I have tried Craigs List, and that is slow-going...any other ideas for the philadelphia area?

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Try to make a website then advertise with posters and little leaflets through peoples doors

Passing out flyers in the richer neighborhoods.

You should make up a flier and go to where the animals are. Start with groomers and then go to pet stores. At the shelter I volunteer with they have a community day several times a year and are always looking for pet related vendors.

go to local pet shops/grooming services and ask to distribute fliers, or place on cars in parking lots, visit local parks and hand out to pet owners. Get creative and even ask carpet cleaning services for leads on pet owners. good luck!

I would call veternarians and ask them to tell their clients about you. Maybe they could display on a bulletin board a business card of yours. Good luck. I think I was a Miniature Schnauzer in another life!

Produce leaflets and leave with Veterinaries and Groomers.

You need to contact either the AKC.org for dogs or CFAinc.org for cats. The biggest purchasers of pet photography are the breeders. You will also find a show schedule and even information on setting up a vendor booth at a show. You can also create a website and maybe have some breeder sites offer links to your site for referrals in exchange for some free photos. To get your biz off the ground, you might have to offer some freebies or specials. It may also require some regional travel. Definitely check out CFAinc.org. If I could get my pet photographed at a cat show, I'd totally do it. I've only seen them advertised, I wish they'd actually set up a booth there where you can have your pet photographed on the spot.

I would also look to getting a license for your business. I am not sure if you need to have one but double check with your city. To get clients: advertise with fliers, business cards. Have a portfolio ready to show them with pictures of your pets, family or friends pets. Have some nice fliers done to put up at the pet retail stores... GOOD LUCK!!!

Try the park where people go to walk their dogs.

*Try and spread the word at the local park

Put an ad in the newspaper or pass out fliers in a park.

Try advratising at a local pet store by handing out pamflets or putting up a buisness card on a buletin bord if they have it.

How about Petsmart, Petco, Petland, Animal Shelters, Humane Societies. At the shelters, you could offer a discount to new parents!

The best form of advertising is word of mouth. This is how I started my business and it's really growing fast. 1) I started off with friends and family. Asking them to photograph them. I offered them free prints as long as I was able to use them in a portfolio (always have them sign a model release). I then asked them to be on the lookout for people looking for a photographer. I gave them business cards to hand out for me. 2) I then made sure to have my business in the next yellow page listings with a decent sized ad. It does work to have a bigger ad. 3) I also got a spot on a couple local radio stations. Advertise on the station that targets your target audience. I made sure to hit the local adult contemporary stations during the 4 - 6 time slot (when most of my potential customers listen to the radio). 4) BRIDALSHOWS!!! If you are going to be a wedding photographer this is your BIGGEST oppertunity to get your name out. Get to as many of these as you can. They cost between $295 - $495 but can really pay off. 70% of my business has came through bridal shows (and people who were at a wedding that I originally got at a bridal show). 5) Network. I'm partnered with a local florist shop, a local wedding planner, a local bed and breakfast and a shop that offers gowns and tux's. They make up a good percentage of clients and potential customers. Also, make friends with other photographers. I have friends in various other cities that will reccomend people to me (and vice versa) if it's more convenient. 6) Ad's in local papers. I have a full page and a three-quarter page ad that I run right before and during primo wedding season (may - jul). Those will really expand your business.

Why not talk to a couple of dogs?