With the coming of lovely weather, beautiful flowers, and flowing dresses- Spring is in the air and there is no denying it! The approach of this colorful and vibrant season brings with it a slew of opportunities to attract new clients. What better way to really get the year going than by photographing some fresh faces? Similar to that of winter sales, spring sales are a fun way to bring seasonal charm to the lives of others. Here are a few ideas you can implement to make the most out of these coming months.
• Thematic Photo Shoots: Offer your clients photographic opportunities that are in theme! Whether it be in a studio or a gorgeous outdoor location, bringing some color and classic spring iconography can be a fun way to entice families to book a session. Thrift shops and local home accessory stores are filled with objects you can purchase to uniquely decorate a set, and offering these items for use in your photo shoots gives people even more incentive to book. If you are going the on-location route, local parks are often a good choice. As long as the images are not used for commercial purposes, and you are not distracting other park goers, many outdoor locations will have no issue with your photo shoot. (However, it is always encouraged to research your state laws in regards to permits for privately-owned parks). This concept also allows you to create package sessions in which props, a free print or gift, and time slots are allotted.
• Mini Sessions: Offering short, limited, and cheap mini sessions is one of the most effective ways to bring in new clientele. Essentially, a miniature session is a significantly simplified version of a photo shoot, in which you photograph for a short range of time and offer only a handful of images, and charge a fee that is significantly lower than your standard session fee. Despite the lower fee, since you can squeeze a multitude of these mini shoots into a day you can still come out ahead! That being said, rather than having mini sessions regularly available, turn them into a special event that is only offered once or twice a month. These sessions can help clients get to know you and your work ethic, and it can encourage them to book a full-length session with you in the future.
• Year-Long Calendar Shoots: Many people love custom calendars. Spring is a fantastic time to begin offering this product to your clients! Creating year-long contractual commitments (in which your clients come in for a session once a month) is a great way to keep consistent business and offer something exciting. Having these sessions tailored specifically to your client’s wants and aesthetic will genuinely bond you with your clientele on a professional level. At the beginning of each new year, use the monthly session images to create a custom calendar for your client that includes pictures from the past twelve months.
• Referral Programs: Just like with winter sales, referral programs are a highly effective route to go. Offer your clients discounts or bonuses for every new person they bring into the studio!
• Flyers, Emails, and Social Media Promotions: Shape all of your promotions towards the current season with eye catching seasonal graphics and custom made advertisements. Have these promotional material highlight special deals, sales, or themes that you can offer those that want to shoot with you.
Regardless of which way you choose to attract new clients, be sure to post their images to your online photography storefront as soon as you possible after the session.
Now get those creative juices flowing and have fun with your new clients!
---
Anabel DFlux is a California native who prefers to spend every waking moment with her trusty camera in hand. In 2009 she started her own photography business on a whim and a wish, and has since gone on to work for a variety of publications, companies, and unique clients throughout the country. With her foot in a variety of photographic doors, Anabel is recognized as a zealous individual with a passion for art that knows no bounds.