Afleveringen
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
More Resources: Free Minis Marketing Class| FB Ad Mini Course
If youâve ever felt frustrated posting your mini sessions over and over on social media and still not seeing bookings come throughâyou're not alone. This is one of the biggest pain points I see photographers face. Social media feels like it should be enough, right? Youâre doing all the thingsâposting daily, showing up in stories, maybe even creating reels. But somehow, your calendar still has open spots. The truth is, while social media can be a powerful tool, it is not a complete marketing strategy. Find out Why social media isn't enough to book out your Minis!
Here's What We'll Cover:
Why Social Media Isn't Enough (1:49)
A Multi-Touch Strategy (5:00)
Beyond Social Media (7:05)
Resources Made for You (11:03)
Why Social Media Isnât Enough to Book Out Your Minis
Letâs start with a harsh truth: you donât own your Instagram or Facebook account. At any moment, the algorithm can shiftâor worse, the platform can go down entirelyâand your audience reach disappears with it. Even when things are working, only about 4% of your followers are actually seeing what you post. So if you have 1,000 followers, thatâs only around 40â50 people seeing your content. And if your conversion rate is around 1â3% (which is normal), thatâs barely enough interest to book even a single session. Relying solely on social media means youâre speaking to the same small circle over and over. To book out your minis, you need to get in front of new people... not just the followers who already know you.
You Need a Multi-Touch Marketing Strategy
Marketing isnât about showing up in one place and hoping for the best. Itâs about creating multiple touch points that guide someone from âinterestedâ to âready to book.â Experts say it takes at least 7 interactions before someone takes action, which means your audience needs to see your mini sessions a lot. Instead of focusing only on Instagram or Facebook, build a complete marketing plan that includes social media and email marketing, local outreach, SEO, and even paid ads. That way, youâre increasing visibility, staying top-of-mind, and creating urgency through repetition.
Go Beyond Social Media to Fill Your Calendar
If youâre ready to get serious about your marketing, itâs time to go beyond your social feed. Start by posting in local Facebook groups to reach moms in your area who arenât following you yet. Next, partner with local businesses (think boutiques, preschools, coffee shops, or pediatrician offices) for cross-promotions that benefit both of you. Make sure your SEO is on point, so that when someone Googles âfamily photographer in [your city],â your site actually shows up. And if youâre up for it, try running Facebook and Instagram ads to target new families in your area. These tools, used together, help you reach way more...
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
More Resources: Email Freebie| Flodesk Discount
Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for booking out your mini sessions, yet many photographers overlook it. If youâve ever struggled to fill your spots, relying only on social media, itâs time to rethink your approach. Unlike social platforms, where algorithms limit your reach, emails land directly in your audienceâs inbox. I hear from students all the time who are shocked at how effective email marketing isâthey send a couple of emails and book out almost instantly! Today, Iâll talk through how to use an email list to book out your Mini Sessions. Plus, why it's important for you to get started now!
Here's What We'll Cover:
My Favorite Email Marketing Platform (2:49)
Why Start with Your Email List (4:03)
What to Send to Your Email List (7:43)
How to Grow Your Email List (10:57)
Why Use an Email List to Book Out Your Mini Sessions
Your email list is filled with your warmest leads (people who already know, like, and trust you). This makes email marketing the fastest and easiest way to turn potential clients into booked clients. While Instagram stories might only be seen by 4% of your followers, emails reach your entire list every single time. Plus, with the right strategy, you can create a personal connection with your audience, keeping them engaged and eager to book when your minis go live.
What to Send to Your Email List
If youâre wondering what to send, start with a four-email sequence for your Mini Session launch. First, a teaser email to build anticipation, second a "Now Booking" email giving your list first access, third an update email sharing how spots are filling up, and finally, a "Last Call" email to create urgency before opening to the public. Many photographers hesitate to send multiple emails, fearing theyâll annoy their audience, but the truth isâpeople are busy! A single email can be missed, and follow-ups ensure more eyes on your offer.
How to Grow Your Email List
If you're not sure how to grow your email list, start with past clients! Invite them to join your VIP email list for exclusive early access to sessions. Use social media to collect emails with a freebie, like a Mini Session prep guide, or run a giveaway where entry requires signing up. The key is to take action today! Start building your list and commit to growing it. Your email list has the potential to transform your business, making Mini Session bookings easier and more profitable than ever!
Some actions steps I want you to take include starting your list today! Grab my Email Freebie and get started. I'll walk you through how to get going. Second, check out this
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
More Resources: 12 Theme Ideas Freebie | Flodesk Discount
Mini sessions are an incredible way to attract new clients, but many photographers wonder how to convert those Mini Clients into Full Session bookings. While Mini Sessions are highly profitable (especially during peak seasons like fall and spring) not every type of session can or should be a mini. When big life events happen, like welcoming a new baby or celebrating a first birthday, clients are much more likely to book a full session. The key is to strategically leverage your mini sessions to encourage those Full-Session bookings. So, let's dive into how you can use Minis to get Full Session clients!
