2 questions.

Steve Laramie

Steve Laramie

Veteran
1.
I have been doing videography whenever I can for the last 3 years. Buisness has been so slow for me. I dont think its because theres anything wrong with my work its marketing. I get 95% of my jobs from people talking about me. ie. if I do a job for someone and they like it and there friend asks if they know any videographers they tell them about me. This isnt working anymore. I have a website up and post on craigslist and look for gigs on craigslist but that has proven to be unreliable. what is the best way to advertise for event videography, weddings, and cinematography freelance gigs? I want to keep it simple and cheep as well.

2.
I own an HVX200a 501 tripod lights microphones and a mac pro with final cut studio 2. I have done lots of event videography but I am realizing that weddings is where the money is at. I have shot 2 weddings in the last month for dirt cheep and I dont know how much im worth for weddings. I know I do not have a ton of experience with weddings just yet. (only two under my belt) but I do have about 15,000 worth of equipment. Im in the philly area. How much would you recomend charging? and how should I charge? (i know there is a wedding forum about 3 threds down but I thought this was unrelated to it)

thanks
 
If your plan is to build business in the area of weddings there is a systematic approach you can use and that is to build relationships with every business that services the industry in your area. Your goal is to build strong enough relationships that your contacts are willing to exchange leads and recommendations with you. Then you need to follow up on those leads and close sales. Many years ago I worked for one of the most aggressive wedding photography firms in the country and that was their approach.

Since there is a lot of competition in that business you need to differentiate yourself from other videographers. Being the cheapest guy isn't the differentiating factor you want, it has to be your style of shooting or lighting, or your way of working with your clients, etc.
 
Connect with wedding planners and attend bridal shows. You have to be aggresive and actively market yourself consistently.
 
Bridal shows are a must. Also approach photograhers with your showreel, we found most couples will book their photographer first and then ask them who they recommend for video.
 
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