This week Rhea dives into the critical distinction between announcements and marketing for photographers. She emphasizes that simply announcing an offer or posting once or twice on social media isn’t true marketing. Real marketing, she explains, is an ongoing, strategic engine fueled by consistency, repetition, and connection. Ray encourages photographers to embrace their role as business owners, not just creatives, and to approach marketing as an essential skill for growth and long-term success.
Rhea introduces the “Elevate Marketing Formula,” which combines three key components: You, the CEO, Your Services, and Your Target Audience. By consistently sharing stories, educating clients, and calling out the right audience, photographers can position themselves as authorities in their niche. Rhea also highlights the importance of building personal connections, staying consistent across platforms, and developing a full marketing ecosystem that nurtures cold, warm, and hot leads. Her message: announcements may inform, but marketing transforms.
The difference between making announcements and implementing a marketing strategy.
Why consistency and repetition are essential for building brand authority.
How to apply Ray’s Elevate Marketing Formula (You + Your Services + Your Target Audience).
The importance of nurturing cold, warm, and hot audiences differently.
How personal connection and storytelling strengthen your marketing.
Practical examples for promoting offers like fall or holiday mini sessions effectively.
“Making an announcement is not enough.” — (14:32)
“Repetition is what builds expertise and authority.” — (15:18)
“Just because you’re a great photographer doesn’t mean you’ll have a great business.” — (18:05)
“Selling is service—when done from the right heart posture, it’s how you help people.” — (53:47)
Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/
Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/
