Have you been trying to build a photography business but feel like you might be missing something? Today we’ll be diving into all 7 of these steps to building a profitable photography business. These steps don’t necessarily need to be done in order. You just want to be sure all of these are covered within your business.
And I’ll be covering these a bit more in depth in my Business Building Bootcamp from May 1st to May 3rd 11am CST. This will take place in a private Facebook group and I would love it f you would join us. Let’s dive right into these 7 steps to building a profitable photography business.
Step #1: Define Your Niche
I know everything in your body is trying to get you to believe the opposite. That if you niche down you won’t have enough clients. That could not be further from the truth. If you go all in and become an expert at something it will help you build a profitable photography business. It will keep you top of mind and help you understand who your ideal client is. And you can dive into more of this in this post Photography Niche: Define Yours In 3 Steps.
Step #2: Create A Compelling Brand
You may feel you’re in a saturated market so it’s so important to figure out how to set yourself apart. You must understand the importance of creating a strong brand that will resonate with your ideal client. How do you do that? Ask yourself what audience are you talking to? How do you want your clients to feel? What do you want your brand to represent? What impact do you want to have on the world not just behind a camera?
Step #3: Establish A Strong Online Presence For A Profitable Photography Business
Because of the world we live in it’s basically non-negotiable. You must have some type of online presence. Whenever anyone is looking for anything these days they hop online to search so don’t leave money on the table. It’s not always fun but it’s very important. By having a compelling brand and website you’re going to be able to speak to your ideal client online and that’s how you’ll attract new clientele.
Step #4: Price Your Services Strategically
This is probably the biggest one because you want to be sure to price yourself so you’re making a profit. Are you charging your cost of doing business? Have you looked at that and thought those numbers were too scary? So you think no, I’m fine charging what I’m charging. Or you’re just not confident enough to raise your prices and start charging what you need to. The problem is you’ll never make a profit or hit your goals if you stay in your comfort zone. So you want to be sure to price yourself so you’re making a profit but also in a way that you’re speaking to your ideal client and truly showing them the value of your services.
Step #5: Develop A Marketing Strategy
You want to be sure you’re getting the most eyeballs on your business. Remember though, with a marketing strategy there is no one size fits all. I teach a lot of different strategies but I’m very strict. I’ll take your hand and tell you please only do two or three strategies, master them, and commit to them for so many months before you move on. It’s important to understand that there’s a strategy to figuring out what marketing strategies to follow. Make sure that no matter what you’re doing it’s targeting your ideal client and really communicating the value of your services.
Step #6: Deliver Exceptional Customer Service And Create A Compelling Client Experience
Most people who join my Blueprint Program think they have this area covered. Then they go through the program and realize that they never really did. What’s so important about having a client experience and great customer service in place is that this is what’s going to create your raving fans. This is what sets you up to be a go to photographer. You’ll have that repeat business and referrals pouring in.
Step #7: To Maintain A Profitable Photography Business Remember That You Have Never Fully Arrived
It doesn’t matter where you’re at, you need to continuously improve your skills. You can always improve your skills, mindset, the tools you have. It’s so important to continue to perfect your craft and work on business skills not just photography skills. Continue to stay up on industry trends, invest in your education, and develop your craft. Maybe it’s time to stop duct taping your business together and put a framework in place that will help you build a profitable photography business. Maybe this is your sign to join the Blueprint Program or attend a workshop or invest in an editing mentorship. For some of you this is how you’re going to get better. So always be dedicated to continuing to improve your skills.
Summarizing These 7 Non-Negotiable Steps To A Profitable Photography Business
Just as a recap for you here are the 7 steps we went through today.
- Define your niche.
- Create a compelling brand.
- Establish a strong online presence.
- Price your services strategically and profitably.
- Develop a marketing strategy.
- Deliver exceptional customer service and client experience.
- Continuously improve your skills.
I hope you found so much value in this. Please join me for my upcoming Business Bootcamp: 3 Days To A More Profitable Photography Business happening May 1-3 at 11am CST.