Here's What We'll Cover:
3 Must-Be Full Sessions (3:22)
How to Leverage Your Minis (8:29)
Key Marketing Strategies for Full Sessions (11:45)
Recap (14:36)
Not Every Session Should Be a Mini
Educating your clients on the difference between mini and full sessions is crucial. Some sessions require more time, flexibility, and a personalized experienceâmeaning they simply canât be squeezed into a 10-15 minute slot. Three session types that donât work as minis include: Smash Cake Sessions, Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, and Extended Family Sessions. By educating your clients upfront, you naturally create opportunities to upsell them into full sessions when these milestones occur.
Turning Minis Clients into Full Session Clients
Mini sessions serve as the perfect entry point for clients to get to know you, experience your style, and fall in love with your work. When you deliver a top-notch mini session experience, booking a full session later becomes an easy decision. A great strategy is to plant the seed early. During a mini session, mention full-session options if you learn a client is expecting or has a milestone coming up. Follow up with past clients at key times, like when a newborn turns 10 months old! Remind them about first birthday sessions and other milestones. Offer incentives, like early access to Full-Session dates or priority booking for loyal Mini Session clients.
Marketing Strategies to Encourage Full Session Bookings
To consistently book more full sessions, be intentional with your marketing. Showcase Full Sessions by posting images from full sessions on social media so clients see what you offer. Educate on the Differences. Use blog posts, Instagram captions, and emails to highlight the benefits of full sessions. Leverage real client stories! Share before-and-after journeys of Mini Session clients who later booked Full Sessions.
The goal isnât to replace Mini Session bookings with Full Sessions. Both serve different purposes. Instead, itâs about maximizing revenue by making sure Mini Session clients...
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
More Resources: 12 Theme Ideas Freebie | Flodesk Discount
Have you ever wondered why your Minis aren't booking? If you've struggled with booking out your sessions or they aren't booking the way you expected them to then you're in the right place! Trust me, we've all been there. The good news? Mini Sessions work, and with a few strategic tweaks, you can turn things around. In this episode, weâre diving into the three biggest reasons your minis arenât booking: your timing or theme isnât resonating, your marketing strategy is incomplete, or your messaging isnât connecting with your ideal clients. Stick with me, and letâs troubleshoot your Minis so you can start booking out with confidence!
Here's What We'll Cover:
Theme or timing holding you back? (2:14)
Social strategy (7:01)
Is your messaging connecting with clients? (12:03)
Recap as a whole (14:27)
Is Your Mini Session Theme or Timing Holding You Back?
One of the biggest reasons Mini Sessions donât book is that the theme or timing isnât resonating with your ideal clients. Just because a theme was popular last year doesnât mean it will work again this year! Trends shift and client preferences change. Some themes become overdone, while others may not be in demand at all. Additionally, the dates you choose can make or break your success. If your minis fall too close to holidays, school breaks, or major local events... families might already have plans. So, do your research! Look at current trends, ask past clients what themes theyâre excited about, and test new ideas that fit what families want right now. When you align your Minis with what your audience is actually looking for, youâll see more interest and faster bookings.
Are You Relying on One Post to Fill Your Mini Sessions?
Posting once and hoping for bookings isnât enough! Only 4% of your followers see what you post, so you need to reach beyond your audience to get more bookings. A strong marketing strategy includes consistent social media posts, reels, and stories, plus email marketing to remind past clients. Local outreach, like sharing in Facebook groups or partnering with businesses, also helps spread the word. Creating urgency with limited spots or early bird discounts can drive faster bookings. Instead of relying on one post, map out a marketing plan across multiple touch points over several weeks for the best results!
Is Your Messaging Connecting With the Right Clients?
If your mini-sessions arenât booking, your messaging may not be resonating. Clients donât just want a âMini-Sessionâ... they want an easy, stress-free way to capture beautiful family photos! Focus on the emotional appeal rather than just the photography itself. You should clearly communicate when, where, how much, and whatâs included to eliminate any...
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
More Resources: Prep Week | 12 Theme Ideas Freebie
Spring is right around the corner, which means it's the perfect time to start planning your Spring Minis! With warmer weather, blooming flowers, and families eager to capture seasonal memories, spring is one of the best times to book out your minis. Today, Iâm sharing creative Spring Mini Session ideas that will make your Minis stand out, attract more clients, and boost your bookings. Whether youâre looking for fresh ideas or want to refine your approach, this episode will lend inspiration to help you plan successful and profitable Spring Minis! Before diving in make sure you sign up for my newest FREE resource... PREP WEEK! This 4 day training paired with today's episode is a guaranteed win for Spring.
Here's What We'll Cover:
Why Spring? (5:45)
Theme Ideas (7:52)
Questions to Ask While Planning (11:25)
Prep Week (15:03)
Spring Mini Session Ideas
A well-thought-out Spring Mini Session idea can be the key to booking out your spots quickly! A strong theme creates excitement making it easier for potential clients to envision themselves in the session. It also helps you stand out from other photographers running minis in your area, giving you a unique edge in the market. The best spring themes are fresh, colorful, and family-friendly! By incorporating elements that feel light and full of life you'll end up attracting more clients. And while being unique is important just make sure it appeals to a wide range of clients! Some go to Spring Mini session ideas would include seasonal flowers (think blue bonnets or cherry blossoms), vintage Spring picnic, Easter Minis or a flower market location!
