How to Get More Videography Clients in New Orleans

Understand the New Orleans Market: It's More Than Just Weddings

New Orleans is a city of stories, and that's your biggest asset. While the wedding market in the Garden District and French Quarter is saturated, the real growth lies elsewhere. The city's economy is diversifying. You have a booming tech and startup scene in the CBD and Warehouse District, a resilient hospitality sector constantly needing fresh marketing content, and a vibrant community of artists, non-profits, and cultural institutions. Your first move this week: research five local businesses in these sectors. Look at their current video content. Is it outdated? Non-existent? That's your in. Don't just sell "videography"; sell "storytelling for New Orleans brands."

Build a Hyper-Local Online Presence That Gets Found

Your website and social media must scream "New Orleans." Generic portfolios get lost. Create specific service pages for "New Orleans Restaurant Videography" or "Corporate Video Production in the CBD." Use location-specific keywords in your page titles and descriptions. On Instagram and TikTok, don't just post pretty shots. Tag the locations: #FrenchQuarter, #MagazineStreet, #Bywater. Film quick, engaging reels showcasing behind-the-scenes at a local shoot or a time-lapse of a second line parade. Most importantly, get listed where locals search for services. A profile on a platform like Poyst puts you directly in front of New Orleanians actively looking for a videographer, moving you from being hidden on Google to being discovered in a local community hub.

Differentiate Yourself in a Crowded Field

With so many creatives in the city, you can't be everything to everyone. Find your niche based on your skills and passion. Are you the expert in moody, cinematic short films for boutique hotels? The go-to for fast-paced, social-first content for new restaurants in Mid-City? Or perhaps you specialize in documentary-style videos for non-profits addressing local issues. Build your entire portfolio and messaging around this niche. For example, "I help New Orleans chefs tell the story behind their gumbo." This specificity makes you memorable and allows you to charge a premium because you're an expert, not a commodity.

Master Your Pricing Strategy for the Local Economy

Underselling hurts you and the entire local market. New Orleans has a unique cost of living and client budget range. Ditch the hourly rate. Package your services. Create three clear packages (e.g., Social Media Highlight Reel, Brand Story Film, Full Campaign Series) with fixed deliverables and prices. For a standard 2-3 minute brand film, aim for a starting point of $2,500-$5,000+ depending on complexity. For weddings, consider offering à la carte add-ons like a same-day highlight reel for social media. Always include a clear line item for location permitting fees (which are common for city parks and historic sites) and a contingency for our famous afternoon rain showers. Be confident in your value.

Turn One Client into Ten with Strategic Follow-Up

Client acquisition is expensive. Retention and referral are gold. Your work isn't done when you deliver the final file. Send a thank-you note (a real one, in the mail) to your client's business address in Uptown or the Marigny. Ask for a testimonial specifically about your local knowledge and professionalism. Offer a small discount on their next project or a referral bonus. Most importantly, when you complete a project for a restaurant, ask for an introduction to their event planner or their food distributor. New Orleans business is built on networks. Be the connector, and you'll always have work.

Get Listed and Get Seen by Your Ideal Local Clients

You can have the best reel and the perfect pricing, but if potential clients can't find you, it doesn't matter. Proactively putting your business where locals search is the fastest way to generate qualified leads. This is where a dedicated local discovery platform becomes essential. By creating a compelling profile on Poyst, you're not just another listing in a Google search. You're presenting your videography business to a community of New Orleans residents and business owners who are actively looking to hire local talent. Showcase your best local work, highlight your specific niches (e.g., wedding videography at historic venues, promotional videos for tourism brands), and collect verified reviews. Make it easy for your next ideal client to find and choose you. Your action item today: Take 15 minutes to list your videography business on Poyst. It's the most direct path to putting your name in front of the New Orleans market that needs your skills.