I get asked all the time for recommendations on tools, books, and services that professional photographers can use to successfully market and run their business, so I’ve compiled them all here in one place for you.
This list represents the absolute best examples in their class, many of which I use personally. The ones I don’t use have been thoroughly vetted by me to ensure they meet the highest standards.
For the purposes of full disclosure, I do have an affiliate relationship with some of these, which simply means that I do earn a small commission if you purchase them using these links. The cost to you is the same, but I would obviously appreciate the support as it helps to support the work I do here on the website and blog 🙂
CREATE STUNNING MARKETING VIDEOS
Enhance your website content with amazing and ENGAGING videos, built in minutes using Animoto’s state-of-the-art video creation service.
Stand out from the crowd on social media to attract new prospects and increase your sales.
Nothing could be easier.
ADOBE LIGHTROOM PRESETS
Speed up your workflow, boost your creativity, and create a unique photographic style that’s sure to wow your clients in minutes with these amazing preset packs for Adobe Lightroom from the folks at Digital Photography School:
AFFORDABLE WEBSITE HOSTING FROM BLUE HOST
Need a new host for your photography website and blog?
Check out this amazing deal from one of the best and most popular hosting companies—Bluehost. WordPress made easy, 24/7 support, and a solid money-back guarantee.
Not sure exactly how to start a photography website and blog with WordPress? Check out my handy step-by-step guide.
EMAIL MARKETING
Check Out ActiveCampaign
Email marketing is a MUST for every professional photographer—without it, you can’t generate leads and it makes it difficult to find new clients.
I’ve tried all the major email marketing systems with varying degrees of success.
But the hands-down winner has to be ActiveCampaign with their powerful marketing automation tools, awesome contact management, great support, and affordable price.
Try them FREE for 14 days.
WordPress Themes And Plugins
Genesis WP Themes By StudioPress (Host By WP Engine)
I’ve trusted the Genesis framework and child themes from StudioPress since 2010, and they’re my first recommendation to anyone wanting to build a serious WordPress website and blog.
Gravity Forms (WordPress Plugin)
Build and publish your WordPress forms in just minutes.
No drudgery, just quick and easy form-building. Select your fields, configure your options and easily embed forms on your WordPress-powered site using the built-in tools.
Social Warfare (WordPress Plugin)
You invest a lot of time to create awesome content—make it count by getting it shared on social media.
I’ve tried almost every social sharing plugin on the market, and struggled for a long time to find one I can recommend, until I found Social Warfare.
This simple-to-use social sharing plugin not only makes social sharing EASY, it even lets you create tweetable content inside your posts and pages to increase engagement even further.
Website Analytics Made Easy With Clicky
Google Analytics is great, but hard to understand for a lot of people.
While you should definitely use Google Analytics, try out the real-time Clicky analytics for your website and blog presented in an intuitive and easy-to-understand format.
Photography Educational Resources
Creative Live
Hone your photography skills and master your craft with photography classes from Creative Live.
Live or on-demand classes available on topics to keep every professional photographer at the top of their game.
Lightroom Mastery by Digital Photography School
Master the Lightroom tips and tools that will bring your photos to life and save you tons of time!
Photographer Mike Newton has helped tens of thousands of photographers learn Adobe Lightroom and will show you exactly what you need to know to take your edits and efficiency in Lightroom to the next level.