Spring Mini Marketing Must
Preparing for your Spring Minis starts with capturing promo shots that will attract clients and fill your calendar. The best way to do this? Set up your Mini Session backdrop in advance and use a real family for test shots. This helps potential clients visualize what their photos will look like and creates instant marketing content. If you're doing a wildflower field theme, you can use a stock image of wildflowers for early promotion and then update your marketing with an actual portfolio image once you've photographed a session. The key is to help future clients envision themselves in your promo!
If youâre feeling unsure about how to market your minis effectively, Prep Week starts next week! Itâs a FREE, four-day challenge where weâll cover marketing strategies, pricing, workflows, and everything you need to book out your minis with confidence. Donât miss this opportunity to make your Mini Sessions more profitable and stress-free, sign up today!
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
More Resources: Episode 107| Prep Week
Pricing your full sessions correctly is key to making sure your mini-session pricing makes sense and stays profitable. In this episode of Minis Made Easy, Iâm breaking down how full sessions set the foundation for your pricing strategy, common mistakes photographers make, and the steps to ensure your full session pricing supports (not competes with) your minis. If youâve ever struggled to balance these two session types, this episode is for you! Before diving in you need to how to price your Mini Sessions. This is only possible by doing a CODB which I walked us through in last week's episode! Give THIS podcast a listen then you'll be ready to jump into how to price your photography sessions so they make sense.
Here's What We'll Cover:
Define a Full Session Vs. Mini Session (2:52)
Pricing Mistakes (5:42)
Sessions that are NOT Minis (10:29)
Key Take Aways (15:01)
Why Full Sessions Set the Foundation for Your Photography Pricing Strategy
Full sessions play a crucial role in your photography business. They offer clients a full-service experience while establishing the foundation for your pricing structure. As the premium option, full sessions set the perceived value of your work and help differentiate your services from mini-sessions. Mini-sessions should be a lower investment, but they must still reflect your expertise and not undercut the value of full sessions. A common mistake photographers make is pricing minis correctly but then realizing their full session pricing no longer makes sense! Often this requires an adjustment to maintain profitability. By positioning full sessions as the high-end choice and aligning your pricing strategy effectively, you can create a sustainable and profitable photography business while ensuring that both session types attract the right clients.
How to Price Photography Sessions for Profitability and Alignment
Setting the right price for your full sessions starts with understanding your target client... their budget, what they value, and how to position full sessions as a premium experience. Next, calculate your costs and desired profit by factoring in session time, editing, and business expenses to ensure your pricing reflects your expertise and brand. A good rule of thumb is to set your full session price at least double your mini-session price to maintain a balanced structure. For example, if your full sessions are $500, your minis should be in the $200â$250 range.
Finally, communicate the value of full sessions by emphasizing their benefitsâlonger session time, more variety in locations, all-digitals included, and a fully personalized experience. Educating your clients on the differences between full and mini sessions is...
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Mini Session Theme Ideas | Prep Week
Pricing your mini sessions can feel like a guessing game. Should you charge what other photographers do? Should you price lower to attract more bookings? Or maybe you feel like you're just throwing out a number and hoping it works. If youâve ever second-guessed your pricing, youâre not alone! Many photographers struggle with setting prices that not only attract clients but also ensure profitability. Today we'll be calculating your cost of doing business (CODB) because pulling numbers from thin air or copying what other photographers are doing won't help YOU and your business succeed! Let's learn how to price your mini sessions for profit!
Here's What We'll Cover:Why Calculate Your CODB (3:40)
Gathering Your Numbers (7:02)
Calculating Your Numbers (10:34)
Brand New Resource - Prep Week (20:18)
How to Price Your Mini Sessions for ProfitHave you ever felt like you're working hard, but you're not sure that you're seeing the profit from? Have you ever wondered if you're even covering your costs and making this thing worth it? Whether you're a numbers person or not, learning to calculate your Cost of Doing Business is a must! In the simplest terms you make sure all expenses and taxes are covered in your revenue AND you're paying yourself. Statistics show that most photographers don't make it past year 3. This is solely because they don't price their work appropriately.
Gather Your NumbersStep one you need to list EVERY expense you have. Let's take your Spring Minis Sessions for example! List out any expenses that would go towards them including softwares like your CRM (gallery delivery), Lightroom or Imagine AI (your editing software), email marketing, google domain, website costs, gear, props or client gifts, etc! If you pay for something annually divide it by 12 to give you a monthly amount. Next, calculate the number of hours you spend on Spring Minis. Don't just include your shooting time! List the time spent marketing, driving to locations, editing and post processing! Lastly, ask yourself: how much do I want to be paid for my hourly rate? And please pay yourself more than a teenager who works at Costco! I suggest no less than $50/hour because you are well worth your time!
Calculating Your NumbersIn any given month for Spring Minis list how many sessions you realistically want to book. For example's sake we'll say 16 (that's 2 days of minis). Here's where gathering your numbers come into play. How many hours will you spend on these specific Mini Sessions (for everyone it's different, but remember to include marketing, post processing/editing, shooting time). So, you should have your total number of expenses for one month and the number of hours you will work for these sessions. Take your hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours for these sessions and that's your profit. Next, take your expenses and add them to your profit amount. Finally,...
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
As we're headed into this new year and our Mini Sessions season I wanted to talk through the importance of planning EARLY! January is the perfect time to set the tone for your year. Preparation like this will set you up for success and why not determine this year to be your most profitable!? In this episode not only will you learn why planning ahead is valuable, but you'll understand what happens when you don't. So, for starters let's look at key reasons why planning your Mini Sessions early is a must!
Why Planning Your Mini Sessions Early is ValuableIn order to plan ahead you need at least 6-8 weeks before your Mini Sessions take place. When you start marketing early you get ahead of other photographers! Why not be the first photographer seen by your audience for Spring Minis and beat the competition? Rather than scrambling last minute to do Easter Minis or Wildflowers, you can prepare now and get fully booked! This also means you'll be maximizing your profits. You get the opportunity to think through your pricing, structure and upselling. And the best part is you can do it all--stress free!
Key Areas to PrepOne thing you need to look at is the calendar as a whole. Start with your personal calendar including birthdays, vacations, important dates. Then you can pencil in dates for Mini Sessions. That way you aren't overbooked and you have control of when you work! My suggestion would be to look at doing Spring, Fall and Christmas Minis. Next, an area you want to plan is thinking through the themes that you could potentially have for your Mini Sessions. You want to think of fun, creative ideas, but things that your clients will actually book. Lastly, plan ahead in your marketing plan! Put together a real strategy including your email list, your SEO and your socials. Trust me, good marketing takes time so tackle this early and give yourself the ability to be profitable.
What Happens If You Don't PlanI know there are so many things you have to think about when planning your Mini Sessions, but that's why I'm here! You won't be doing this alone. The danger in not being proactive is you'll be stressed out, overwhelmed, losing clients or missing out on profits! The earlier you start preparing the better off you'll be. Throughout the coming weeks I'll walk through all the important keys in planning your Mini Sessions! Tune in next week for specifics on pricing to be profitable!
What We Covered:Why I started planning ahead (1:55)
Why planning your mini sessions early is valuable (3:03)
Key areas to prep (6:08)
What happens if you don't plan (11:00)
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Transcript
If you're a family photographer looking for mini session tips to simplify your business while maximizing profits, youâre in the right place! I'm thrilled to announce the rebrand of my podcast: Minis Made Easy. This podcast is your go-to resource for everything mini sessionsâhelping you streamline workflows, master posing, and build a profitable photography business. The goal is to leave you inspired, provide actionable tips and educational content tailored for your photography business! I've discovered a major part of my why in this industry is to help other photographers in their journey. And friend, it all starts with mini sessions!
Why Focus on Mini Sessions?Profitability and Scalability: Minis allow you to serve more clients in less time while still providing an excellent experience. Simplified Marketing: With clear themes and short time slots, minis are easier to market and fill. Community Demand: Many photographers shared their struggles and questions about making minis work. This rebrand allows us to address those needs in-depth.
What Can You Expect from Minis Made Easy?Each episode is tailored specifically to help you master mini-sessions. Hereâs a sneak peek into what weâll cover! Workflows: Learn how to streamline booking processes, client communication, and gallery delivery for a seamless client experience. Posing Tips: Discover techniques for maximizing short 10-minute sessions while keeping your posing natural and stress-free. Business Strategies: Get insights into pricing your minis for profit, marketing effectively, and scaling your mini-session offerings. Creative Inspiration: Stay ahead of the curve with fresh seasonal themes and evergreen session ideas that clients will love.
You can count on this podcast to serve you in key areas! I'll be breaking down the how, what and when for successful Mini Sessions and be sharing all the mini session tips. Letâs simplify the way you run your business while making your minis more profitable than ever.
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Portrait Contract Template | Free Business & Marketing Class
This is one of those topics that, although it's not fun, is necessary. Especially as we head into a busy season you need to know how to set boundaries with difficult clients! After being in this industry for years I'll just let you know that if you haven't had a challenging client... they're coming. Which is why this episode will be helpful! I'll share some of my personal experience and give you pointers on how to work with them. But before unpacking that, I have a free class just for you! It's all about how to double your photography revenue this year. We'll touch on some business basics but dive deeper into business marketing! Rather than relying solely on pretty pictures you can drive your business with excellent marketing. Now, onto the "fun" clients...
Stay Professional and KindIt is so important to deal with clients with kindness. Remember, you're running a business and your conversation or interaction represents the brand/the business. It's very easy to match your client's attitude and energy especially if you don't mind confrontation. Some of you may be people pleasers and negative confrontation is a challenge, but remember kindness goes a long way. Stay professional and give your client a hefty helping of kindness! You have an opportunity to handle situations with grace and I suggest doing it over the phone. You don't want to give clients ammunition so even an email would be beneficial.
