Podcast Episode 12 - Social Media Is It Helping You Book Clients or Just Helping You Compare Yourself
Social Media, Is It Helping You Book Clients or Just Helping You Compare Yourself?
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.
Now today, before we dive in, if you are struggling as a photographer, struggling to book clients and aren't sure what to say to actually make people want to hire you, grab my free guide, Words That Win Clients.
It's going to help you communicate your value with words that connect emotionally and inspire action.
I know what it is like to struggle and not be sure what to say. Well, this guide is here to help you.
Let's talk about social media.
On the surface, it's a marketing tool, but for many photographers, it's also become a comparison trap that leaves you feeling behind, invisible, or not good enough. You know what I'm talking about. So many photographers struggle with this by comparing themselves to others.
Here's the big question.
Is the time you spend on social media actually leading to bookings or just more self-doubt?
Let's unpack this by starting with a key distinction:
Performing for peers versus speaking to potential clients. There's a big difference.
Most photographers are just posting what other photographers will admire, sharp images, creative lighting, trendy poses.
But photographers aren't hiring you. You need to talk to your clients, your potential clients.
But get this, your potential clients aren’t trained in visual trends. They're looking at your content, your pictures, asking:
Will this person make me feel comfortable?
Will I like how I look?
Will I feel beautiful?
Will I feel confident?
Will they see me?
In the world of photography, we get lost behind the tech, behind making pictures look great for other photographers. I want you to stop that today and think about your potential client.
If you are posting only for likes or peer approval, you often end up invisible to the people who are most likely to book you.
Let's move into another trap, thinking that likes equal bookings.
I learned this one a long time ago. Likes mean nothing when it comes to actually making money.
The likes don't matter. They don't.
You can have a thousand likes and not one inquiry for booking, or you can have five likes and three new clients when you are targeted to your potential clients.
Why? Because trust and transformation don't happen on the explore page.
They happen when someone feels understood by what you say, when they feel like your photo experience is built just for them. Remember, your client is thinking about what they want, and you have to think the same way.
If this is resonating with you and you want to learn how to speak in a way that attracts more of the right clients, my free guide Words That Win Clients is full of actual phrases you can use on your website, in your emails, and in your DMs.
I made this guide just for you because I know what it feels like not to know what to say.
I got your back.
Now let's talk about ROI, return on investment.
You are investing your time, your energy, and emotion into social media, and that can be draining.
Now, what are you getting back?
If the answer is stress, comparison, and low inquiries, it is time to realign.
Here's a practical shift. Instead of asking, "What should I post?" ask, "How can I make someone feel seen today?" Think about them. That little shift can change everything.
I hear so many photographers talking about, “Well, nobody's seeing me, me, me, me. Nobody likes me. My pictures aren't being seen.”
Change it. Stop thinking about you and think about your potential clients.
This shift, again, can change everything.
And it's simple. Just think, how can I make someone feel seen today?
That one question will transform your content from noise to magnetism.
Also, consider this: you don't have to be on social media every day.
You can build word of mouth, referrals, email, and even small in-person events.
Social media is one path, but it's not the only one.
And if it's draining your confidence, and for many people I know it is, it's doing more harm than good.
If today's episode helped you release some stress, some pressure around social media, I'd love for you to share it with a photographer who's suffering or struggling.
We all have friends who are.
You are not behind.
You're just one clarity shift away from momentum.
All right. Until next week, always dream big.
Bye for now.
Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.
It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.
Grab your free copy here:
https://www.freephotohelp.com
WEBSITES MENTIONED
Grab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clients
https://www.freephotohelp.com
Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXY
Matthew Jordan Smith Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith
