Selling Photographs Online – Quick Income From A Simple Digital Product
Posted on April 14, 2008 - Filed Under Arts and Entertainment
There’s no doubt about it. Selling photographs online is a challenge enough for any enthusiastic photographer, no matter what level of talent or ability they have. And assuming for a minute that you have a small presentable folio of images already, let’s look at some options available to you.
Firstly you could contribute your images to stock photo libraries and micro stock image agencies. This is a great, long term, ‘asset building’ solution, but you may have to wait weeks, if not months… for sales. And there’s no real guarantee of income either. The fact is that the micro stock agency images have very low returns per image, and that means to make it worth your while, you really need to see high numbers of downloads (sales).
And for the photographer who wants to explore a selling photographs online ‘photo business’ approach, you might find that, at any given moment, you’re faced with a bewildering number of methods to promote your work… from printable postcards, to calendars, downloadable prints, e-cards, screen-savers, using eBay, scrap-booking, original prints, and lots more…
Any of these may be worked successfully to bring an income in. But no doubt about it, at the end of the day, a photographer still needs to open themselves to at least some marketing savvy and understanding to really tap into their marketplace. You can’t hide your head in the sand and say I don’t want to learn marketing, unless you’re truly not interested in developing a real ‘photo business’ income…
So, there’s options out there. But where to start, and which way to turn? Well… one of the simplest ways to expand your brand of one or ‘specialty’ is by creating a simple digital product. You may be thinking right now… ‘what’s this got to do with photography?’ Well, maybe a great deal. But before we look at it further, let’s define what a digital product is:
A basic definition of a digital file is… “a computer file or special information that you can access online or have delivered electronically.” Examples of digital items are software, an image taken with a digital camera, a word processor file, an MP3 file, an original recipe, etc. Remember too that digital products have unlimited inventory, no shipping costs and extremely high profit margins…
Digital products are a powerful solution. For example, you could create an ebook where you interview a very successful photographer, or write about your own unique photography talents. You sell this book, or give it away to people who sign up to your web site’s newsletter. This digital photo book not only promotes the photographers work, but yours too. You quickly become known as an expert…
You can also add your own unique affiliate links within the digital photo book, so that people who read this book click through and potentially make you extra commissioned sales. Sure, this is just one solution in many, but it’s definitely holds great potential. Especially if your book taps into one area or niche that lots of (new or professional) photographers want to learn more about.
And, your costs are low, and your time minimal. Assuming your book provides valuable material you’ll find visitors will click through to your website in search of more helpful, relevant information. In fact, the potential of what you can turn into a digital product is exciting. What about the same interview as a downloadable MP3 audio product or turned into an online video? Are you beginning to see the potential?
It’s surely one of the fastest ways to become known as an expert and to get your selling photographs online journey started without too much difficulty and with little experience necessary. I’m sure you get the picture. Now all you need to do is go do it!
© Copyright Martin Hurley 2007
Martin Hurley, the Sell Photos Online dude is an unconventional modern day artist and photographer who helps people uncover their inner talents and passions… and make money from taking photos! Why not start selling your photos online? Visit now to get powerful tips, ideas and secrets and sign up to my free ezine. Learn more about Selling Photographs Online here.
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