Corporate Uses

Shutterfly and other online photo services do not just benefit consumers. In actuality, there are multiple uses that businesses and entrepreneurial-oriented individuals can capitalize on. For instance, photographers could take advantage of Shutterfly by starting their own business. One of the options available is Pro Gallery, which makes owning a business effortless. The individual is able to manage the online photo store through the design, pricing, and availability of products; whereas, Shutterfly provides the grunt of the work by:

1) Supplying an online professional gallery
2) Creating a website for customers to visit
3) Providing all customer service (orders, payments and customer support)
4) Protection provided as well as reports for performance

Shutterfly does not only facilitate businesses marketing photos. Other possible options available for firms may be to use Shutterfly as a way to improve customer and employee relations or to promote the company through featured products. For employees, calendars or photo books containing photos of a company function would make great mementos. From a managing perspective, Shutterfly could be used to create portfolios, catalogs, or professional presentations. For clients, photos could be used as a marketing tool on calendars, brochures, or other souvenirs that feature the company product.

An Example of Shutterfly for Company Use



Another approach to marketing the brand name of the business does not require action on the part of the business but rather the consumer. Some businesses are encouraging consumers to upload pictures of their events in order to spread word of their product or name. In addition to using consumers to promote their company, businesses also use the online albums to find photos to use in their own campaigns. Both of these approaches are a low-cost and effective way to get brand recognition (2).

Lastly, non-profit organizations can also take advantage of Shutterfly. Schools can use the online photo center to help create yearbooks. The process of managing the yearbook can be eased through the variety of layouts provided. Fundraising is also a possibility through Shutterfly. Many schools and other organizations can create photo galleries or other products and generate proceeds for their fundraiser.
Although an online photo service may seem more customer-oriented, businesses and non-profit organizations can take full advantage of the benefits offered through Shutterfly.

Reference: www.shutterfly.com/business/index.jsp
(2) Reference: PR Week (US), October 27, 2008, Inside Information – Photo-sharing sites enter the brand awareness picture by Beth Krietsch, Section: Media Roundup; pg.13