Refer to Your ContractPointing back to your contract gives you a backbone to lean on. And that's why it's crucial to have a legal contract that will hold up. I have one in my shop you can grab and they are there for a reason! A few things I have in my contract that protects me is found in editing. I have it in my contract that I do not remove things that wouldn't be gone on their own within 1-2 weeks. I won't altar someone's body because all bodies are beautiful and deserve to be captured. I also hold the right to including or excluding photos from their gallery. Sometimes the shot is blurry or simply doesn't turn out. I want to include photos that will not only be a good representation of my work but turn out well!
Give a Yes with a BoundaryThis is one of my favorites because it helps you illuminate the positivity and serve your client but protects you as well. You need to be taken care of which is why we are talking about how to set boundaries with difficult clients! So, give your client a yes but with a realistic boundary. For example, if a client wants something edited that's outside of your normal scope of editing....
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Live Webinar | Posing Workflow | Contract
Let's talk about Mini Sessions! I'm doing a Mini Sessions Q & A from a thread in my Facebook group. There were tons of great inquiries so I'm taking the time to go through and answer now! I'm also hosting a LIVE webinar this coming Thursday (if you're reading this current and up to date) all about MINI SESSIONS! This is a brand new class I've never taught and we'll have a Q&A section at the end for that too! So, if today's podcast hits home you'll definitely want to join. Be sure to register HERE regardless of if you can make it live or not. Thursday, July 13th @ 1:00pm CST. Once you register you'll receive the replay and get all the fresh content. Now, let's jump in!
What do you do with uncooperative kids?This specific question stated, "If your sessions are 20 minutes and one of your children doesn't cooperate what do you do?" Here's the thing, my mini sessions are 10 minutes and most of my students do 15 minutes. So, when a child is crying the whole session or not wanting to participate you just do your best. If you're booking with a family and the parent knows ahead of time the child will struggle, opt for a full session. So what do you do? Keep snapping, try posing different angles to avoid the crying face, book with them in 6 months from now! Most of the time kids are uncooperative because it's new. I did this with a family and the second session was incredible. We got to celebrate the major growth. I'm also a believer in capturing true memories. The reality is kids cry. They don't always cooperate and that's part of life's memories!
How do you advertise your minis?This is a loaded question because there is so much that goes into marketing. Join the free class to go deeper! I would say good advertising doesn't just post to your business Facebook page or Instagram. You need all the pieces of the puzzle to present a full picture.
How do you get comfortable with short time slots?Practice, practice, practice! Start at 15 minutes and use a posing workflow. If you're worried about clients feeling like they aren't served well, it's because you need confidence in your delivery. It's important to know you've captured the right shots so you can deliver a full gallery. But how do you get to this place? Practice. Have family and friends over and do 15 minute sessions with them back to back. I use this
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: $3k Mini Sessions Blueprint | Portrait Contract | Questionnaire | Email Templates | Client Experience Guide| Dubsado Discount
All month long we've been talking about our Christmas in July Minis Campaign. Today, I'm so excited to finish this out with tips for ding a Christmas in July Mini Sessions Promotion! It's hard to believe we are at the end of June and our promos will be ready to go live soon. Before wrapping up how to do this promo I have a FREE guide to help you make your first $3k or more on your first set up mini sessions. Count it as a gift for those of you that have followed along and apply it during your actual Christmas Minis! Ready for some big tips?
Get Started...NOW!I know we're down to the wire, but it's not too late to get started! Ideally you want to kick off this campaign at the beginning of July. I know you technically have a whole month, but you don't want to promote this at the end. Start the first week when this campaign is fresh and no one has been advertised to yet. That also means you need promo shots! If you're doing Red Truck Minis, Tree Farm or Indoor Studio Christmas Minis, talk to your vendor and see if you can get in there with a real family for promos. Make sure they are real families because they advertise so much better. Don't just show the setup. And of course use past sessions if you have them!
How Long Do You Advertise?I suggest advertising for 2 weeks or until your spots fill. I have an associate team spread out in 9 different cities and in Dallas we open up July 1st. Our goal is to book 3 dates which is the equivalent of 54 sessions. Remember, I have multiple photographers so it's not all one person. We start by opening to our VIP email list, social posts ready to go and fb ads! These are all things we've prepped in June which makes it a lot easier with automated workflows. Once the 2 weeks is up, we switch to advertise Fall minis. We book these from mid-July to the end of August or so. Then we switch back to Christmas Minis!
Hot Topic QuestionSomething I get asked often is whether or not to take a retainer. We do a 50% retainer at the time of booking and they pay the
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free Minis Class
Do you have a Christmas in July promotion? Today I'm unfolding the 5 reasons you SHOULD do a 'Christmas in July' Mini Session promo. But before we start the countdown, be sure to grab this FREE class all about mini sessions. As fall mini sessions are around the corner, this will be incredible useful for you. It walks you through the main marketing tips to get you fully booked! Now let's talk about Christmas in July!
Greater ExposureLet me clarify, I am not suggesting you shoot mini sessions in July! I grew up in Texas and I couldn't imagine going out in the brutal heat for 2-3 hours of mini sessions especially as Christmas! I am talking about doing a promotion to book those minis in October. Each year I do Red Truck Minis and some sort of indoor studio Christmas minis. For my Christmas in July promo I book out my Red Truck Minis that I shoot in October. A big reason I love doing this promo is because my business gets put in front of A LOT of eyes. Red Truck Minis are desirable and capture the attention of clients.
