Topic: Marketing
Time Investment: 6 Minutes
Suggested Product: BizRevamp®
Q. Are a business license and a retail license the same thing? Other local photographers say to have a license for each city/county you live in, but I’m not really sure how this works. Thank you!
A. This is such a tricky answer generally because different jurisdictions use different terminology when they mean the same document. Business licenses are typically the permission to DO business in a area (home based business, etc.) and retail licenses are typically the permission to have a retail space (like a studio). Keep in mind some places have these as one document, some are separate – and some use the terms interchangeably when they mean the same thing. Make sure you have a credible and informed source to help guide you on this!
Q. I have an almost non-existent marketing budget. What can I do to get the word out about my business. I don’t want to spend money on something that won’t bring clients in the door. Thank You
A. Marketing is so crucial to business that you should definitely invest, however, this doesn’t mean you have to be extravagant to make it work. During my first year of business I wasn’t even sure I was going to “make it work” so I was afraid to invest a lot of funds so I found creative ways to market.
- Forward Plan
If it’s the month before Christmas and you’re just starting to market, you’re already left behind! By planning out your marketing plan ahead of time you can watch for sales, research creative and less expensive ways, plus the longevity of marketing has a probability for increased success over a short period of time (thus, maximizing your money!) Forward planning also will keep from impulse spending, that can result in blowing through your marketing budget and cut into profit. Sit down, plan out your yearly marketing plan. It’s not written in stone tablets so it CAN be changed but it will help keep you on budget and creative track!
- Hit up after holiday sales/off season sales
- Keep your social media/blog interesting
- Have others market for you!
- Buy in bulk
Q. Best piece of advice for someone who is starting a proper business plan and sticking to it
A. Always reevaluate at least quarterly – Check your benchmarks and where you are falling short. I really recommend a monthly view at session and income goals and real numbers but at least quarterly adjust your plan as you need.
Q. What about photographers who live close to state lines or shoot in more than one state? State and Sales tax-wise what do we charge, who do we pay to, etc.?
A. The general answer is that whatever state you enter into to photograph (and that product/service is taxable) then you submit sales tax to that state for that transaction – not the state you’re set up in or a resident of. Don’t forget you need to register + pay sales tax according to that state’s requirements!
Q. When you photography a charity event for no charge or as gift-in-kind do you need model releases to post to social media/advertising?
A. Model releases for charity events, or any events not for pay, still have the same model release rules that paid transactions have. Keep in mind public rules (such as the principles in this article on Street Photography). It is a good rule of thumb to always get model release if possible – many times events will include these in their event registration terms – making it super easy! Always double check the language to make sure you are getting the appropriate permissions you need!
See: Model Releases, Contracts and Commercial Use Licenses
Q. Do you need to charge sales tax?? For shoots or giving them prints…
A. Majority of states charge sales tax, each state is different when it comes to what is charged -whether products, services, both. It even gets more complicated when you deliver digital files only – some states require sales tax, others don’t!
Q. Business licenses . I know it varies locally by city and state. But I have had the hardest time figuring what I need for the area I live in. I’m afraid I’m missing something that’s required
A. If you need more help, BizRevamp, our legal biz webcourse for photographers, walks you through business formation, taxes, marketing, insurance, and so much more! You can call your local governing body as well – they can’t advise you on business decisions but can send you to resources.
Q. What type of insurance should a photographer have and why?
A. There are a variety of insurances depending on your business plan and circumstances. At the very least you need liability and equipment insurance. If you have a studio then add on property insurance. There’s also disability, death and other insurances needed.
See Insurance for Photographers
Q. How does tax work for a business? Do I pay income tax only on what I take for income, or entirely on what the client pays me?
A. Your income tax is calculated based on your business income numbers. You take your gross business receipts and subtract costs of goods then you get your gross profit. From there you can also deduct expenses and depreciate equipment. Report it all, deduct what you can, consult a tax professional, pay your taxes! Don’t forget state income and sales taxes too!
Q. If you shoot on location do you charge sales tax per the area you are in or do you charge where your actual business is located? How does this work? Is there an across the board sales tax that you are supposed to charge?
A. The general answer is that whatever state you enter into to photograph (and that product/service is taxable) then you submit sales tax to that state for that transaction – not the state you’re set up in or a resident of. Don’t forget you need to register + pay sales tax according to that state’s requirements! Even when it comes down to counties you may have a varying tax rate – so if you shoot in another county within your state there may be another tax rate to be mindful of!
These are just really quick answers to help steer y’all to get some research going.
IF you’re still overwhelmed and lost here are some more resources:
- Consider enrolling in the Bizrevamp webcourse
- TheLawTog Blog