Behind the Scenes: An Insight Into My Mentoring Support for Photographers
If you’re considering joining my photography marketing mentoring support programme, The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™, let me take you behind the scenes. In this article, I’ll reveal more detail about how it’s structured and what you can expect.
What to expect when you join The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™
Tools and platforms
Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to use a small number of tools. Some of these may be brand new to you, others you may already be using in your photography business.
I’ve carefully selected tools that support learning, implementation, and accountability. They are also all free to use so that there is no additional cost for you (although paid upgrades may be available):
1. SEO Tools and Website Performance Monitoring:
I advise on using a free SEO tool and this is essential in the SEO modules of the programme. Using this, you will learn how to analyse your website’s SEO performance and identify keyword opportunities. It will also guide and inform your content strategy which we’ll focus on in the blogging modules.
I also encourage all participants to set up and regularly monitor their website performance. You’ll use Google Analytics and Google Search Console, which are invaluable for tracking progress.
If you are not actively using any website or SEO tools, don’t worry. I include tutorials, aimed at complete beginners. I’ll also advise you on how to get what you need from these tools step-by-step. (Tip – you don’t have to be an expert in navigating these tools to get the data and insights you need!)
2. Learning Materials:
Training materials, including video lessons, text-based guides, and workbooks, are hosted on an online platform. You’ll get immediate access to this on enrolment.
The programme materials are structured into three key focus areas: 1)Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), 2) Content Strategy and Blogging, and 3) PR/Media Outreach.
Modules within these three main topic areas have been designed to provide actionable steps for you to follow, based on my framework for success.
We deliberately begin with the SEO focus. Next, we move on to developing a strategic content strategy and plan. Finally, the programme includes modules on how to secure publicity and increase the visibility of your content.
Throughout the programme, the video lessons are supported with downloadable PDF resources. For example, these include blogging templates, checklists and frameworks that I’ve created exclusively for The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™.
3. Live Calls and On-Going Mentoring Support:
Live Q&A and group mentoring calls are held regularly via Zoom. Usually, there are two 90-minute sessions per month, with the option of additional 1:1 calls as required.
During these live marketing mentoring support sessions, you and other participants can ask questions of me, seek clarification on anything you feel unsure about, and receive personalised feedback. I’ll provide input on how to get even greater results from your efforts in implementing the teachings.
Throughout the total of six months of support that you get in The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™, there are also weekly opportunities to check in with me. These accountability sessions have proved invaluable in previous cohorts of the programme.
Remember, as your marketing and PR mentor, I am working alongside you in your photography business for the entire duration (six months). I’m there to guide, support and cheer you on!
4. Community and Communication:
A WhatsApp group facilitates interaction between calls, enabling all participants to ask quick questions, share wins, or brainstorm ideas with peers.
While this is optional, I believe that this group works well to foster a sense of community and accountability, in addition to the other points of contact with both me and other group members.
I also encourage all photographers taking part to connect outside of the scope of the programme. After all, why not?! Wouldn’t it feel great to have other photographers (your newest friends) cheerlead and support your content on social media channels and elsewhere, and for you to do the same for them?
Related: How mentoring can transform marketing challenges into opportunities and drive results
A tried-and-tested learning journey
SEO and content audits
At the start of the programme, all students complete a visibility assessment. This dives into your current marketing strategies, identifying gaps and areas of improvement.
The insights from this assessment are invaluable. So too is the SEO analysis carried out in the early modules to determine the current health of your photography website from a search-engine optimisation perspective.
Reflecting on this assessment, at the end of the programme, further heightens the sense of development and progress achieved. You’ll realise how far you have come!
Training and lessons
The training modules of the marketing mentoring support programme are pre-recorded and are accessible based on a timed schedule.
Rather than risk overwhelming you with all the content in all the modules straight away, modules are drip-fed throughout the programme. This is done to encourage not only learning but also implementation. That said, if you wish to progress faster, this can be arranged on request.
At all times, students can learn at their own pace and attend as many or as few of the group calls and accountability sessions. You can also access the course after the six-month duration – this is simply the duration of time in which my live support is included.
Accountability and feedback
Each week, participants are encouraged to take actionable steps aligned with the programme’s modules. Weekly accountability sessions serve as regular checkpoints to discuss progress, address challenges, and celebrate wins.
Also, fortnightly group calls are held which is a chance for in-depth face-to-face discussions with me and a chance to interact and seek feedback from other photographers too.
Bonus mentoring support worth more than £800!
In addition to the training and marketing mentoring support already mentioned, I’ve boosted the value of the programme even further with the addition of more than £800 worth of personalised ‘done-for-you’ style services!
This PR and marketing service is usually exclusively available to my VIP 1:1 clients who have committed to a premium marketing and PR retainer.
As a participant of The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™, you get:
- Done-for-you SEO keyword research tailored to your photography business, location and strategic priorities
- A thorough professional blog edit that will help you refine your article structure, content and messaging.
- A PR pitch critique with recommendations on edits to increase the likelihood of securing media opportunities.
Related: Seven reasons to invest in my group mentoring programme
The outcome of marketing mentoring support
By the end of the The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™ programme, photographers will typically see improvements, including:
- A better-performing photography website, free from SEO errors and more pages indexed on Google
- Increased organic website traffic (i.e. more people visiting your website and more eyes on your content)
- Improved SEO rankings (perhaps even having secured their first-ever Google rankings!)
- A content strategy and plan in place for the year ahead, and the knowledge of how to create strategic, audience-focused blogs that enhance visibility online
- PR features and backlinks that boost credibility and authority of their photography brand
- Clearer messaging that attracts ideal clients, and clarity on what it is they need to say and do to continue their brand-boosting visibility journey
- A sense of empowerment and excitement to implement what they have learned going forward!
This programme is more than just training; it’s a guided journey to mastering marketing and PR without overwhelm, with support and encouragement from me every step of the way.
And, who am I? I’m Zoe Hiljemark, a PR and marketing consultant with more than 20 years of experience and 10 years of expertise specifically in photography marketing.
If you aren’t that familiar with me and my work, check out my client list and client testimonials, browse through this website to view my blog articles to find out more about me and how I help photographers. You can also check out my media and podcast features.
The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint™: Enrolling now!
Are you ready to invest in your photography business and take your visibility to the next level? Contact me today to request more details and to book a free, no-obligation call.
