S8E02 | 3 Mistakes Pet Photographers Make
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3 Mistakes Pet Photographers Make
The realisation that your business isn’t quite working out the way you’d planned isn’t a fun one. You might look back at your last few sessions and see that the clients weren’t the type you want to be working with. Or you might not have any past clients to look back on and feel like you’ll never create a consistent income.
I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
It’s a scary feeling, but know that there’s always a way to improve and start turning your business into what you want it to be.
Over and over again we see the same mistakes with pet photographers related to their services and the way they’re getting the word out. These mistakes are attracting the wrong people and keeping you from making the money you deserve. So today we’re going to go over 3 mistakes that are keeping you from dream pet photography clients and consistent income.
CONFUSING PRICELISTS
A big mistake keeping you from consistent income is not having your artwork products and packages priced properly. The biggest offenders here come in when you:
Don’t have packages (especially if you’re not confident selling a la carte)
Have too many packages/products
Have packages that aren’t focused on the results you can get a specific type of client
With two many price list options, it’s easy to overwhelm your clients and end up with decision fatigue at your sales sessions. This isn’t an experience that your clients will enjoy - and it won’t help you get the sales you need for your business to thrive. I’m personally a big believer in selling packages (although tune into our Sales RolePlay Expert Panel at the Virtual Pet Photographers Conference to hear about the many different approaches to sales session that successful photographers are using).
For me, packages simplify the sales process, allowing me to help guide the client and design an artwork order that will become a cherished keepsake of their furry family for years to come.
To learn more about business, pricing and sales success, tune into Alex Cearns and Caitlin J McColl's presentation at the Virtual Pet Photographers Conference.
2. MARKETING OVERWHELM
Marketing yourself and getting clients in the door is tough. I used to get my name out there any and every way I possibly could. I was on every social media platform, at every pet event and expo, constantly publishing content, and so much more.
The problem with that is when you're sharing your attention with so many marketing platforms, you can't put enough effort toward what actually works.
When I realised that charitable marketing strategies was where my clients came from - and where my personal strengths and passions lie - I totally dropped everything else. Game changing!
To learn more about bringing in clients the right way, check out the Virtual Pet Photographers Conference presentations from Mark Rossetto, Andrew Hellmich, Marika Moffitt and Nicole Begley
3. CLIENT EXPERIENCE
As a photographer, you should get a large portion of your clients from past clients. When someone has a great experience, they're going to talk about it.
So what does it mean if that's not happening for you? It doesn't mean that your pet photography isn't amazing. It means that you need to create a better experience for the clients that work with you. Give them something to talk about!
Your client experience includes everything from how you onboard new clients, to the actual photoshoot experience, to what happens in the sales room and the delivery of their finished orders. Looking closely at your client experience, from enquiry to delivery, can help you make your business memorable.
To create an experience that past clients can't stop talking about, tune into the conference presentations from Kim Hartz, Kimberly Buccheri and Erin Bonilla
CHOOSE ONE AND TAKE ACTION
Look back at the 3 mistakes we went over, choose the one that is currently affecting you the most, and take action on it!
And for a whole lot more help making your pet photography business more simple and profitable, check out the 2021 Pet Photographers Virtual Conference. We've got over 15 expert speakers lined up and ready to teach you everything from developing your signature style, to creating an amazing client experience.
Some more speakers you might recognize include:
Alicja Zmysłowska
Caitlin Hodges
Craig Turner-Bullock
Cat Race
Charlotte Reeves
...and a whole lot more!
We kick off on the 4th February and this is one event that you can't afford to miss. Click here to learn more or click here to purchase your ticket.
Can't wait to see you there!
Caitlin and Kirstie