Finding New Ways to do Business with Photographer Chantel McAlister
Chantel McAlister @learnwithchantel
Podcast Summary
A photographer, who pivoted to online courses during COVID, experienced significant success, earning over $100,000 in a year. However, after three years of growth, the business felt stagnant, leading to a shift in focus. The photographer, seeking more meaning and a fresh start, decided to transition away from the photography membership and explore new opportunities.
Chantel, a photography coach, used a 12-month social media course and ChatGPT to refine her target audience and content strategy. She focused on creating engaging reels for Instagram, analysing insights to tailor her content to her audience’s preferences. After six months of consistent posting, Chantel’s content, particularly her “how to pose” series, gained significant traction, highlighting the importance of understanding target audiences and adapting content accordingly.
A photographer found success on social media by sharing tips on how to pose for flattering photos, regardless of body size. Her posts, which emphasised the importance of camera angles and posing techniques, resonated with many women who felt self-conscious about their appearance in photos. While the content received positive feedback from her target audience, it also attracted criticism from some men and women who felt it was triggering or lacked diversity.
The success of a photography teacher’s social media presence is attributed to authenticity and a focus on providing value to the audience. The teacher’s relatable and uncomplicated approach, using a simple home setup, resonates with everyday women. The teacher’s success is further amplified by leveraging automation tools like ManyChat to manage direct messages and convert followers into customers.
A business owner shares their success with an automated marketing system. They created a $5 guide that sold 1,071 copies in 11 weeks, generating $5,350. This success led to additional sales of a $9 cheat sheet and a $3,000 monthly subscription to the Storytellers Academy.
Chantel, a photographer, focuses on content creation on Facebook and Instagram, where she shares posing guides and behind-the-scenes content. She emphasises the importance of finding a niche and continuously creating content for a targeted audience.
