UPDATE: The Tofurious SEO workshops are now available!
Please click on the following image to proceed, but I still highly recommend that you to read the content of this blog post first 
code to embed video on your own blog / forum
<embed src="http://blip.tv/play/g54rgZPSSgI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>
link to video
http://blip.tv/file/2398877/
SEO – search engine optimization – is a wonderful tool that can be applied into any industry. It is the basis for my online marketing technique in my photography business. Although I do not book every inquiry, I have been fortunate enough to get an average of 2-3 a day despite the depressed economy.
I don’t deny it – SEO is complicated. It took me two years to have a strong understanding of it. I bought books, read tips, and experimented; everything seemed to help just a little, but I was unable to find a direct formula for SEO for photographers.
I Decided To Teach It
When I started Tofurious, I had one goal in mind and that was to help photographers – namely on business and marketing elements [but maybe on taking nice pictures in the future...I am only one person!]. My success as a wedding photographer lies mainly on SEO.
The more exposure I had, the more clients I could book. It’s quite similar to how people apply for corporate jobs – send out 10 resumes for a chance of one interview…send out 100 resumes for a chance of 10 interviews. Conversely, as photographers we do not have places (brides’ addresses) to send our resumes to. Therefore, we need to rely on exposure.
This allowed me to do a number of things:
- I can dictate my own prices
- I can select which weddings I wanted to photograph rather than any that comes my way
- I can quit my day job
- I can be independent with my business
- I can have time (and freedom) with my family and friends rather than editing 80 hours a week
When I decided to share what I had learned, I made a mock presentation for my girlfriend. I will be honest with you – my presentation was 8 slides and 10 minutes long…and when I was done, she gave me a befuddled look.
Fortunately, my girlfriend (@bullysaurus) is a 4th grade teacher. Her job is to take complicated ideas and break them down into digestible segments. And that’s what she did.
Anyone Can Do It (after the workshop)
After practicing my presentation, I gave my first SEO workshop in San Francisco and another one in Orange County. They were successes! Now it was time for me to extend this further to the public.
If you are interested in more about the workshop, please add yourself to the mailing list for more information!
Please help filling out the following survey so that I have a better understanding of what issues (if any) are being faced. Thanks!
Cheers,
Lawrence
P.S. I enjoy chicken kabaps.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
I do not know if I would still have a business, if it were not for finding you guys, not kidding, I look forward to your emails, posts and all the great stuff you are generous to share and help us newbies grow.
God Bless you
Please come to the UK again and do a workshop here!
Thank for the awesome Teaser !! I am very eager to learn more!!. You need to make an East Coast visit…specifically Florida !!
Hi Lawrence,
Do you have any plans on releasing your seminar as a DVD or some other type of media?
Rafal
hi. Love it. would love to get this information.. however it is in California.. any thoughts on making a DVD available.
sooo… when’s the next workshop going to be?
As always, you have been a true inspiration and motivation to me! I still very green on this business but thanks to your well presented tips, workshops and help I can see myself in a better brighter future (photography speaking).
Thank you once again.
Thanks for the post, Lawrence. I’m interested to see the results of the survey and can’t wait to learn more about SEO.
Thanks Lawrence for your careful attention to this…I see “the becker” is front row and centre…
+1 for a DVD option for those of us not in Cali. I’ve done well on SEO – but by pure luck it seems – I want to hold it an keep it strong.
I agree with Rebecca – come do a workshop in the UK! Or just give away all your SEO secrets here on your blog
Hey Lawrence, once again I just want to say thank you for all you’ve done in helping me get my blog up and rolling. My SEO is awesome and so much due to your help, it could definitely use some a little improvement so I can’t wait to get schooled on it next time you offer a workshop. Let me know, I’ll even guinea pig or host in my area.
I would have gone to the OC Workshop… man!! This is such valuable information I can’t wait for more
Going to be coming to texas anytime soon?
have a great day!
Thanks for all the wealth of info. I’d be interested in a dvd or a workshop on the east coast. DC, NY or Maryland..even Virginia.
Can you put your workshop on DVD? Hard for me to get away at this point. I’d buy a dvd/pdf combo!
Yes, bring the workshop to Europe that would be great. Otherwise a DVD would be an alternative.
Would love to know if you will offer this as a DVD. I tend to miss out on alot of seminars and everything being so far away in eastern, Canada.
This is the blog that got me bloggin, thanks guys!
hicken kabaps or kebabs. either one. i like chicken and i would like to take this workshop
Lawrence. How much you give is inspiring! I love your videos and your posts.
Come teach in Denver/Boulder! We have a great group out here that would love to have you. I know I would be happy to host or help find someone who would if this place doesn’t fit.
I can’t wait to hear when you will have another workshop! I know I will do all in my power to be there!
Very interested, Lawrence! Any word on how much it will cost to attend? I’m in SoCal, so hopefully you’re doing another one locally soon.
Sounds fantastic! Would love to learn more…!
Webinar? I would buy a dvd also…
Great!!! – I wish you the best of luck on your workshops, I hope you can come to NY
Love to hear more! Please keep me informed of future workshops, webminar, etc. I’ll buy the DVD (or any material) you are awesome! Not only I’ve seen your work but your dedication and philanthropic attitude is a true inspiration and motivation. Thanks for all your help and for sharing.
(By the way: keep my info handy for those weds you turn away LOL )
Sounds brilliant & although I would love to travel down to California to attend the workshop, it is not possible at this time. If, however, you decide to make a DVD available, I would buy it in a heartbeat!
This is wonderful and I would love to get my hands on a DVD, or if you want to come to Florida!!!
Just saw you on beckers blog…awesome!
I’d love a DVD option for all this knowledge! There’s no way I can come to California any time soon
are you guys going to make a dvd or will you be coming to south carolina anytime soon?
Come to Kansas City!!
I would love a DVD, even better a workshop close to us. Any plans to be in the Dallas Fort Worth area?!?!?! If not oh please release a dvd!
Sandra
I have a great idea… you should come to Northern Idaho.
I hope you are going to realise a DVD. This could be a great option for those who cannot attend your seminars. Me, I’m from Europe, I would love to meet you, but flight tickets ain’t so cheap:)
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