“Without promotion something terrible happens… Nothing!” — P.T. Barnum

Marketing your photography can be an overwhelming task — especially when your area of expertise is in making great pictures and not necessarily in growing your business. However, it cannot be disputed that it is one of the most critical components of running a successful photography business. There is no shortage of great resources for photographers out there — but sometimes finding the right advice can be overwhelming. As an educator of photography and marketing I am constantly researching new resources for my students and emerging photographers. Here are a six free online resources that I have found to be the most helpful when learning how to market and grow your photography business.

1.) Free Photo Guides from PhotoShelter: These guides cover everything from SEO to developing your brand identity, selling nature photography to establishing yourself as a photographer’s assistant. The guides typically feature helpful insight and instructions as well as case studies with a variety of photographers. There is something here for everyone and they are totally free! Plus, they’re pretty regularly coming out with new guides so keep checking back.

2.) Build a Better Online Portfolio with Stella Kramer: This is an online webinar hosted by PhotoShelter and featuring the insight and expertise of Pulitzer Prize winning photo editor and creative consultant Stella Kramer. The video is a little over an hour and is incredibly helpful for anyone looking to get more from their online portfolio.

3.) The American Society of Media Photographers provides an extraordinarily deep well of resources on their web site. You don’t have to be a member to access most of the materials. (Though if you are serious about your photography business you should consider joining. You can read about the benefits of membership online.) In addition to providing materials and tutorials for nearly all aspects of running your photo business  — they have an online video library that covers topics more in depth. For my marketing favorites — check out Secrets of Driving Traffic to your Blog with Rosh Sillars and Making People Love you Madly with Colleen Wainwright.

4.) For exhibition, competition and portfolio review announcements — be sure to follow the marketing blog of photography consultant Mary Virginia Swanson. MVS is an expert in the area of marketing and licensing fine art and her blog not only keeps you up to date on forthcoming opportunities to promote your work but it weeds out all of the crap that isn’t worth your time or money.

5.) APhotoEditor.com is put together by former Director of Photography Rob Haggart and features posts from a variety of contributors from a wide range of perspectives in photography. The whole blog provides helpful insights on many different topics in the field of photography. I particularly love the sample estimates they post with Wonderful Machine. For advice specific to marketing check out the marketing category archive.

6.) No Plastic Sleeves is a great online resource for inspiration on smart marketing campaigns from photographers — you will find creative brand identity, promotional mailers and portfolio designs in the archives. Plus, once you get your new campaign together – you can submit it to be featured on the blog.