Hey there, BP4U-ers! We’ve got some exciting new products coming your way that we are beyond thrilled about. One of those products is a brand new mini session guide, a comprehensive manual that teaches you how to successfully plan, schedule and set up a fabulous mini session. We’re talking outstanding mini sessions — the kind that earn you major respect from fellow photogs and, most importantly, book you more clients. We are so. pumped.
The guide is a collaboration between BP4U’s own Brooke Bustillos — a savvy business entrepreneur and truly talented photographer — and Nicole Speer, a well-respected family photographer who’s got a remarkable, one-of-a-kind sense of style.
To celebrate the upcoming mini session eBook launch, we’re giving you a sneak peak into the guide itself. Straight from the mouths of Nicole and Brooke, here’s information how to increase business when it comes to marketing mini sessions!
Four Great Ways to Market Your Mini Session
Offer a Mini Session VIP Program
Brooke says that a great way to help you bring in more income faster is to offer a “Mini Session VIP Program.” It’s basically the same idea as offering a “newborn milestone package” where you offer X amount of sessions for a discounted, bundled price. Only instead of newborn pictures, clients get a series of mini sessions and opting into the program gives them that “VIP” badge. People love feeling like they’re getting a good deal, so offering them VIP perks is a great way to secure bookings while making clients happy. Brooke goes into a ton of detail in the guide about how to really incite people to opt into your Mini Session VIP Program. For example, you can make sure those in the VIP program get first dibs on session times, or perhaps you can offer them an additional product or give them priority when it comes to the editing queue.
Shoot Sneak Peeks Before The Session Happens
Sounds strange, but hear us out! “Sure, you can throw some photos on a marketing template from the last round of Valentine’s Day minis you shot last year, but unless your set up is going to be the exact same, that’s not going to be helpful,” said Nicole. “I like to do a mock session where I typically use my 3-year-old and a friend’s kiddo showing the exact set up that my clients will get when they book. Clients love it. When clients are happy, they book. And then I’m happy.
Start a Well-Oiled Rep Program
Photographers who specialize in senior portraits aren’t the only ones who can partake in representative programs! Any photographer should put a rep program in place, including those who do mini sessions. Brooke talks about how to find the perfect reps in the guide, which is the first step in setting up a successful rep program. For example, you want someone who’s involved in the community and has a style you love. She also goes into great detail about how to make your rep program really work for you so that, ultimately, your reps end up booking you clients while you step away from the intense marketing and focus on what you love: taking pictures.
Take to Social Media
This one’s an obvious one, but we have to include it because it’s incredibly important. In today’s day and age, social media is a must when it comes to generating business. “I typically make cute graphics for Facebook and post them constantly,” says Nicole. You can make your own graphics with previous mini session or regular session photographs. BP4U is also a great resource for marketing supplies. Check out our popular “Mini Session Marketing Bundle” and other mini session marketing materials.