Have you ever wondered, ‘how do I attract clients that will pay my prices?’ We’ve all been there. The thought of raising your prices can bring to the surface so many questions and feelings of doubt. Those feelings are normal. I want you to know that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away, but you do need to know the steps to take to reach your goal. So that’s why today I want to equip you with three ways to help you attract high quality photography clients who actually want to pay your prices.

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Tip #1: Understand Who You’re Talking To

Tip number one, is to understand that you are not speaking to everyone. Not everyone will be your ideal client. So often we are watching what’s online, and on social media platforms, and we are thinking that when we post, everyone should come running. And honestly, that’s really not the case. And so, what I want to help you get clear on is understanding: who is your target market, and who are you trying to speak to?

Here’s a little insight on what I’m referring to when I say: who is your target market? I’m not saying this because I want you to map this out, or create an avatar for this person, with what she likes to eat and how old she is, etc. That’s not what I’m asking you to do. That’s a very outdated practice of having a niche, and while I’ve taught about having a niche before, it wasn’t focused on the demographics.

The reason I’m having you do this exercise is because, when you know who you’re trying to attract and understand their values, what moves them to make decisions, what they want in life, and what their pain points are – then you’re able to know what type of content to create. This will help you know what to say when you post on social media or when you’re considering what type of local businesses you need to collaborate with to get your business in front of high quality photography clients, etc.

Define Your Ideal Clients

Knowing who you want to work with, and who you’re trying to book, is key. So, when I say ‘who’s your ideal client?’ I’m asking you practically, who is it that you want to work with? Because, we all have someone very different in mind. We all have our own definition of high quality photography clients. Now, let’s keep in mind that this is not a ‘cookie cutter’ thing, meaning, you’re not creating this ideal client and then saying anyone who doesn’t fit that ‘mold’ doesn’t get to work with you. That’s not how this works. But, you have to have an ideal picture of who you want to work with.

Make Them Say: “Yes! This is the Photographer for Me!”

For example, if you are a birth photographer, and you’re really into storytelling at home births or birthing centers outside of a hospital, you’re going to be speaking to that type of clientele. So, you’ll be asking yourself: who is going to the birthing centers, hiring the doulas, wanting a non medicated birth? That’s a whole different content creation than the woman who is trying to hire somebody to come to the hospital to take photos of a fresh 48-hour newborn.

Now, of course the people you’ll actually be photographing at these sessions and events are going to be different. We are all very different people with different ethnicities, backgrounds, values, all those things. What I’m asking you to do is get a general sense for who it is you want to work with, so that you know what type of content to create, and what type of packages or services to offer that person that’s going to make them say: “Yes! This is the photographer for me!”

Action Step Homework:

Homework for step one, is to write down:

I’m not speaking to everyone, I am speaking to ______ (and fill in the blank with who you are wanting to book your services, and what services they are booking).

Tip #2: Be Confident in What You Offer

Tip number two is, you have to be confident in what you are offering. Confident in your pricing, confident in your packages, confident in the way you show up and interact with clients. And how do you get more confident? By showing up and taking action! For example showing up at sessions and investing in yourself, your education, and business skills. Surround yourself with a community of photographers who will push you and encourage you.

Confidence Comes Through Taking Action

There’s no pill, no mantra, no easy button. Confidence comes through taking action. And remember to double-check your mindset. Show up as if you’ve already gotten a YES and you’re already hitting your booking goal. Take off the burden of fear and insecurity, and put on confidence! Remember, this is what you’re called to do, so keep moving forward and keep showing up with confidence.

Tip #3: Know How to Market Your Offers to Your Ideal Clients

The third tip, on how to attract photography clients who want to pay your prices, is that you need to know what you’re doing when it comes to marketing. Now, I know that the idea of marketing can make you want to go hide under a blanket or run for the hills – especially when you’re an artist first and a business-minded person second. I get it! That’s why I created this business. It’s why I coach and why I created the blueprint, because I want to equip you in knowing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing in your business to hit your goals. And that looks different for every photographer. 

Some photographers are looking to book five ideal clients a month, whereas others are looking to hit $5,000 a month and learn how to hit those goals without sessions being their only revenue stream, which is what we talk about in all these different containers. So, I understand that marketing can be overwhelming, but the good news is that I have solutions for you!

Now, there’s tons of free marketing content on my blog and podcast, all you have to do is search for it, and you could decide to figure it all out and cookie cutter piece all those golden nuggets together on your own. Or, we can shortcut those solutions to help you reach your goals faster!

One of the ways I help you do this is through my marketing audits where I take a deep dive look at your social media, your website’s pricing, and nail down your ideal client. I also give you some copy to use on your website and blogs along with blog and SEO training. You’ll walk away 100% confident in your pricing, packages, and your messaging. If interested, you can email me at brooke@brookejefferson.com . 

Follow These Tips to Attract Ideal Clients in Your Photography Business

Follow these tips to help you attract more ideal clients into your business. First and foremost understand who you are talking to and trying to attract. Be confident in what you have to offer including your services and pricing. Finally, know how to market your services!