How do you reach people?

[Saknika]

What methods can you guys think of for reaching an audience of people to market your photography to?

Personally, I'm thinking about taking out an ad in a local newspaper called the Pennysaver, and I'm also considering doing mass-mailers.

[comicIDIOT]

Twitter, mostly. As well as word of mouth.

My commericial advertising budget is like Googles - little to nothing.

[firequall]

Go out there an introduce yourself. Get some business cards made, find local events and start networking. Exchange business cards with other people, regardless of their profession, so you have a wide range of contacts to fall back upon.

[Accebera]

-Joining a photo club is a good way to meet new people, make connections, and spread the word that you're in business. I've already gotten a job as an assistant wedding photographer through my photo club, and all the members have the link to my dA profile. It's a good support group, too.

-Use your family. Mine brags about me all the time to friends and coworkers, and I've gotten a few jobs that way that I would have missed otherwise.

-I agree with Firequall about the business cards. They're cheap to make at home, and at the very least, you're getting your name out there.
In addition to trading them, you could also take a handful of your cards with you when you go out shopping or to dinner, etc. Pass them out to the waiters, the cashiers, and/or whoever else you meet. Or maybe leave a few here and there for someone to find later.

[MarianMurdoch]

VistaPrint has free business cards once in a while.

I hand out postcard sized cards. It shows my images better than a standard sized business card and is harder to lose. I show my work at the local farmer's market in the summertime, and have a poster-sized promo hanging up showing what else I do. That's where I've been hired for most of my jobs

[Saknika]

Oh god Marian, I love Vistaprint. You have no idea how much I love them. xD They have free things like... all the time. <3

I recently sent out the mass mailers, so I'm waiting to see if I get anything back on those. I never thought about displaying at the farmers market though! That's an awesome idea! I'll have to try it next summer.

[shp]

1. Carrying the camera around in plain view can get people noticing and asking you if you are a photographer. Unfortunately, it can also get you mugged.

2. Mass-mailing, which may annoy some people enough they would toss it in the trash, but it's still worth a try, if you have enough ink and paper.

3. Family! Their support can definitely help you! Friends can support you, too.

4. Picture-networking. Getting enough views can get people asking you to work with you, if they are brave enough.

5. Business cards. You can make thousands. Put some stacks in public places and hand out the rest at social events or whenever you pass someone.

6. Wear it! A picture you've taken and placed on your shirt will get quite a few looks.

7. Advertise like crazy. Put up as many flyers as possible, and if you have a website then advertise it like crazy. Link to it from Flickr, FaceBook, etc. Even setting up an account just to get people noticing can be fun.

[jamesleema]

Your idea is good too. But I think you can take an ad on some networks and newspapers like that. Some times when you meet some new people you can tell them about you and photography. Another way to reach people is make your photography very clear and beautiful.

[tyler7464]

You can do it by putting a small photo exhibition, giving business cards and advertising in different ways.

[ayan555]

I agree with Firequall about the business cards. They're cheap to make at home, and at the very least, you're getting your name out there.
In addition to trading them, you could also take a handful of your cards with you when you go out shopping or to dinner, etc. Pass them out to the waiters, the cashiers, and/or whoever else you meet. Or maybe leave a few here and there for someone to find later.