WEBSITE

Social media is important, but your website will make or break it! As you’re building your business from scratch, there are millions of options for websites, hosts, and digital real-estate. Google domains are a great place to start charging only $6/month… that’s one Starbucks!

I use a combination of ShowIt and WordPress for my website and blog and love this power duo! I’ve tapped into a handful of options and these are my two favorite that get the job done with so many features that I’m not even utilizing them all!

Blogging has boosted my business beyond belief. Keep sharing your story, portfolio, adventures and wildest dreams! If people aren’t talking about you (your business) then give them something to talk about!

ONLINE GALLERIES

How are you delivering your images to clients? Step your game up with an intuitive, user friendly and beautiful image delivery system that makes your work shine! Gone are the days of mailing CD’s! Ahhhhh! Some photographers still offer jump drives, but honestly those often get lost and just add to shipping costs. I prefer to have everything online, backed up, secure and at my client’s finger tips! I use Pixieset and love it!

Pixieset also creates an online print shop as well. My clients have the option to download the high resolution images as well as “shop” their gallery to have prints delivered right to their door! They do take a cut, but that’s the cost of doing business! Having this feature was the first time I ever made money in my sleep! It’s amazing! Clients and their families will be so impressed with their online galleries.

KEY TIP: I love when clients book mini sessions year after year. I create folders for them for each shoot so their past shoots are all in one location. Moms LOVE this feature!

CLIENT MANAGEMENT

How are you sending contracts, invoices, emails and questionnaires? Once upon a time I was mailing stapled contracts and not so patiently waiting for the checks in the mail! Those days are in the dust! Thanks to Honeybook all of my client communication is ONE location!

Honeybook creates projects, similar to a private facebook event page so everything is easy to view, access, edit, sign and share for your clients. Once I started collecting payments online and accepting credit cards my “legitness” skyrocketed! I even wrote another blog about How Honeybook Helped Me Reach Six Figures!

EDUCATION PART ONE

This key tip is all about investing in your business and never stopping your education. Once you have your camera settings down and feel confident with your actual photography skills, it’s important to invest in your education! Workshops, conferences and connecting with like minded individuals will keep your business thriving and always moving forward. I recently hopped on a podcast with Laylee Emadi to share How To Attend A Workshop Like A Pro, check it out! Education builds confidence and the connections you’ll make will be priceless.

EDUCATION PART TWO

This type of education is all about teaching your clients! Are you sharing outfit tips for them? Do you have location suggestions for your family shoots? If you’re a business branding photographer, Do you offer styling tips or new head shot inspiration? If you’re just cracking into weddings you can share tips on preparing for their day. By offering tips, DIY hacks and inspiration you are naturally positioning yourself as a professional with experience! Don’t just collect money, show up and shoot your clients. By offering resources and helpful tips upfront, before they even book you they know they’ll be in good hands.

How do you do this? Think of your most frequently asked questions and share! Post them on your instagram, add them to your email list, blog about these tips. When you have a helpful and serving heart those tips and ideas should come naturally. If you’r stumped think about all the things that could save you time! Share your process and more about your services to ensure a stress free and FUN experience working with you.

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Setting up your business for success, filing for a business license and paying taxes all contribute to a professional business. Personally, I believe anyone can apply for a business license, it takes so much more heart, dedication and discipline to turn your passion into your profession.

Cheering for you!!!!

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Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links and I would love if you decided to use them. Affiliate links + referrals programs help dreamers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs. Everything shared has been tested and approved!