FINDING IDEAL CLIENTS

FINDING IDEAL CLIENTS

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Brittni Schroeder Coaching

FINDING IDEAL CLIENTS

FINDING IDEAL CLIENTS

 

Businesses begin with a great idea or an innovative product.  Although we believe in our service and/or products, the key to success is determined by effective marketing.  In order to create a strong marketing strategy, you must know exactly who you are marketing to. You have to learn and understand the importance of finding ideal clients.

 

When choosing your target audience, the smaller your market the more success you will find.  It seems counterintuitive, but it is true.  If you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one.  There are so many services and products in the world.  People are bombarded with choices. When presented with too many options, people get stuck.  They don’t know what to pick, so they pick nothing.  I call this paralysis by analysis.

 

By narrowing your audience and appealing to a niche, you become a SOMETHING or SOMEONE that people want to choose.  You are different from all the others. You are the expert.

 

As you narrow your target audience, remember that your service and/or product won’t appeal to everyone. Don’t let this stop you.  You don’t want to appeal to everyone.  You want to find people who have specific interests or unique needs. 

 

It’s a fallacy to think that by doing this, you’ll stunt your growth and have only a small number of clients—that there aren’t that many people interested in what you are offering.  Remember that the power of your service or product is not in the quantity, but in the quality and the value or experience, you offer.

 

When customers experience your service or product, their experience will be unique and different.  You will then start to create a sense of community with your customers.  They will spread the word to others with similar interests.  This kind of business can’t be found in a big company.  It’s something only individuals can provide.  It is the kind of experience so many are seeking today.

 

When you are trying to identify your ideal client, look for someone who not only wants your product or service but someone who values its worth and is willing to invest.

As you work towards understanding and identifying your ideal client I want you to think of the 3 Ps:

 

PLACES

Where is your target client hanging out?  Where do they spend their time?  Do they spend their time at the dance studio or are they at the gym?  Are they a part of Facebook groups or book clubs?  Are they volunteering at their kid’s school or traveling to a third world country? By understanding where they go and the things they do, you will begin to better understand your clients.

 

PEOPLE

Who are your clients spending time with?  Who are their influencers and friends?  What podcasts do they listen to?  Whose blogs do they read? Do they follow fashion bloggers or fitness accounts?  Learning who they surround themselves with will give you an insight into their wants and needs.

PRODUCTS

What kinds of products and services do they buy?  Are they into makeup or workout clothes?  Do they drive a minivan or a BMW? Are they purchasing camera gear or software programs? The more you know about your ideal client the more value you will be able to offer.

 

In order to understand who your ideal client is, you have learned all there is to know about them.  Try creating an ideal client avatar. This made up avatar will represent your ideal client.  Give your avatar a name, hair and eye color and age. Do they go to school?  What car do they drive?  Where do they eat?  Where do they shop?  You need to know anything and everything about them.

 

 

After you have created your avatar, everything you do and say within your business relates to or benefits them. Your social media posts, the events you attend, the promotions you offer are all intended to benefit or help your avatar.  The more you understand about who you are marketing to, the more successful you will be when it comes to selling and promoting your offerings. Once you know who you are marketing to, you will understand the process of finding your ideal client.

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

Brittni Schroeder Coaching

How To Have a Successful
Branding Photoshoot

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

Before you hire a photographer, you need to have a clear branding strategy. You want to have a plan. Understanding the look, feel, and content that supports your brand will ensure you get what you need in your photo session. The more details and specifics you have prepared, the more likely you will be happy with your photographs.

People are not loyal to logos. They are loyal to people.  Entrepreneurs trying to sell to clients must create a feeling of trust and loyalty. Essentially, you are selling yourself.  Entrepreneurs often struggle posting pictures of themselves, but this is essential so you can connect with your potential clients. If you want to build a solid brand, you need to show up. Branding photos are key.  I am going to tell you what to expect and how to have a successful branding photoshoot.

 

FIND THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

Find an experienced photographer whose aesthetic is cohesive with your brand.  If your ideal client is a straightforward executive and you want your brand to reflect that, you might look for a photographer who specializes in portrait photography. If your ideal client is a creative who is also a stay-at-home mom with a more carefree lifestyle, you would want to look for more of a lifestyle photographer who  specializes in candid or behind-the-scenes style of photography.  

 

Search for photographers who have a similar aesthetic to your brand. Look at their reviews on Facebook and Google.  Most photographers put their best images on their website, but look through their blog to get an idea of what a full session might look like. 

 

Try to meet with your photographer in person or via FaceTime before your session so you can start to build a relationship and feel comfortable around each other.  You can learn a lot about your photographer through communication. Make note of their turnover time and level of professionalism. You want to make sure you find a photographer that you can connect with, but also depend on to deliver exactly what you want. 

 

INSPIRATION BOARD

Create an Inspiration Board.  I like to do this on Pinterest. Pin outfits, locations, poses, accessories, props and anything else that is related to your brand. Share your board with your photographer to ensure you are on the same page.

 

STYLING YOUR SHOOT

Your outfits don’t need to match all your branding colors, but you want them to be cohesive with them.  For example, if your colors are all natural tones, don’t come to the shoot in a neon pink blazer. Be mindful of how the images will look on your website or social media with your branding colors. 

Pick outfits that fit with your location. If you are shooting outdoors in a grassy field, you won’t want to wear high heels.  Decide what types of clothing will look best with your location. 

