Push vs Pull: The Kind of Marketing That Actually Builds Trust

Lately, inspiration has been finding me in unexpected places. Isn’t really too odd, I am always listening for new ways to be inspired.

This time, it came while listening to another creative’s perspective — Alex and Britt Hall of @Chasingsunsetsllc. I’ve followed their work for a while now, and like most creatives, I pay attention. Not in a competitive way, but in a learning way. We all do it. We observe, we assess, we compare, and sometimes… we question ourselves.

That’s where imposter syndrome tends to creep in.

In one of their recent posts, they talked about something that immediately resonated with me: Push vs Pull marketing — and why one approach has worked far better for them than the other.

The Push Approach

We’ve all seen it.

“Book now.”
“Limited availability.”
“Don’t wait or you’ll miss out.”
“Inquire today.”

And to be clear — push marketing works when someone is already ready to book. When the decision is made and all they need is the right button on your website, that urgency helps move things along. At least this is where I see it working most.

But what about before that moment?

The Pull Approach (Or What I Call: Prove First)

What Alex and Britt articulated so well — and what I realized I’ve been doing for years — is the power of pull marketing.

Instead of telling people what to do, you show them who you are.

You provide value before the consultation.
You answer questions before they’re even ready to ask them.
You build trust before money is ever discussed.

I like to think of it this way:

You, the reader, may one day be my client — or you may never book me at all.
And that’s okay.

Maybe I photograph your wedding someday.
Maybe I help you find the right photographer for your budget and vision.
Maybe you save my name and pass it to a friend or family member later on.

Either way, our paths will likely cross — personally or professionally.

And just because you’re not allocating resources for my services right now, doesn’t mean I can’t help you right now.

Why I Write the Blogs I Write

This is exactly why I spend time writing blogs meant to serve, not sell.

Blogs like:

• 2026 Wedding Trends From Real-World Experience — pulled directly from weddings I’ve photographed

• Why Vetted Wedding Professionals Matter More Than Ever — because I’ve seen what happens when they aren’t

• A Planning Guide for Newly Engaged Couples Feeling Overwhelmed — because most couples are

I write these because I’m paying attention.

I see what happens at real weddings.
I see the social media posts.
I see the Facebook groups explode when a bride posts “ISO wedding photographer.”

Sometimes the comments pile up so fast the post gets deleted within minutes. Sometimes it gets reposted anonymously just to avoid inbox overload, bots, scammers, random calls — the whole nine.

And when those same brides eventually land on my page, or hop on a quick phone call with me during a lunch break or after work, I hear the same thing over and over again:

“This conversation was a breath of fresh air.”
“Thank you for your honesty.”
“I feel confident after talking with you.”

That tells me something.

Not about my photography — but about my approach.

There’s Room for All of Us

Here’s the truth that doesn’t get said enough:

There are so many great creatives in this market.
Different price points.
Different styles.
Different experience levels.

Chances are, I’ve worked with many of them — or recommended them — at some point.

And that brings me back to another idea Alex and Britt shared: chasing the moments and celebrating the love.

I do this quietly all the time.

When I see another creative win, I send a message.
“No hate. No competition. Just respect.”

“I see you — you killed that.”
“YESSSIRRR.”
“Keep going.”

Like a coach congratulating an athlete after a great performance.

Sometimes the post is doing numbers.
Sometimes it isn’t.
But growth doesn’t always show up in likes — and creatives feel that.

What I’m Chasing in 2026

More transparency.
More encouragement.
More value-first marketing.
More pulling people in through trust — not pressure.

That’s the energy I’m carrying into 2026.

And if our paths cross because of it — I’m grateful for that, too.