I recently got a job as a photographer, wooo! But now the hard part.. Actually getting people through the door to photograph! I need to devise an email to potential clients. Any advice?
Many Thanks,
Frustrated Photographer

I can't actually create your email for you however I can give you a concept that works in sales.

In the email or any initial advertizing ask a 'loaded' question. A question that (in this case) would appeal to their personal interest. Put the question at the start of the piece. Keep it short, very short. People lose interest quickly and don't want to read a lot.

Appeal to their desires and egos.

Stringer

'Getting people through the door' means local, right? So where do you plan to get these local email addresses, and are you at all concerned about anger at being spammed? I for one would be furious. I know who my local businesses are, we have a local paper and local yellow pages and even a special booklet once a year. Believe it or not, people are not going to jump out of their chairs in response to an email for photography. They are ONLY going to come to you if they are shopping for one.

I would suggest Groupon.com, which does promote sales and promotions by area according to a 'group' process as people sign up. You can plan now for Christmas. It's not to early to start that in October. Then Valentine's Day, graduation, and babies and pets all year. Coupons for photography is a good idea at any time (such as in the paper) because people clip and save for the right time for them.