Why Every Photographer Should Offer Photography Freebies (And How to Do It Without Spending Money on Ads!)

Hey there! If you’re like most photographers out there, you’re probably thinking about how to grow your audience, book more clients, and stand out in a crowded market. Well, here’s the one secret I can’t keep to myself: photography freebies—or as I call them, photography lead magnets (one in the same)—are the absolute next step to exploding your following, and therefor, booking more clients. But I get it—your brain might be screaming, “Okay, but HOW do I do this without throwing money into ads?”

Relax, friend. Today, I’m going to share why offering freebies is so important for your photography biz AND how you can do it in the most budget-friendly, creative way possible. Plus, I’ll introduce you to my favorite tool—senior photography lead magnet templates—so you’re not starting from scratch.

Why Do Photography Freebies Matter?

Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time, I was struggling to build my email list and get my work in front of the right people. I knew I needed a way to attract potential clients without spending tons of cash on ads. That’s when I discovered the magic of photography freebies.

Offering a well-designed freebie isn’t just about giving stuff away—it’s about building trust, establishing authority, and generating leads. When someone lands on your freebie, they’re not just grabbing a resource—they’re saying, “Hey, I like what this photographer has to offer, and I want more.”

Here’s why freebies should be a cornerstone of your marketing:

• Grow your email list naturally. Instead of cold calling or cold DMs, let your freebies do the work. Give someone value, and they’ll be more likely to give you their contact info.
• Position yourself as the go-to expert. When you offer educational or helpful content, your audience starts to see you as the authority in your niche.
• Stand out from your competitors. Not all photographers offer freebies, and those who do often get the most engagement and bookings.
• Create a pipeline of warm leads. When someone signs up for your freebie, they’re already interested—making it easier to turn them into a client.

But here’s the kicker: most advice out there suggests throwing money into Facebook or IG ads to boost your freebies. While paid ads work, they’re not the only way—you can do this for free or for very little money.

How to Offer Your Photography Freebies Without Spending a Dime (Yes, It’s Possible!)

So, now you’re asking, “Okay, but WHERE do I put my freebies without having to spend money on advertising?” Great question! Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly ways, with stories of how I’ve seen them work wonders:

1. Share Them Directly in Your Emails (Yes, Email Still Works!)

Every time someone inquires about your services, you can casually mention a freebie that’s perfect for them. For example, if a prospective senior is considering booking a session, send a friendly email that says, “Hey, I’ve got this free guide on how to prepare for your senior photography session—it’s packed with tips to help your photos turn out AMAZING.” It’s natural, helpful, and builds trust.

2. Include Freebie Links in Your Email Signature

Think of your email signature as your little marketing billboard. Pop a link to your senior photography lead magnet in your email footer. Anyone you email—from inquiries to collaborations—can access your freebie easily. It’s effortless advertising that works 24/7.

3. Use the “Link in Bio” Trick on Instagram

Your Instagram bio is prime real estate. Add a link to your best photography freebies or senior photography lead magnet there. Want to be even smarter? Create an IG highlight dedicated just to your freebies, so visitors can find them anytime.

4. Post About Your Freebies on Instagram

Every other month, feature one of your freebies in a dedicated IG post. Talk about what it offers—maybe a checklist, a step-by-step guide, or tips tailored to your target clients. Share relatable captions about how helpful it was for your clients, and include the link in your bio. This keeps your freebies front and center and encourages signups.

5. Hand Out Business Cards with a QR Code

This one is pretty cool—I’ve seen photographers upgrade their traditional biz cards by adding a QR code linking to their photography freebie or senior photography lead magnet. When someone scans it, BAM—they’re instantly directed to a beautifully designed freebie that showcases your style and expertise. It’s an effortless way to turn casual interest into a lead, especially at networking events, local meetups, or even just handing out your cards to moms at school.

6. Tap Into Local Events & Collaborations

Got a local craft fair or bridal show? Partner up with other vendors or businesses, and set up a cute station offering free printables or guides that relate to your niche. Bonus points if you include a QR code on your physical freebies or signage—so even offline, your audience can connect with your digital freebies effortlessly.

But Wait—What If I Don’t Have a Newsletter Platform?

I hear you. Not everyone is all about email list building, and that’s okay! You can still use photography freebies to spark conversations, boost engagement, and showcase your expertise in a way that feels natural and authentic.

Here are some ideas:

• Start a Conversation in IG DMs: Offer your freebies through your IG post then when your audience asks for your freebie, send them the link in their DMs. But don’t stop there – send them an audio or video welcome message that really personalizes YOU over your brand. Let them know that if they have any questions, you are there to help. Don’t forget to follow up a few days later to see if they got their freebie & had any questions. This is a great door–opener method to building a relationship that can lead to a session booking. 
• Blog Post Bonus: Writing a blog? Sweeten the deal by offering a freebie to your readers. Add a link at the end of your post—something like, “Enjoyed this post? Grab my free guide for more!” It’s a great way to reward their engagement. If you want to go the extra mile, only offer your freebie for the first 48 hours of a blog article launch. Push that blog on your social media & tell your audience that they’ll get a freebie if they go and read your post. This will swell your link clicks and tell Google your post deserves to climb the search page!
• Email Connections: Picture this—you get an inquiry, and boom, you link a freebie that’s totally relevant to them. Not only does this sweeten the deal, but it also nurtures the relationship from the start. It also gets your inquiry to consume even more of your portfolio and brand value! 
• Local Events and Collaborations: Attending a local event or collaborating with other businesses? Hand out physical freebies or promotional cards with QR codes linked to your online content. It’s an in-person way to expand your reach!

Now… what freebies have I found that work best?

After offering lead magnets (aka freebies) for the past several years, I’ve found that the following are the three most likely kinds to grab your potential clients’ attention & email addresses:

1.  What NOT to ____________. : This lead magnet really sparks interest because you’re leveraging your potential clients’ fears to save them from avoiding a potential negative.

2.  Checklists: These are a wonderful way to educate your potential clients in a super organized way. Everyone LOVES a good checklist!

3.  How To’s : These are ALWAYS an audience favorite! Detailed educational content that provides real value to their lives is the GOAT when it comes to freebies!

Do YOU offer freebies?  What have you found to be your most popular lead magnet with your audience? 

Why You’re Missing Out if You Don’t Use Them

Look, I get it—creating freebies can feel overwhelming. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll see just how powerful photography freebies can be for your business. They help you:

• Attract the right clients
• Show off your expertise
• Build trust without paid ads
• Fill your inbox with warm leads
• Differentiate from your competitors

And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget—just a little creativity, some simple tools, and the right templates.

Speaking of templates, if you want to jumpstart your freebies with a professional, eye-catching design, check out my senior photography lead magnet templates. They come with everything you need—beautiful guides, social media graphics, landing page graphics, and killer calls-to-action—that help you convert casual followers into booked clients.

Ready to elevate your marketing game? Click here to explore the Ultimate Lead Magnet System —and watch your email list (and bookings!) grow faster than you can say “cheese!”