Get Ahead of DemandFor too long I waited to advertise mini sessions when I started hearing people ask for them. The goal here is to advertise and make Christmas Minis available before your clients request it! You will be the first ones to mention these minis and chances are clients will stick with you because you brought it to them first!
KickstarterGood marketing takes time and that means at least 6-8 weeks. Doing this in July gives you a major kickstart to the busiest time of the year! Regardless of whether or not your spots are fully booked, you're relieving the pressure by starting early. Once you've done the promo the ground work has already been laid and when Fall comes you will easily book out the rest. You won't be scrambling to get promo shots or workflows ready. You'll be prepped!
Influx of RevenueJuly is usually a slower month for mini sessions, so having something in this month carries you over to busy season! We collect 50% retainers (which I highly suggest you do) to lock clients in. This is a nice perk to having some sort of income during summer. For some of you that alone is enough!
Overall EstimateThe last reason I love doing a 'Christmas in July' promotion is you'll have a good expectation for your Fall. For one, you know what to expect from the second half of your booked sessions. But it also gives you a gauge of people's interest. Many clients may see your promotion and decide to book a fall mini with you. They may not be ready to jump to Christmas, however, it gets the ball moving for the next season!
I hope this encourages you to give it a try! There's a lot of beneficial...
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Apple Podcasts |Spotify |TranscriptMore Resources: Free $3k Blueprint
We're at episode 100!!! I'm thrilled to be able to look back and share how this began as well as how it evolved along the way. It's going to be fun, but before heading down memory lane I have something ALL about mini sessions for you. My students call me the Queen of Mini Sessions and it truly is the bread and butter of my business. I've learned a lot over the years and put together a blueprint for you to follow! If you've never made $3000 in a single day (2-3 hours) of mini sessions then be sure to grab this! It's called the "$3k Mini Sessions Blueprint" and lays out exactly how to structure a mini sessions day. This will be so helpful for Fall Minis just around the corner! Now, let's go back in time...
Not a Glamorous StartBack in 2020, we uprooted our family and moved to Nashville, TN! We were living in a townhome waiting for our house to be built and The Business Journey Podcast was birthed. We didn't have a studio, but my husband wanted to make sure it sounded excellent. So, we set up the computer, the microphone and there I was in my closet recording my first episode! I say this because not all starts are glamorous. Maybe you're not starting a podcast, but whatever it is just go for it. It doesn't have to be perfect or look like your long term vision. For me, I had this dream of being able to serve and connect with you in a way that was a lot more personal than just an email. And now, here we are!
Short and SweetKnowing the audience I have I wanted to be intentional to make episode consumable. Most of you are on the go, busy running a business or in the thick of it with family! That means you've got maybe 15 minutes in the car to listen in. When creating episodes I had to make it short, sweet and to the point. After all, the intention is to serve you with valuable content. Allowing you into my life and equipping you with business related content! This journey has not always been easy, but now 100 deep I am happy to say so worth it!
What Do You Want to Hear?The goal of this podcast is to talk through topics or things that serve you well. I'd really love to hear from you! So, send me a DM and let me know what you'd like to see in the next 100. Maybe there's a special guest you'd like to hear from or topics for your business you need covered. I want to dive into areas that help you grow and give you insight. I always pepper in more personal subjects that allow you to have eyes into my life and business because I believe we grow from one another! Your voice is incredibly valuable to me so send an email with feedback or shoot me a DM. I take your suggestions to my team so we can coordinate and serve you better.
There's lots...
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More Resources: Free $3k Blueprint
I felt it would be helpful for other business owners and photographers to hear what my schedule really looks like! I want to pull you in behind the curtain to see how I go about a typical business day. But, before jumping into those details I do have a FREE blueprint to help you successfully navigate a day of minis. If you've never made $3000 on a single day of minis then you definitely need to grab this guide! Now, I was at the Graceful Gathering conference speaking when a photographer asked me about the structure of my business day. I'm very strategic in what that looks like and there's been an evolution throughout the years. I started part time, moved to full time with kids then to adding team members. So, what's worked best for me...
Focused Work HoursI am not the best at multi-tasking. I'm a mom of 2 little ones and I also enjoy my work. With that being said, I currently have my kids in a hybrid homeschool. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday my kids are at school or with Mimi and I can solely work on my business. My work day starts at 8:00am and kick it off with meetings on Tuesday. I will say my business has grown and I have a staff team. So when I'm not "in the office" they are still getting work done. It's incredible, and yes, it is possible! Next, I hone in on projects like culling sessions or tasks from team call. I stop working my work days at noon. And fun fact, I take a nap EVERY day. It fits perfectly into my afternoon right before I need to pick up kids!
