Thoughts on Social Media

I am sitting here drinking my egg nog (sans whiskey, though that might help my writing) and thinking about this whole social media phenomenon. I have been involved with marketing my photography through social media for almost two years, and I must admit to a growing sense of frustration with it. The conventional wisdom these days is that social media is a must have marketing tool for any business venture, large and small. My use of social media has primarily been with Facebook, Flickr, and to a much lesser degree Twitter. Early last year I developed a business Facebook page for my photography, and after eighteen months and a not inconsequential amount of money spent on advertising (you're welcome, Zuckerberg) I have amassed almost 2,500 fans. But what impact has this had on my bottom line? If the idea of social media is to advance our business and make money, shouldn't that be the ultimate criterion by which it is judged? If that is the case then Facebook has been a complete failure for me. Sure, I very much value my fans comments on my work and in that respect it has been helpful. When trying to decide which images to include in an exhibit or art fair I look to see which of them received the most comments. But from a purely bottom line standpoint it has done little for me. I have no doubt many other types of businesses have benefited greatly from Facebook. I'm just doubtful that landscape photography is among them. Adding to the frustration is that fan participation on my page has been on the decline for months now. Despite having more fans than ever the number that comment on my photos has been less and less, despite efforts to keep them involved. I am no longer the flavor of the month it would seem.

My experience with Flickr has been something different. At the behest of a friend I signed up for a Flickr account and started uploading photos. This will be good exposure, I thought. After a few months of this I began to question what good this was doing me. You see, the feedback on Flickr is always positive, never critical. "Brilliant!" is a common post. It has reached the point where I think I could post a pic of toenail clippings arranged somewhat artistically (however that would be done I have no idea) and I would get the usual positive response. Brilliant! Fantastic! My real problem with Flickr is that in order to get comments you have to give them, to the point where I feel it becomes an obligation. Leaving comments solely to receive them in return. In essence a popularity contest. What's the point of this? Ego gratification? I admit to a certain amount of wanting that ego stroke, both on Flickr and Facebook. Artists I believe are all very insecure underneath. The main benefit I have seen with Flickr is the ability to look at many other photographers work and learn from it. Beyond that it has provided nothing. But at least it's free.

I ask myself what a true professional landscape photographer would do (WWATPPD). I know for a fact they do not deal with Flickr. I currently no longer post to Flickr, though I do lurk. One of the best ways to advance your art and gain inspiration is to look at other photographers work. Professional photographers do utilize Facebook however, and I am curious to know what their experience has been. Am I just doing it wrong? Maybe I'm just not that good? Perish the thought! Perhaps I'm just not savvy enough. That is entirely possible, and likely. But I'm not giving up on social media. I will continue to tweak my strategy, hoping for that breakthrough that will skyrocket me to fame and riches. I mean really, is that too much to ask?