Standing out in the photography business can be tricky but Kate Ryan, owner and photographer at Ryan’s Daughter Photography, has nailed her marketing with the help of marketing guru, Rachel Klaver.
“Working with Rachel has been business changing. I wish I had had access to something like this back when I started my business 12 years ago!” says Kate.
Based in Te Awamutu, Kate started out as a wedding photographer but has branched into family portraits, business branding and commercial work.
Kate says her approach to photography is story based: “It's the story that draws me in and what I try and photograph for people. I love being behind the camera. I love telling people's stories.”
A point of differentiation Kate offers is her expert guidance when it comes to selecting client photos.
“It’s a very personal and handheld process. I don't just upload a gallery of photos and leave them to it. I sit with my clients, help them choose their photos and help them understand how to use their photos for maximum impact,” explains Kate.
Her photography has been internationally recognised by The Portrait Masters and the RISE International Photography Awards, earning multiple awards across family, wedding, and commercial portraiture.
But Kate says the work she’s proudest of is seeing her clients’ success through her lens. Her photography has featured at New Zealand and Australian Hair Industry Awards, LUST Haircare Photographic Awards and the Australian Hairdressing Industry Awards (AHIA).
Kate runs every aspect of the business. She’s the face behind the camera, the creative visionary, editor extraordinaire, customer service manager, admin superstar, social media content creator, business planner and more!
“I know I'm good at what I do in terms of my technical craft in photography, and I do have a pretty good strategic brain when it comes to the business stuff, but I knew I had blind spots understanding my marketing and how to reach the right kind of people for my business,” she says.
Kate has received Regional Business Partner funding twice to work with Rachel Klaver from Identify Marketing – a marketing strategist and content marketing coach.
Initially she took part in Identify Marketing’s 'Generate Sales as the Face of your Business' programme then joined Identify's Content Masterweb - a group content marketing coaching programme where you receive support to create a content marketing strategy and plan.
This year Kate completed Identify’s two-day MAPIT Marketing Strategy workshop which covered digital marketing, content strategy, SEO, traditional media, PR, print, and more.
“This was the perfect next step to align my thinking, clarify my marketing direction, and take things to the next level,” Kate explains.
“I now have a much deeper understanding of why the marketing pieces work the way that they do, and how to put them together. I’ve learnt how to create the right messaging to attract my ideal customer. My clients have a better understanding of what I offer, and that's because I'm communicating it so much better.
This has led to more, and better quality, inquiries and customers.
“The marketing programme was exactly what I needed to bring together the foundations of content marketing I’ve already been working on. The two days were packed with gold – powerful and relatable teaching, actionable strategy, time to implement ideas in the room, and individualised support from Rachel throughout.
“It was hugely, hugely valuable and I walked away feeling confident, supported, and excited to get stuck in. I've got a list as long as my arm to start working through and a clear roadmap for the next 12–18 months!”
Find out if your business is eligible for Regional Business Partner funding.