Intentional Use of TimeSince I only work about 10-12 hours a week I have to utilize my time efficiently. I use filters to place priority on things. For instance, if it requires my face - YouTube, Instagram stories, etc. If it uses my voice - podcasts, interviews, etc. Or just showing up in communities on Facebook and lastly things like strategy or launches fall on my plate. Everything else I pass on to other team members. That's why I have a team under me to be able to accomplish everything while still being able to have a work week that looks like this. Now, I still have slack and voxer on my phone so my team can reach me throughout the week. But I strive to stay in my zone of genius while serving my family and business well. This took years of trial and error, but I finally feel like I've figured out what works for me.
Next StepsIf you're a solo-preneur this can be hard to imagine. But I hope this episode at least encouraged you that it is possible! Feel free to DM with any questions because I would love to help you get to your dream. If you want to work towards a lifestyle like this, I encourage you to start with just one team member. Find one thing you can outsource. Inbox, editing, etc! My first team member was hired as an outside contractor and I paid them $30/hr for 10 hours a week. Because I got 10 extra hours in my month I was able to book more sessions and bring in more income! So, start somewhere and begin taking those steps to creating your dream work life. There's so much more in the podcast so be sure to give it a listen and get yourself in the place you want to be!
What We Covered:Focused Work Hours (5:04)
Intentional Use of Time (9:17)
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript
More Resources: Free Class | Client Experience Guide | Portrait Contract TemplateLet's dive into the topic of model calls. I get asked about this often and today I'll be sharing some secrets to successful model calls! How do you run one, what are they useful for, how do you set them up. Before we get into the all the good things, I've got a FREE class for those of you that are ready to go beyond simply taking pretty pictures. It's called "6 Steps to Double Your Revenue" and full of educational content you can start applying to your business. This class walks through the importance of having a true marketing strategy so you can bring in more revenue.
What's the Purpose?There are definitely right and wrong ways to do a model call. First, you need to know what the goal is. Are you trying to grow your portfolio or like me, when I first moved to Nashville, you're starting over with your clientele? Maybe you're needing more content that you can blog about! Whatever it is you need to clearly define the purpose. If you just say you're doing a free shoot, people will come flocking! Be clear on what you're looking for. Lifestyle newborns, multiple siblings in the session, etc.
Model Call StructureI set up my model call similar to a mini session. I'll give 5 free photos, but deliver a full gallery! Most of the time clients will purchase the full gallery. There are some important things you should require like having clients follow your style guide. You should pick the location and state that the session is 30-60 minutes or however long you need. I use my Client Experience Guide to help them choose outfits and make sure they send photos beforehand so I know what to expect! Remember, it's a model call which means it's for your business.
Grow Your Email ListThis is a valuable opportunity to collect emails and grow your list. In order for people to apply for your model call you can get their info from a form. You can include questions to help with the verification process. I have them include a photo of who they will have in their session. It adds an extra layer of protection to be sure you have the models needed! And the best part is by having them on your email list when you advertise for sessions later in the year they often book you.
Model Call MustUse a contract! Yes, it's a free session, but having a contract guarantees everyone is clear on expectations and what's included.
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript
Letâs continue a conversation that got started on my Instagram a few weeks back. What does freedom look like for you? This is a convo worth having friends! As we come into the new year I like choosing a word to move forward on for the year. This year I decided that my word was simple. I want to enjoy the simple life that Iâve come to love! It may seem boring to others, but for me itâs not a common freedom in our industry.
We All Need FreedomThe thing about freedom is it looks different from one person to the next. I have enjoyed baking bread which is a long process, I love reading while watching my kids play outside and I thrive when I get to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. You didnât become a business owner to quit a 9 to 5 job just so you could start working 24/7. But the reality is, if we arenât intentional to carve out freedom in our day weâll become so consumed with our businesses we donât end up living a full life! Hear me, I am so thankful for my business and I enjoy doing what I do. But I started it so I could have time with my family, travel and have a say in what my day looks like.
What Does Freedom Look Like For You?If money was no object, you could do anything you put your heart to? What would you do in your life? Once you discover what kind of things give you life and bring you joy you can structure your business accordingly! You can allow yourself to have the freedom to do the things that bring you joy.
Make GoalsThe first step is defining what freedom looks like, then start making some adjustments in your work. If money is the problem, start setting a goal of 1 more session per month. Start making some of those changes to allow yourself the ability to do what youâve always wished you could do. Maybe thatâs reading 12 books a year? Start by giving yourself 15 minutes in your work day to do it. These moments of doing what you want will refuel your tank and give you the extra push to tackle your business goals!
If you have questions or want some feedback, DM me on Instagram! Itâs really me in there responding to your comments and messages and Iâd love to hear from you.
What We Covered:We All Need Freedom (5:42)
What Does Freedom Look Like For You? (11:18)
Make Goals (12:47)
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Class | StoryBrand Script
Welcome to the Business Journey Podcast! Today I'm sharing all about how I use StoryBrand in my business! I also have a FREE class that will be helpful this Spring in your sessions. It's called "Keys to Effective Family Posing" and you'll walk away with creative ideas on how to pose well! Posing isn't something you should "wing" but rather something you excel at. Now, StoryBrand is something that comes from a book by Donald Miller called "Building a StoryBrand". Let's dive in!
