My Lessons Learned ‘since’ doing Drone Services in 2021
The last related blog was: My Lessons doing Drone Services in 2021.
Since then I’ve learned a lot, hussled a lot and now I’m in the black with my side drone business (not by a lot of money but typically have a drone job once a week at least during good Ohio weather).
A few suggestions:
Have Fun:
Make drone videos and photos at locations you really enjoy doing (even if for no cost). This helps in a few ways:
A great way to hone your skills (flying and post-editing).
I’ve gotten paid jobs afterwards by flying in some of these locations and sharing the media.
Share your skills with others.
Help build your portfolio.
Photo and Video Editing:
It’s great to hone your skills but most of the time I’ll make improvements on photos I’ve taken and/or create a polished video for my portfolio and social media.
Social Media:
Post what you do on Instagram, YouTube and other sites. Join various Facebook groups, especially ones for Real Estate and post there as well.
Hustle:
I have not ‘cold called’ anyone yet but I have:
Emailed many real estate agents found on Zillow and LoopNet.
Whenever I drive by a Real Estate company or construction site I always leave my card and other material. If that is not possible I’ll take a photo of their information and email them later.
I’ve offered drone training lessons and photo services (both have gotten me work).
Advertise:
Determine where you should advertise and if/how much your willing to pay for it. For example:
Google (get on Google Maps). Be found in searches.
The Better Business Bureau.
Next Door.
Yelp.
Other.
Repeat Clients:
I now have a few repeat clients that come back for more drone services. It takes time, quality of work and trust to keep them.
Diversity of Offerings:
I started off doing typical Real Estate type of work. I’m still do a lot of that but now also doing:
Events.
Construction progression.
Interior photography: even flying my drone to do interior work as well.
Be flexible and try new things that provide value for you and your clients.
Local Drone Community:
Sometimes other drone operators become too busy or cannot do a particular job. Could be more work for you.
Conclusion:
I do not know everything; I’m learning as I go like most of us. Because of my website and above topics, I’ve been getting more and more emails and calls out of the blue for drone work.
Let me know if there are other strategies you know of.
