In this episode of Photo Fuel, I’m joined by Michelle Franzetti for a conversation that will knock your socks off, make you laugh, and make you think. It's part marketing lesson, part mindset shift, and all about building a family photography business that actually works in today’s world.

Michelle shares how her background in marketing shaped the way she approaches her photography business, and why age-old principles still matter more than any algorithm tweak.

We dig into what 2025 requires from small businesses, how to create a marketing plan that’s more than just “share and hope,” and the importance of designing seasons in your marketing so you have rhythm, clarity, excitement, and traction.

Michelle talks about why in-person connections are so powerful, even when they aren’t directly related to photography and what the real criteria is for a "successful" gathering. 

We talk about:

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  Michelle’s unexpected entry into marketing and how it shapes her business today

  
  


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  A simple but timeless take on marketing: be interesting & connect with people

  
  


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  What 2025 demands from small businesses (and how to adjust)

  
  


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  Why posting and hoping is not a plan—and what’s missing from the equation

  
  


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  How marketing seasons can keep you focused and motivated

  
  


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  The overlooked magic of in-person connections

  
  


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  Why hosting meaningful & FUN gatherings can fuel both your community and your business longevity 

  
  

This is a thoughtful, energizing conversation for any photographer who wants marketing to feel more human and more effective.

// LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE //



Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://franzettiphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_franzetti/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Michelle_Franzetti

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/558214206287176

Connect with Leah:

Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo

Voxer Coaching: https://www.leahoconnell.com/voxer

The Firefly Letters (weekly longform newsletter) - https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter