photo and if people love your work, they'll keep coming back to you and get to know you as a photographer. This will help you sell more photos and you can sell the same photos over and over again. It's an easy way to get your name out there.
   

4.   Place Ads in Newspapers or Magazines. Placing ads in these types of publications can give you a great advantage because your ad has the potential to be viewed by hundreds of thousands of people - depending on where you publish. You'll have a better chance of converting browsers into buyers by placing ads in magazines where people are typically looking for photographers. Great examples would be magazines having to do with weddings, parenting and the outdoors.
   

5.   Be Active in Social Media. In addition to creating your own photography site you should also set up profiles on various social networks. Twitter, Facebook and Linked In will enable you to connect with millions of other people. Just be sure to be active and participate in conversations regularly to keep your name out there so it is seen and remembered. Creating special offers and promoting them via social media sites is a very effective way to build business.
   

You can have a very lucrative career as a photographer if you learn to market yourself effectively. There are a number of ways to get started but these should get you on track to landing your first few gigs.