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Question from Kara: “I just opened up my first in town studio- I have advertised, marketed, and plain run it by myself. However, I’m not getting the consistent clientele in the door that I want. I would love to be strictly newborn photographer, I’ve tried everything I can think of, research and what people have told me- minus making a pest of my self. How wold you get your self to that consistency, not to swamped, but not too slow that you can’t pay rent?”
Heather: Listening to suggestions also!
Allison: go to your local hospital and ask to be official newborn photographer and then offer special follow special in studio.
Julie: Since it sounds like you may have tried a lot…This isn’t exactly concrete specifics, but HANG IN THERE and keep in mind that sometimes you are doing all the right things, but have to give it time to take effect. A lot of sales is a numbers game. The more you consistently put your name out there, the more will walk through your doors. Don’t give up, and (easier said than done) maintain your confidence, energy, and smile.
Tim: How was your business before opening up the studio?
Kimberly: I honestly wouldn’t go see a photographer if they “only” did newborn. If I were pregnant, I would want a maternity session. After the newborn session, I would want monthly and then as they get older. Sometimes, like a doctor, people will stick with someone they trust and give them all of their business. It’s just a thought.
Carla: very true!! i find that from weddings, i then get family shoots if they are an established family already, or once they get prgent they use you for mat pics then they do the mat and baby package…..if you box yourself into a box….well your stuck in a box!!!..promotions, mini sessions, contest…..i live in a small town so i have business carsd and photos that i print up and put all around town on bullenten boards and just in diffenrt places, coffee shops ect and it gets noticed that way too, dont forget about good old word of mouth..offer clients a discount on next session if they suggest you to somebody and they use you…marketing the frst while is hard and drainng but eventaully hopefully it will besomething that isnt so time consuming
Kelli: Do expos! Great exposure and a way to spread your name further then your town. Do client referral programs.
Sonya: Network with other businesses,find baby shops,doulas,midwifes,moms groups,advertise a monthly special,advertise in local paper,kids and babies markets
Dana: Offer a newborn session in your studio. First 8×10 free. Packages offered.
Dave: You have lots of options. Make deals with the local version of Babies-R-Us, consignment shops, and other child-related shops in your town. Host in-store shoots info sessions (scrapbooking, framing, other photo products). Try hosting an afternoon tea and maternity shoot for expecting mothers. (you can even do this at a customer’s home like other “party” based businesses). Be sure to always give an incentive for them to come back for the next stage. Now the bad news: Unless you live in a big city, the newborn business might not be big enough to support you. You will probably have to open up at least to kids through preschool. Also, homeschool student portraits are a desperately underserved market.
Cher: Kara as others have suggested, maybe widen your range & put you specialise in Newborn…as for Dave’s idea on home party plan type shoots, how about doing a shoot of the Baby Shower Parties? Have an album focusing your Newborn shots & another of all your work to show everyone how diverse you can be 🙂 Also, remember in hard times keep your prices reasonable too 🙂 x
Kanyon: I am to starting out doing photography on the side. I want to know what is a reasonable price for sessions & time spent with them out of the studio (such as the beach)?
Kendra: Offer services to local kids dental offices, clothing stores and pediatricians offices for wall space. Lots of companies will work with you for free services!
Carolins’ Photography: try working with a daycare or private school to offer sessions with a portion going to them as a fundraiser. This gets your name out there and gives them an opportunity to fundraise.
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