kathyt
Been spending a lot of time on here!
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- Oct 11, 2012
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I have found with my own wedding photography business that I attract the clients I want through referrals, (previous brides) the way I do my consultations, and the way I conduct business.
Here are some things to consider:
-Image and professionism is everything. When I am shooting a wedding, I have to remember that my work is everywhere. The guest book has my images all over it and I need to treat all the guests like my next potential clients. Those guests are my next clients!!!!!
-I always try to sell a canvas or some large print from the engagement session for a display piece at the reception.
-Always have business cards handy to anyone who asks for them, especially if you are at a new venue! The staff can be your best friend and will refer you for just the way you conduct yourself. Treat them kindly.
-I do my consultations at my home. I make sure it is clean, organized, and ready for them before they arrive. I have the contract printed BEFORE they arrive so there is no delay if they are ready to sign. First impressions are everything.
-I show past wedding images and video footage (I use Proshow Producer) on my big screen tv, before I start discussing pricing and contracts. I always tell them what I have to offer, and how the day will unfold BEFORE I tell them how much.
-I ALWAYS show a ton of samples. You can NOT sell it if you don't show it!!!!! I would never purchase a $1000 album if I could not see it first. Show them what they will get. Yes, you will have to spend some money and a good amount of time creating samples, but the return is HUGE.
-I like to show a large variety of sample for different price points. So everyone has an opportunity to purchase something. My mark-up is still the same! My goal is to put high quality products in their hands. I want every aunt, uncle, grandma, and grandma to walk away with something. I give a discount to the b/g if they purchase products for family members.
-I am not a sales person! I show it, and then it sells itself. These are the things I show. Albums, (high end flush, photographic, 4x4 mini Kiss and press) metal prints, different sizes of canvas, large professional framed prints, 3x3 and 4x8 accordian albums, standouts, custom image boxes, and custom DVD's with their images from the wedding.
So, in short....rookies are NOT killing the business. Only the person behind the business can kill the business! Plus, your business has to be alive first before you can kill it. Hope this helps someone.
Here are some things to consider:
-Image and professionism is everything. When I am shooting a wedding, I have to remember that my work is everywhere. The guest book has my images all over it and I need to treat all the guests like my next potential clients. Those guests are my next clients!!!!!
-I always try to sell a canvas or some large print from the engagement session for a display piece at the reception.
-Always have business cards handy to anyone who asks for them, especially if you are at a new venue! The staff can be your best friend and will refer you for just the way you conduct yourself. Treat them kindly.
-I do my consultations at my home. I make sure it is clean, organized, and ready for them before they arrive. I have the contract printed BEFORE they arrive so there is no delay if they are ready to sign. First impressions are everything.
-I show past wedding images and video footage (I use Proshow Producer) on my big screen tv, before I start discussing pricing and contracts. I always tell them what I have to offer, and how the day will unfold BEFORE I tell them how much.
-I ALWAYS show a ton of samples. You can NOT sell it if you don't show it!!!!! I would never purchase a $1000 album if I could not see it first. Show them what they will get. Yes, you will have to spend some money and a good amount of time creating samples, but the return is HUGE.
-I like to show a large variety of sample for different price points. So everyone has an opportunity to purchase something. My mark-up is still the same! My goal is to put high quality products in their hands. I want every aunt, uncle, grandma, and grandma to walk away with something. I give a discount to the b/g if they purchase products for family members.
-I am not a sales person! I show it, and then it sells itself. These are the things I show. Albums, (high end flush, photographic, 4x4 mini Kiss and press) metal prints, different sizes of canvas, large professional framed prints, 3x3 and 4x8 accordian albums, standouts, custom image boxes, and custom DVD's with their images from the wedding.
So, in short....rookies are NOT killing the business. Only the person behind the business can kill the business! Plus, your business has to be alive first before you can kill it. Hope this helps someone.