How to book more clients in 6 easy steps

Wouldn’t you like to know how to get more clients and more importantly, how to keep them? When starting my business shooting commercial photography in NJ, I needed to take steps to make sure I was attracting new customers as well as keeping repeat customers. It’s a lot less stress if you have systems in place to make sure you are booked out months in advance. 

That sounds great you say! Well here are my top 6 tips to moving forward:

1. Create a smooth client experience

I’m a visual thinker, so I like to take pen to paper to map out this process. Having a smooth client experience could be the very reason a customer returns, and increases the chances of them recommending you to their friends or clients. Try to really think through every step and process that a potential client would go through with you – and make that process seamless.

What a client workflow could look like (this may vary depending on your service)
Query email > Initial quote and information email > Follow up phone-call > Contract and booking formation > Product delivery > Final invoice > Thank you email and feedback request > Future follow up email

Think about the design and wording, so every step looks beautiful. Another tip – a CRM like Honeybook can help tremendously with workflows. You can customize the templates to fit with your branding. For my branding clients, I am using a project management tool called Asana to manage workflows for each of my clients! 

2. Be active in Facebook Groups 

Facebook still has massive pulling power in terms of the community environment in Facebook groups. Facebook pages often suffer from  very little organic traction, but joining some related Facebook groups and being part of the community could be an awesome way to find new clients. 

Join Facebook groups where your relevant type of potential clients for your business might be. If you’re a photographer, you might join small local business owners’ groups, as these are businesses that offer a range of local services that would need photographic services. Be genuine and helpful answering people’s questions. The trick is to not come across as just plugging yourself. Make sure you have your website and business Facebook page linked to your own site. The more genuine and approachable you are, the more likely people will be drawn to you or to recommend you. 

And it’s FREE! 

3. Create unique content 

Sharing free advice and tips, focused around your business, can be one of the best ways to promote what you do. It will not only demonstrate your expertise in your area, but will also be leading them into your site. For example, if you’re a make-up artist, it could be your top tips for a day-time look and how to achieve it. You could create unique photos and videos across your social media, which then lead to a more in-depth blog on your website. This is a clever way to get people on your site, without customers feeling like you’re selling to them. 

4. Get involved on Instagram

Make sure your Instagram and social media platforms link in nicely with your website and branding. Check out my blog on Creating Instagram Content and schedule a photo session with someone who shoots commercial photography in NJ. Read my blog on why you should book a brand photoshoot for your business here. 

It’s not enough just to follow potential clients. Being actively involved on Instagram can be a really easy way to get people active on your own page and for you to appear in their feed. Answer questions, give advice and be kind. It’s simple, if people are looking for help and you’re able to answer them, you’re then able to sincerely offer your services.

5. Work on website SEO

If you haven’t worked on your website SEO (Search Engine Optimization) you are missing out! It might seem complicated but it’s really not once you get a hang of it. Nowadays it’s very easy to find great resources online on how to get started with the basics.

When you use SEO correctly you will show up higher in Google searches which will automatically have more people visit your website. More website visits = bigger chances of getting more clients.

6. Follow up with past and potential clients 

This is where your mapping out from earlier comes in handy. Follow up with past clients by asking them if they need any extra assistance. It might just be the subtle nudge they need to remind them of your service. There will also be the potential clients who inquired with you but never booked. Make sure to follow up and send them an email. 

I hope this was helpful! If you’re in need of commercial photography in NJ for your headshot or brand contact me!