Today we’re diving into an essential topic for wedding photographers: how to network with vendors. Everyone keeps telling you to “network with vendors” to get referrals and book more clients, but how do you actually do that? In this post, I’ll share five of our favorite tips and strategies to help you connect with vendors in a natural and meaningful way.

1. Feature Vendors on Your Blog

One of the most effective ways to network with vendors is by featuring them on your blog. Your website is a powerful piece of real estate that can benefit you and the vendors you work with. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Blog Your Weddings: After shooting a wedding, compile the best images and create a blog post that credits all the vendors. We send our couples a questionnaire six weeks before the wedding day to gather vendor information, making it easier to draft the blog post in advance. Once the post is live, we email the vendors with the blog link and gallery, encouraging them to share it. This not only builds relationships but also boosts SEO for everyone involved.
• Vendor Roundups: Create blog posts that highlight your favorite vendors, such as “Top 5 Florists in [Your City]” or “Best Wedding Venues for Winter Weddings.” This showcases your preferred vendors and provides valuable information to potential clients.

2. Host a Styled Shoot

Styled shoots are curated sessions that mimic a wedding day and can be a fantastic way to network with vendors. Here’s how to organize one:

• DIY Approach: Create a concept, reach out to vendors, and organize the shoot yourself.
• Collaborate with a Planner: Work with a planner who can handle the logistics while you focus on photography.
• Sell Tickets: Host a styled shoot and sell tickets to other photographers to cover costs.

A styled shoot allows you to build relationships with vendors, create beautiful content, and showcase your work in a controlled environment.

3. Photograph Vendors

As a photographer, you hold the power to donate your time and skills. Here are some ways to use that to network with vendors:

• On the Wedding Day: Arrive early to capture vendors in action, such as florists setting up or planners coordinating details. Create a folder with these images specifically for the vendors to make it easy for them to access and use.
• Outside the Wedding Day: Offer to photograph vendor headshots, team dinners, or family photos for free or at a discounted rate. This small investment can lead to significant returns in referrals and relationships.

4. Bring Coffee and Introduce Yourself

A simple yet effective strategy is to bring coffee to vendors and introduce yourself. Here’s how to do it:

• Reach Out: Send an email or DM to a venue or vendor you want to connect with, offering to bring coffee and chat for 20 minutes.
• Visit and Offer Value: During your visit, offer to take some photos for their website or discuss organizing a styled shoot together. This initial connection can open the door to deeper collaboration.

5. Share Images Freely

Sharing images freely with vendors is crucial for building strong relationships. Here’s why it’s important:

• Benefit Both Parties: Vendors can use your images for their marketing, and in return, they’ll likely share and credit you, driving traffic back to your site.
• No Strings Attached: Avoid gatekeeping your images. Allow vendors to use them freely without restrictions. This generosity can lead to more referrals and stronger relationships.

Network with Vendors

Networking with vendors is about building genuine relationships that benefit both parties. By featuring vendors on your blog, hosting styled shoots, photographing them, bringing coffee to introduce yourself, and sharing images freely, you can create a strong network that leads to more referrals and opportunities. Try these strategies and see how they can transform your business.

Let me know which strategies you’re excited to try or have already explored. Drop a comment on our video, and until next time, happy networking!