Do you ever wish someone would just give you a business checklist and tell you exactly what you need to focus on in your business each week? Well, I’m doing just that! Grab something to take notes on and let’s dive into your photography business checklist!
I have so much respect for anyone that runs their own business because it takes a lot of work, grit, and dedication. When you are first starting, let’s be honest, you are winging it. However at some point, you need a plan so you can show up and do what is needed to continue to move the needle. Having a plan saves you time & sets you up for a profitable & sustainable business!
Set Your Vision & Goals
Before you can do anything else, you need to have a vision and set goals for your photography business. This is what we are covering this month inside of the Passion to Profit Membership.
Here are some things to consider as you dive deep into your business:
Where do you want your business to go?
What is your vision for 12 months from now?
5-10 years from now?
How do you want to impact the world through your business?
If you missed the last blog, Determine Your Success With This One Thing, I invite you to go read it so you can dig a little deeper in these questions.
#1 – Create & Refine Your Photography Offers
First things first, you need to be creating and refining your offers. This means that each week, month, or quarter, you are creating and refining your packages. Your packages should align with your ideal client and your profit goal number. This can also include increasing your prices, adding bundles, or upselling additional items with your current packages. Ensure you have clarity on who your ideal client is so that you can create amazing offers and packages. You must have something to sell before you can move onto the next.
#2 – Market Your Photography Business
One of the most important steps in your photography business checklist is marketing. Simply said, this is how you are getting in front of your ideal client. Social media, email marketing, local marketing, SEO, and your website are all forms of marketing. Think of marketing as any opportunity you have to get in front of your ideal client.
Marketing your business each week could be as simple as setting aside thirty to forty-five minutes each Sunday evening to plan out your week. For example, you sit down and create three to five posts for social media and one email for the week. Make marketing a priority and put it in your calendar. First decide what you will say (copy), then decide if it’s a reel or carousel, put it together and then schedule it. This is how you get your sales, so don’t skip on marketing weekly.
#3 – Fulfill Client Experience & Delivery
This is you working on anything in your process from the time the client books to the time you deliver their gallery. This includes styling, pulling items from your style closet, communication, editing, all of it! I strongly encourage you to request testimonials from your clients in this process. Eventually you can put these things into your CRM, like Iris Works, so you can spend more time elsewhere in your business.
#4 – Work On Projects
When I say projects I mean you are working on bigger projects like a brand refresh, building a website, implementing a CRM, preparing for an event or styled shoot, etc. A project has a clear start date and finish date. Spend a whole day working on a project or an hour each day.
Are you looking for increased bookings, more profit, & a boost confidence in your photography business? I’m so excited to announce that the Passion to Profit Membership is now open.People come out of the woodworks to sign up for your model calls and free sessions, but are nowhere to be found when it comes to paying sessions. You have the talent, but lack the notable reputation that brings in clients. You’re tired of hearing crickets. You worry that there are already so many photographers in your area, how could there be room for you too. Come Turn Your Photography Passion into a Fully Booked Calendar inside of the Passion to Profit Membership. Get access to a supportive community of photographers like you, monthly trainings you can implement to see growth in your business, and receive personalized coaching from me. For all of the details, head to brookejefferson.com/join
#5 – Admin Work
Admin work is all of the backend things. This can include things like bookkeeping, calendar planning, emailing, communication with leads, paying bills, taxes, etc. These are the things that make your business tick, but also require time in your schedule. Be sure you are scheduling time each week or multiple days of the week.
Complete Your Photography Business Checklist
You may not be able to hit all of these things in one week, but they all need to happen on a consistent basis. Notice it’s A LOT of work. You can’t show up and just wing it. You need a plan, you need organization, you need systems, and you may even need to hire an assistant, or join the membership for more guidance.
