One of the most common recommendations we make at GigSalad for a home-run PromoKit is get good photos and videos for prospective clients to see. In Customer Happiness, we know that the story your pictures and videos tell make a huge impact when event planners are deciding who gets the gig. Photo and video galleries are available at each level of membership so make sure you’re displaying media with the best quality possible.
The issue for many of us, however, is how to get access to pro-quality photography and video services on a low-to-zero budget. Pro quality media is worth every dollar, and these professionals deserve to get paid just like the rest of us. There are a few tips from the Customer Happiness team that we’ve heard over the years that may bring that pro quality expertise a little closer to your budget.
Do it yourself.
You heard the expression about giving a guy a fish versus teaching him to fish? Well, grab your rod and reel and wade into the waters yourself! If you have a decent smartphone, you’ve got nearly professional equipment already in your hand. Combine that with free websites like iphonephotographyschool.com and Vimeo’s incredible how-to blog, and you’re on your way to becoming the next Spielberg. (Not really, Saving Private Ryan is amazing, but you’ll be better than you are now and you won’t need a Hollywood budget to pull it off.) Make sure you’re taking pictures and shooting footage that captures who you are and what you do.
Utilize students.
One idea that came out of our Customer Happiness team is to use film or photography students. Many local high schools, community colleges, or universities have students who need to build their portfolio for class or for projects and may be willing to trade their talent for the experience you offer them. Make sure and throw in a coffee shop gift card or a meal and pay for their gas to travel, and you may wind up having the next Annie Leibovitz taking your face painting pictures. Simply contact the school and ask to speak with any media instructors for video or photography, and then find out if anyone is available. You get the media for promotion and they get to finish a project and build their talent portfolio.
Trade services.
This one can be tricky, but it is an option. If you’re going to trade services, make sure the time and value match. Offering a photographer the chance to put their logo on your pictures if they take your pictures for free is not a fair trade. Offering to play at their house party or be a princess at their daughter’s birthday party in exchange for pictures is. Remember you’re asking them to offer their skill, talent, and time for little to no monetary reward, so you should be willing to do the same. You should only approach this option carefully and make sure they’re ok with saying no.
Media like photos and video can be intimidating to pursue. You definitely get what you pay for, but there are some options to keeping the cost down and improving your PromoKit at the same time.
Want to know more about what we do? Read how we can help you get paid gigs.
GigSalad helps talented people do what they love. Join now to get booked for events near you.
Loves music, reading, and binge-watching TV and eating pizza with his wife. Has three amazing kids. Believes that life is about questions, not answers.
Very nice blog.
Hi Jonathan! Thank you so much for that. We’re glad you’re finding it useful! If you’re interested in any particular topics, feel free to reach out to us. We want to give you the most valuable information. Happy gigging!
Great information, Thanks!
We’re so happy you like it! Thanks for reading!
Helpful. Struggling.
I’m glad you found the article helpful, Ralph! Is there any other topic you’d like for us to explore to help boost your marketing efforts? We’re always happy to hear from our readers!