StoryBrand OutlineThis has been incredibly helpful for me in marketing. The StoryBrand script starts with the main character, villain and guide. The main character is your client! Then we look at who their villain is. Maybe their villain is a lack of time. It breaks down why they don't have time, what that makes them feel and what they are being robbed of. Next the outline introduces the guide who comes in and brings a solution to their problem (that's YOU)!
Mapped Out ProcessOnce all the people are in place we get to build this story. Maybe you have 3 or 4 steps that's going to take them to their answer. It's going to lead the client to a place of finally getting to book with you. You'll list out steps for clients to take to get photos taken with you! Along the way you're answering questions, removing fear or doubt, etc.
Call to ActionFinally, we give our clients the invitation to do something. Make the change of feeling like time is robbing them and giving clear steps for them to book with you! You can address the issue and boldly state, if they don't make a change they miss out on these memories for life! I know that seems intense, but you're making a clear story here. You want your client to relate and see the reality of their current decisions. It's a call to act!
Market with StoryBrandThis is an awesome way to emphasize your brand messaging through marketing. There's more in the podcast and I breakdown the application in depth so be sure to listen! Marketing just got easier with this StoryBrand outline in place. I encourage you to follow the script and create your own StoryBrand HERE!
What We DiscussedStoryBrand Outline (3:10)
Mapped Out Process (9:07)
Call to Action (11:23)
Market with StoryBrand (15:25)
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: 6 Steps to Double Your Photography Revenue | Mini Sessions Playbook | FB Ad Tutorial
Let's talk about how to MARKET your mini sessions in 2023. I know we've talked about marketing before, but times are changing and this episode has some new things that need applying! Before jumping in I'm so excited to share a NEW live class I'm offering. It's called the "6 Steps to Double Your Photography Revenue" and let me just say it's possible to double what you did last year! I'm sharing the 6 steps I did in my own business so I know they work. Be sure to register and save your seat so you don't miss out on 2023 strategies! Now let's get to how to market your mini sessions in 2023...
Give Yourself a Head StartThe ideal amount of time to market for minis is 6-8 weeks. The absolute minimum is 4 weeks, but the more time the more likely you are to be fully booked! First, pick out your date and work backwards from there. If you're not sure what the timeline should look like you can grab my Mini Sessions Playbook!
Get Your Promo ShotsNext you need to have photos for advertisement! I try using photos of the location from previous years or go out and get them now. If the weather isn't working or they are seasonal minis like blue bonnets, cherry blossoms, etc. use a stock photo! Never use another photographer's work as your advertisement - it's illegal. And I've seen this a lot, try to stick with just one photo.
Open to VIPs FirstWhen it comes to advertising, start with your email list. And more specifically your VIP list! That's basically clients or people that have joined your email list. Do this before going public on your social media and opening it to the public. I've got more to say on this topic that applies to 2023 in the podcast so be sure to listen!
Run Facebook & Instagram AdsI normally wouldn't push this, but this day and age requires us to utilize ads. Facebook and Instagram want you to pay for advertising and if you don't it's likely your posts won't be seen. The Facebook/Instagram advertising platform is very intuitive. You can target a dream client and truly get in front of them! The best part is you can see your return on investment due to analytics! Trust me and give this a shot after you've exhausted your free advertisement!
Be sure to give...
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TranscriptMore Resources: Free Minis Class | Facebook Community | CODB Tutorial
I get this question ALL the time, especially in our facebook community. And if you're not a part you can click the link above and check it out! Today I'll be sharing how to confidently price your sessions because a lot of you have been asking. Before diving into my photography pricing tips, I do want to offer you a FREE class I have called "Booked Out Minis." Now, let's figure out how to confidently price your sessions so we're ready for Spring Minis!
Run Your CODBBefore committing to any kind of pricing you want to be sure you've ran your cost of doing business. If you don't know what that is, basically it is discovering how much you're actually making per hour. Not just the time that you're shooting, but the time that you're driving to the session, setting up editing, communicating with clients, delivering galleries, all of the things that go into making a photo session happen. You can watch THIS video to find out your CODB. This is your first step when it comes to pricing!
Don't Overcomplicate ItRather than having a ton of different priced packages stick with a simple rate. It sounds like a good idea to have all these session types listed on your website, but for clients it's overwhelming. Especially when they're priced similarly! I have my portrait session package and it's for any type of session that somebody wants to do with me. We're talking families, birthdays, couples, maternity seniors - any kind of portrait session. I have one session fee and it includes the full gallery, it's very simple to understand! Listen to the podcast to find out which packages should be priced differently.
Commit to Keeping PricesHere's a good rule: don't touch your prices after changing them for at least 6 months. Most of the time photographers go up in price and freak out if they aren't getting booked! Here's what I've learned, it's not a pricing problem it's a marketing problem! Ask yourself...How do you need to market differently to the people in that price point? And does your client experience justify the pricing? Maybe you can tweak a few of these things and see a whole new client group!
There you have it! My photography pricing tips! Lastly, I do have something coming soon that will help your photography business tremendously. So stay tuned on my socials and get your business ready!
What We DiscussedRun Your CODB (3:05)
Don't Overcomplicate It...
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