Writing Compelling Captions // Social Media

So you wrote a blog, and you post it to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, waiting for people to read it. You've already taken the steps to create a linkshare and make it as interesting as possible...and yet, you know there's something more you still could be doing.

In the crazy world of social media, it always seems like a gamble to put your work out there. And in some ways, it is! Some days I feel like my posts will reach nobody, and my viewership is especially high. Other days, I'm sure my blog will be ready by EVERYONE, and a lot fewer people click than I expect. It's frustrating, to say the least, but there IS something you can do about it.

One of the most important aspects of writing a blog is the actual content. I know, that's a given. On the flipside, though, one of the most important aspects of posting your blog to social media channels is also the content - both what's in the blog and what you write about the blog to get people to click on it. Your captions can either make or break your post, and having a compelling caption could be what you need to bring your social media - and your website/blogging - to the next level.

Writing something like, "I'm so excited to share ___________!" is great, but could be better. Instead, try writing a caption that leaves your 'viewers' hanging. Give a tease of what's to come, but don't give it away yet. Think of all the articles you click on a daily basis. A lot of the time, the caption says something like "You won't believe what __________ did!" or "At first it looked hopeless, but then THIS happened."

Again, it's common sense once you think about it. The first caption will be clicked on by friends, family, and faithful followers. The second and third captions invite new viewers in, who just HAVE to know the end result. I'm not suggesting anyone writes cheesy captions, or baits people into clicking without delivering content. Use the content you have to inspire a great caption.

Here's a real example, from this post, and two example of captions I could write:
1) I love sharing social media tips. Check out one that will help you on the blog today!
2) Do you ever put your heart and soul into a blog post, only to have NOBODY click on it?  Here's how you can change that in one simple step!

The first caption isn't bad, but it's all about ME. The second caption is all about YOU, the reader, the one who I want so badly to click on my post. It took me about 5 minutes to write both of those, so this doesn't have to be time consuming. But just that one simple change will help you write better, share more, and have a higher viewership on your blog!

What social media questions do you have? What works for you - and what has NOT worked at all? I'd love to hear!

Click here for more social media tips!

The Gear I Never Knew I Needed // Business

As a photographer, it's pretty obvious what you need to get started and to grow - a camera body, some lenses, a bag to hold it all, and lighting equipment when you get to that point. Once I had all of those things, I more or less thought I was done. Sure, I'd add a lens here or there, and maybe get a nicer bag to hold everything in, but I was pretty much done, right?

Well...not exactly. While the camera and lenses are certainly the most major purchases I've made, there are a whole host of other things to consider - some not just for photographers, but for any small business. This past week I took stock of some things I have in my office space, and realized that nobody would guess these are some essentials for surviving from wedding to wedding. So this post was born, and I'm about to introduce you to the photography gear I never knew I needed!

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - I have to thank my husband for this one. A couple times our power went out, or I hit a breaker while doing some heavy editing and running a space heater in the office. Immediately my computer shut down, and I would lose any open work. An UPS will give you about 2-3 minutes of back up power so your computer won't shut down immediately. It allows you to save open work, close your windows, and shut down your computer safely. In fact, I just made use of this yesterday!

Unitek Multicard Reader - This one is a little more obvious, but with cameras that hold both CompactFlash and SD Cards, I needed one reader that I could take with me, plug into any computer, and use to download my files. It's also extremely helpful to have a USB 3.0 reader, since the download speeds are so much faster than a USB 2.0.

Canon Pixma MX922 Printer/Fax/Scanner - The newest addition to my office family! This helpful printer now only scans and faxes, but I can print wirelessly via my iPhone from anywhere in the house. And the best part is that it was only $100. Win!

Extra Lens Caps - Well, this is a bit embarrassing. I've lost so many lens caps in my time that I bought a variety pack. Sometimes it just gets too hectic during a wedding or family session to keep track of everything!

Giottos Rocket Blaster - I remember reading about this on another photographer's blog, and buying it right away. This is a tool that will blow dust off your camera sensor. I send in my camera annually to get it cleaned, but this is great in a pinch. Hint: if you use this, be sure to lock your mirror before cleaning, or you can get in a whole lot of trouble!

Lifefactory Water Bottle - Another recent addition, thanks to a birthday gift from my sister! I've had a water bottle for the last few years, but recently read about the danger of having plastic water bottles (even if they're BPA free). This one is glass, and the biggest one possible, so I can sip on water all day. I can tell a huge difference in my energy levels, and even my mood, if I don't drink enough water, so this one's a necessity!

Well, there you have it. You may have known about a few of these things, but even I had to be educated about a couple tools that I now use all the time. If you're a photographer, is there anything you've had to buy that's been surprising for you?

Why Order a Wedding Album? // Business

Wedding budgeting. It stresses out even the most organized, type A bride. How do you decide what's worth it and what's not? How do you stay within budget when you've been dreaming of this day for years? What should you sacrifice, and what is vital to keep when you're thinking about cutting costs?

There have been tons of wedding trends over the years, and in no industry is that more true than photography. Wedding photography has evolve so much, with the evolution of digital cameras and the media age. Pinterest was only just becoming popular when I got married, but it's now the go-to for brides planning their big day!

One thing I am emphasizing to brides this year is the importance of a wedding album. While it's completely up to each couple to decide their budget and wedding collection, I silently root for everyone to make the decision to include a wedding album. I want to make a case for why you should order one - and if you didn't, it's never too late to go back and make an album for yourself!

It's no secret that the photographs from your wedding day are the only thing you get to take with you when it's all said and done. They are the only keepsake from your wedding day that will last far beyond you. The same is true for your album. I deliver digital files with every wedding collection, because I believe in getting fun prints to hang on your walls, and putting up an album on Facebook. I'm so thankful I have the digitals from my wedding, because four years later, I've used them for new prints and to show friends and family.

But there is something different to holding a wedding album in your hands. There is something special in running your fingers over the leather binding, and in seeing your names forever embossed on the cover. Inside the album, you'll find the full story of your wedding day, not just a few random pictures here or there.

It's the difference between reading an article online or holding a book in your hands and poring through the pages. When you 'read' your wedding album, as you turn the pages, you can feel the emotions of that day all over again, in a way you just can't through the screen of your computer.

Think, for a minute, beyond yourself. How will you pass down your photos to the next generation? Will you want to email your grandkids a couple pictures of the day? Or will you want your children to grow up with a solid remembrance of their parents' love and commitment to each other sitting in a beautiful book, to be read and remembered for decades.

It's for this reason that I wish every bride would order a wedding album. Yes, they can be expensive, but the quality is unmatched. Yes, it's an extra 'something' on top of everything else you're considering for the wedding day. But when you think about your wedding, how do you want it to be remembered? Do you want others to see your day only through a screen, or do you want to hold the day in your hands, flip through the journey of your wedding, and remember again what you felt like as you made your way down the aisle?

I have heard husbands and wives alike wishing they had ordered an album before the memories became rusty in their minds, but never have I heard an ounce or regret over ordering a wedding album. Do yourself, and your children, and their children, a favor. Add an album into your wedding budget from the get go. It will be worth it, I promise, for many years to come.

To see my sample album, along with a special 20% offer, click here.