As a photographer, you need to create beautiful works of art for all your clients. You need to produce photos that your clients will remember for a lifetime. Clients need unforgettable experiences; something that they will keep talking about for years to come.
According to Ava Rose Taylor Adoption, the best referrals are those that are spread through word of mouth. So, how do you strategize yourself to ensure that you make word of mouth your most effective tool for marketing your business? Try and look back to a point in time when a company satisfied you with their product or service. What stood out in your experience with them? Was it the product or service? In most cases, it has to be both.
Let us look at some tips that Ava Rose Taylor Adoption recommends to help you design and plan a photography session that will give your clients a memorable experience.
Before the photo session
Recognition
It is important to learn from other companies and photographers. Since San Fransisco is a large city, you need to have a personal relationship with all your clients so that your clients can keep coming back. But why should you adopt this kind of culture? If you are able to talk to your clients by name and attend to their specific needs, no matter where you are, your clients will always seek your services.
As you cultivate this culture, be genuine with your clients. Give people reasons why they should trust you; because people do business with people they like. You can use a studio management tool to keep all your client info neatly organized. Review all the messages and notes before each session to make the client feel special.
Attentiveness
When you receive your first email from your client, look for the details you should send to them. Although you may have prepared template responses, take the time to customize their responses each time.
When you communicate with your client taking note of their requests and addressing them with your input, they will know that they are not just another client in their inbox mailing list. You can also have a questionnaire to collect more information about what your client needs. You can create questionnaires using Typeform, Woofu, or Google Forms.
Preparation
Set consultations early enough; answer the questions they have and get to create a connection with them. Although you can decide to meet in your studio, you can also opt for another venue that is more neutral, like a coffee shop. Offer to cover the coffee bill and take notes on paper instead of a laptop. It is advisable to use a pen and paper to avoid creating a barrier between you and your client. As you carry on with the consultation, be observant enough on the brands they are wearing, interests they mention or any other pointers you pick.
During the session
Personality
Greet your client warmly when they arrive and ensure that you set up before they arrive. Make them relax by taking them through the session. For this to run smoothly, prepare talking points earlier on.
Direction
Unless its a professional model, your client may be nervous in front of a camera. Ensure that you give them directions to ease them up. You can model the facial expressions and pose for the client to mimic. This will help them to feel more relaxed. When your client poses, encourage them by talking through the pose. Be confident in the directions you are providing so that you can boost their confidence.
After the session
Appreciation
Once the session is complete, thank them immediately and also send them a thank you email. Mention how fun the shoot was as you talk more about some of your highlights. Edit one or two shots that you can post on social media within 24 hours.
Presentation
Ensure that you deliver your product in a manner that represents your brand and makes your business stand out. For instance, you can wrap them in bright colors that match your brand.
