A Sample 16 Step Process for Working with Portrait Clients

When you are first starting out with a photography business, it is easy to wing it, learn as you go, and put in place a process after the fact. However, being organized and purposeful in your actions will grow your business faster and more consistently. The key part in creating a reliable business is to create a repeatable process that you can move through with each client. I like to keep this process as a checklist and use one checklist for each client. It is up to you how you keep your checklists organized. Some examples of ways to organize multiple clients are: a white board with a column for each client, a checklist in Evernote, a printed checklist, or using a project management software. 

No matter how you decide to organize yourself, you should be able to repeat the process pretty closely for each client. As you get better at managing your photography business, you can modify you process checklist so that you can provide the most consistent and positive experience possible for each and every client. 

Here is an example of what you might do for each portrait client to ensure happy customers and a smooth process:

1. After they initially contact you, email them your PDF brochure with more information about your services and your price list. 
2. Enter their information into your contact management system and add them to your email newsletter, if they would like. 
3. Arrange a call to plan their session. 
4. Get a signed contract. 
5. Collect payment. 
6. Reserve the appointment date. 
7. A few days before the appointment, give them a reminder email or call to confirm. 
8. Complete the session. 
9. Send a sneak peak with a few images. 
10. Complete photo editing and upload images or arrange sales session. 
11. Complete additional image sales. 
12. Fulfill image orders. 
13. Send thank you note and special gift. 
14. Ask for referrals and online reviews. 
15. Share images on your blog and social media accounts. 
16. Schedule automatic reminders to follow up with them at key dates, for example, children's birthdays or anniversaries. 

Don't forget, not every step of this process has to be completed by you! Consider hiring help where needed, such as a website manager who can help you blog sessions or a lab to drop ship your orders straight to your client's home. 

What is on your process checklist? How do you organize yourself to stay consistent with each and every client?

Make Your Photography Business Stand Out!

It is true, in some markets, there are a ton of photographers. But, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Consider all of the factors before thinking that you can’t compete because the market is over saturated. In any city there are a variety of photographers; some are specialize in a certain type of portrait or wedding and there are photographers for every budget.

The key to landing clients when there is a lot of competition in your area, is your ability to stand out and offer them something unique. 

There are many ways to do this:

• Amazing customer service
• Unique products
• A specific style of photography
• Unique studio set ups or locations
• Great pricing structure, payment plans, value-add incentives 
• Fast turn around
• Extra bonus gifts with orders
• Referral program
• Creating a unique experience during the photo shoot
• Offering something that clients can not DIY
• Specializing in a specific niche

I am sure you can think of many more ways to stand out. Your challenge today is to look at your business from a potential client’s perspective and also try to have some friends help you do this. What can you add/take away/change about your business to entice more people to become your clients and stick with you for years to come?

If you need more motivation on this topic, consider reading the book Purple Cow by Seth Godin. It is packed full of inspiration to help your business stand out.

Make a Lasting Impression with Photography Business Cards

Meeting people is a great way to establish relationships for your business that could turn into sales later on. It is important to always carry a clean, crisp stash of photography business cards with you. Business cards give you the ability to quickly and easily connect with other people after you have met or take the next step with people you already know who have asked you about your business. 

Where to get photography business cards

1. Your photography lab, such as Millers or WHCC
2. Moo.com
3. A local printer 

Not a designer? 

If you are having trouble designing the perfect business card, you are not alone. At a minimum the card should have your business name, your name, your phone number and a website address. Some cards also include a logo, physical address, email address or photos. You have several options for getting a great looking business card without having to design it yourself. 

• Hire a local designer or find one online by referral
• Find a template on a marketplace like Etsy.com 
• Hire a designer online using a website like Elance or oDesk
• Use the premade templates available from your printer

Take it one step further for a lasting impression

After you have given someone your business card, if they remember, they can view your work online or call you at a later date. However, I recommend taking the conversation one step further by taking your portfolio on the go. This can create a lasting impact on the other person, which will help them remember you and want to see more from you in ways a simple card exchange can not. 

Here is a scenario: You've just met Susan through a mutual friend named Amy and she asks what you do. You tell her you are a photographer and she tells you she has been looking for someone to do family portraits. You could just hand her a business card and most likely that will end the conversation or you could say "I would love to photography your family. Actually right here on my phone I have a portrait session I just did last week for Amy." She will look at your work and it will do a few things. First, it will ensure she gets a taste of your work rather than leaving it to chance about her visiting your website later on. Second, she will easily remember the conversation because it is a very visual and unique thing to do. And third, if she loves your work she will be way more motivated to keep your business card safe so she can follow up with you later. 

How to take your portfolio on the go

Option 1: If you have a SquareSpace website, you can also use the SquareSpace Portfolio App for iPad or iphone. It is a "minimal, unbranded app that synchronizes with all the galleries on your Squarespace website." 

Option 2: Create a collection/folder of your photographs on your smart phone or tablet that is separate from personal photos. This way you can easily show professional photos, allowing the potential client to swipe through the gallery, without worrying about distractions. 

Option 3: Carrying around a small print book with your portfolio (this works better if you tend to carry a purse or bag with you). With this approach you have to be careful to keep it looking crisp and clean, but it can make a great impact. You can have it branded and designed beautifully. 

How to keep business cards crisp and clean 

It is not a good reflection of your business if your business cards are dirty or wrinkled from floating around in your purse or wallet. A great way to keep them nice and clean is to use a business card holder. You can get them in a variety of colors and designs for under $10. Check out the options available on Amazon.com.

Examples of unique photography business cards

• 25 Unique Photography Business Cards
• 30 Crazy Business Card Examples on Mashable
• Creative Photography Business Cards on Design Your Way

Do you have a great business card or experience using them to draw in potential clients? I would love to hear from you in the comments!