12 Free Photography Business & Marketing Guides

Today I received a really great email from ASMP providing links to a library of e-books for photographers.

I am currently a member of the American Society of Media Photographers. I highly recommend checking out their website and blog for great resources on anything from copyright to contracts.

The resources below are provided by PhotoShelter (so don't be surprised if you need to fill out a form in order to obtain the book)--providing valuable information is just another way to generate leads!

The entire library of e-books is available here.

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What Buyers Want from Photographers
Our 2011 survey of over 500+ image buyers reveals insight into how to best reach them, attract their attention, and keep them coming back for more.
Download this book here.

The Freelancer’s Online Marketing Blueprint
Learn the latest online marketing tactics to attract more potential clients to your website and convert them to paying customers.
Download this book here.

The Photographer’s Guide to Selling Like a Pro
Top salesmen share their advice on cold calling, booking meetings, generating repeat business and more.
Download this book here.

Starting a Photography Business
Start your business with valuable insights from the experts and case studies from six College Photographer of the Year winners.
Download this book here.

Facebook Fan Pages for Photographers
Learn how a build a Facebook Fan Page that can grow your business.
Download this book on the PhotoShelter Facebook page.

Email Marketing for Photographers
Get an introduction to email marketing that includes the metrics that matter, case studies, and how to find an Email Service Provider that can simplify your strategy.
Download this book here.

Inspiration Handbook
Read insights from eight professional photographers on finding and cultivating inspiration.
Download this book here.

How to Sell Prints
The advice and case studies in this guide will teach you how to sell prints by creating an effective marketing plan and selecting optimal merchandise.
Download this book here.

SEO Cookbook for Photographers
Learn the secrets of Search Engine Optimization and how to use them to rank higher on search engines like Google and Bing.
Download this book here.

Photography Blog Handbook
This guide shows you how to use blogs to help grow your website traffic, deepen client relationships, and build a bigger following.
Download this book here.

Social Media for Photographers
A 55-page step-by-step guide that shows how you can use social networks like Facebook and Twitter to succeed online!
Download this book here.

Google Analytics for Photographers
Determine how users are interacting with your website and how this free service can support business decisions and future marketing expenses.
Download this book here.

Top Online Freelance Design Resources

I just wanted to post a short list of resources that I think would help any designer who is on their way to freelance efficiency! Freelance Switch is a great resource overall and they publish great lists all the time. Here are my favorites from their infamous 101 Essential Freelancing resources article.

• My New Company – Legal and general start-up information
• Designers Toolbox – Free legal forms for graphic designers
• Copyright – Everything you need to know about US copyright
• AIGA Form of Agreement – Standard form of agreement for design services template
• HelpMeWork – US – Services to help you focus on what you know best
• CreativeCommons – For licensing…just about anything
• Creative Public - Useful site for anyone starting a freelance graphic or web design career. A $49.95 fee buys unlimited access to forms, manuals, pricing guides, contracts etc
• You Send It – Send files up to 2GB online
• Jewelboxing – superior packaging for short run CDs and DVDs
• PowerXChange – Extensions for a variety of creative software, including Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver
• Dropsend – Email up to 1GB of files
• Media Fire – Send 100MB files online
• Box – Store, share and access files online
• Icebrrg – Simple web forms
• Formsite – Web forms and surveys in minutes
• Kuler – Colour scheme picker
• Pixie – A useful little colour picker
• ColourSchemer – A bunch of colour tools
• Jungle Disk – Online storage for 15 cents a gigabyte
• AskCharity – free online contacts for journalists
• TechInline – Remote Desktop Software
• Protolize – Web Resource Directory
• Proposal Kit – Proposal and contract management tools
• Ta-Da Lists – a simple (free!) to-do list application that can be shared with the world
• Backpack – Service that integrates to-do lists, notes, files, images, and a calendar with reminders that can be sent to your email or cell
• Writeboard – Sharable, web-based text documents that save edits, so you can collaborate, roll back and compare
• ConceptShare - Share designs and get feedback with visual annotation tools
• Wridea – Free tool for writers focusing on idea generation
• GoPlan – Note-taking, calendaring, task management, issue tracking, file management and online real-time chat
• Toodledo – Another web based to-do list
• ActiveCollab – Open source collaboration and project management tool
• MonkeyOn – Your to-do list for things that you want other people to do
• Remember The Milk – Another To-Do List manager
• HighRise – Track communication and conversations with leads, employees, clients, colleagues, vendors
• Campfire – Real-time group chat and file sharing
• Central Desktop – Shared workspaces and web conferencing
• Relenta – Manage your email, contacts, documents and activities
• Google Apps – Communication and collaboration tools from Google
• Zoho – Free office tools
• Campaign Monitor – Email newsletter software
• MailBuild – More newsletter software
• Breeze – Email campaign and newsletter software
• Business-Paper – Easy business cards
• GoToMeeting – Easy online meetings
• Wufoo – Make forms to survey your clients
• AIGA Spec Letter – Sample letter to communicate with clients who want spec work or free pitching
• CPA Directory – Find an accountant (in the US)
• SBA – Small Business Administration, help and advice
• Paypal – Online payment system
• Moneybookers – Online payment system
• Escrow – Online payment system that protects the buyer and seller, useful for those bigger jobs with anonymous clients.
• Resources for the Design Entrepeneur – Free sample forms and agreements
• Work – How-to guides to running a small business
• XE – Quick and easy currency converter for all your international transactions
• Trendwatching – Consumer trends and insights resource

Here are some books to top it all off:

• Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Estimating & Budgeting — Revised Edition
• 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers: Insider Secrets for Working Smart & Staying Creative
• Freelance Design in Practice
• Design Basics Index
• Getting It Right In Print
• How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul
• 1 Hour Website (includes template CD-ROM with professionally designed templates)
• Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design
• How To Be A Freelance Rockstar