68: The Trend Chasing Trap

Fiona explores why photographers often chase trends when bookings slow down and explains how this can damage your brand identity and long-term business goals. She reveals the reality behind "successful" photographers whose business models often rely on model calls and photographer education rather than client work.

• Trend-chasing happens most during financial insecurity when photographers aren't meeting income goals
• Many photographers on pedestals are using model families to create content that sells education to other photographers
• Marketing requires approximately 77 touchpoints before someone makes a purchase decision
• Pivoting constantly restarts the long runway needed for new offerings to gain traction
• Changing your style based on trends confuses potential clients and breaks trust with your brand
• Successful businesses often feel boring—separate creative projects from income-generating work
• Focus on consistent marketing fundamentals: client experience, local connections, testimonials, and data analysis
• If drawn to a trend, start it as a personal project before slowly integrating into your brand over 6-8 months
• Turn your focus to your local market rather than trying to impress the broader photography community

Join my new Family Photographer Marketing Membership launching April 21st for just $35/month. You'll get the marketing plan course, weekly planning sessions, and focus groups on topics like homepage design and blog post structure.

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