Hey there, photographers! Tia here, one half of Cameron and Tia, your go-to wedding photographers and business coaches from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Today, I want to share some insights on what it takes to kickstart a successful photography business in 2024. So, let’s dive right in!
1. You Need Clients
Starting off with the most obvious yet crucial aspect—clients. It might sound like a no-brainer, but many aspiring photographers often overlook this fundamental step. Instead, they get caught up in perfecting their systems and technical skills, only to wonder why clients aren’t knocking on their doors.
Be Bold, Seek Out Opportunities
Don’t wait for clients to find you; go out and find them. Offer your photography services to friends, family, and neighbors. Don’t shy away from shooting for free initially—it’s an investment. Your first clients may have extensive networks, and word-of-mouth referrals can set off a ripple effect.
Tap into Your Circles
Think about the various circles you’re a part of—book club, gym, college contacts, high school friends, and even that local coffee shop you frequent. Everyone in these circles is a potential client or knows someone who could be. Take the initiative to reach out and offer your services.
2. Profitability Matters
While shooting for free can be a great starting point, it’s not a sustainable strategy for the long term. As you gain experience and build a client base, it’s time to focus on profitability.
Calculate Your Cost of Doing Business (CODB)
Research and identify all the costs associated with running your photography business. This includes subscriptions to client management systems, one-time costs for templates, and any other tools you need. Set a realistic income goal and work backward to determine how much you need to charge per session to meet that goal.
Adjust Your Pricing Strategically
Understanding your CODB allows you to set prices that align with your financial goals. If your initial pricing requires an unrealistic number of sessions, consider adjusting your rates. Striking a balance between affordability for clients and profitability for you is key.
3. Implement Effective Systems
As your photography business grows, having well-defined systems in place becomes essential. Systems streamline your workflow, enhance client experience, and contribute to long-term success.
Map Out Your Client Journey
Visualize the entire client journey, from the first point of contact to delivering the final gallery and beyond. Identify key touchpoints and create systems for each stage. This includes marketing strategies, inquiry responses, booking processes, session preparations, and post-session nurturing.
Leverage Existing Resources
In the digital age of 2024, countless photographers have already developed proven systems and resources. Whether it’s email templates, client guides, or marketing strategies, there’s a wealth of knowledge available. Consider utilizing templates and resources from established photographers to save time and benefit from their expertise.
Check Out Our Shop for Ready-Made Templates
In our shop, which you can find HERE, we offer a range of templates crafted through years of experience. From email templates to client guides, these resources can be personalized to align with your unique brand voice. Save yourself the hassle of starting from scratch—browse our shop for tools to elevate your business.
In Conclusion
So, here you are in 2024, ready to embark on your photography business journey. Remember, success comes from a combination of clients, profitability, and effective systems. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and create them. If you have any questions or need further guidance, drop a comment on our video and we’d love to help! And hey, if you enjoyed this content, hit subscribe for more valuable tips every Thursday. This is just the beginning—let’s make 2024 your year in photography!