 

Choose outfits that are flattering to your body type. Remember, just because you look good in something doesn’t mean it will necessarily photograph well. If you are self-conscious of certain parts of your body, try to cover them or make them less obvious. Avoid clothing that is too tight or ill fitting. 

 

Prepare several different looks to maximize the time you have with your photographer. Take a picture in each outfit beforehand and send it to your photographer for feedback. She might suggest adding an accessory or altering the look in some way. Consider the different seasons. If you are shooting at an indoor location you are able to wear a variety of clothing for different seasons. You don’t have the same flexibility with outdoor shoots. 

 

USING PROPS

Bring props that are relevant to your brand. Keep in mind different shots you will need for the type of content you release. If you are a writer, you might think of bringing your laptop, a notebook/journal or glasses.  Other props might be iPhone, coffee cup, magazines, food, etc.  Ask your photographer to help you create some flatlay options to add to your image library. 

LOCATIONS

Decide what type of location fits your look or vice versa.  Make sure to dress appropriately for your location.  If you want to shoot at a public location, let your photographer know ahead of time so she can research to see if photographers are allowed to shoot there or permits are required. If you are shooting outdoors, have a backup location in mind for inclement weather. 

 

Your photographer might have some suggestions for locations as well.  If you want more than one location, discuss with your photographer so she/he can plan accordingly. Your photographer will want to get optimal lighting at every location so let them know the locations ahead of time. Communicate with your photographer as much as possible on all the details. 

 

SHOT LISTS

Have a shot list prepared. Your photographer might have a different vision than you so you will want to make sure you’re on the same page.  Take the time to screenshot poses and shots that you like.  Have a list of shots in your phone or written down. Give this to your photographer.  Your photographer will appreciate this because she will know exactly what you are looking for. 

 

TURNOVER

Be sure to ask ahead of time how long it will take to get your photos back. Be respectful of your photographer. If her turnover time states on her website 2-3 weeks, don’t tell her you have a deadline and demand them in one week.  Editing images can take anywhere from 3-6 hours and more than likely you are not her only client.   


PHOTO RELEASE

Ask for a photo release. Depending on the contract, the photographer  typically owns the rights to the images, but can provide clients with a photo release—giving them permission to make copies. If you decide to print the images, certain labs require a photo release. 

It is important to have great professional pictures of yourself to solidify your brand. Showing up on your social media is how you build relationships with your audience. You want them to feel connected to you and showing your face is the best way to do that. Now you know how to have a successful branding photoshoot. I hope this was helpful for you as you plan your own branded photoshoot! 

Feel free to reach out to me anytime for support or to help you walk through planning for your own photoshoot!

 

HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

Brittni Schroeder Coaching

HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

 

Pricing can be a tricky topic. As entrepreneurs, we tend to both highly value and undervalue our work simultaneously.  We know the time and financial sacrifice it took to hone our craft and establish a business, yet we struggle with recognizing our value and having the confidence to follow through with pricing that reflects that value.  You need to learn how to price yourself as a photographer.

The first step in a successful pricing strategy is to set a financial goal.  How much do you want or need to make annually? The rest is simple math. Once you determine your annual income goal, decide how often you want to work.
 

Example 1: I want to work with one client a week and take off seven weeks a year. That would mean working with 45 clients a year.  If my annual income goal is $45,000, I need to charge $1000 per client.

$45,000/45 = $1000


Example 2
: I want to work with four clients a week and take seven weeks off a year. That would mean working with 180 clients a year (or 45 a month).  If my annual income goal is $150,000, I need to charge around $835 per client.

$150,000/180 = $835


As you play around with the formula, you may realize you want to charge more and work less. Once you have finalized your number and come up with the amount you need to charge each client to reach your goal, you have just determined the price of your minimum package. 

WEBSITE PRICING

There are conflicting opinions on whether to display your pricing on your website. Your industry may help you determine which route is best. When I was primarily a photographer, my website clearly stated that my packages started at $750. This transparency attracted ideal clients and repelled those turned off by the price.  Once a client inquired about booking a session, I sent them my magazine. I talked about my work, what to wear, what to expect, etc. I then revealed my full pricing close to the end.  I wanted them to be sold on my process and understand my value before they looked at the detailed prices.  

 

In my coaching business I don’t list my pricing or packages online. I do a consult with each client. I explore their needs and underscore the value of what I am offering.  At the end of the call, I tell them what it costs to work with me. 

 

The goal is to sell your clients on your service or product first. You want them to decide that they want to use you long before they see your prices. Then they will figure out a way to pay what you are worth because they value what you offer. These are your ideal clients.

 

CREATING PACKAGES

Clients prefer packages over hourly pricing.  Entrepreneurship requires flexibility. One hour may turn into five hours and you don’t want to chase down money from your clients or leave clients annoyed because they have to pay more than anticipated. Package pricing implies expertise—that you are not just about the money but about providing top notch service regardless of time spent.  Sometimes it is necessary to charge an hourly rate for events, but try to pair your hourly rate with products and services to ensure your client feels like they are getting a great value.
 

When creating package pricing, you want to start by listing out everything your ideal client needs. 

Consider the following:

 

Does your client need help trying to figure out what to wear?

 

How long will it take to do a session?

 

How much time will it take to edit their session?

 

How long will it take for their ordering session, packaging orders, and delivery?

 

What is the cost of products?

 

Look at everything your ideal client could possibly need or ask for during a project and bundle it together (within reason) into a complete package. Don’t nickel and dime your clients. Remember to always under-promise and over-deliver.  A good rule of thumb is if it is going to take less than 30 minutes of your time, do it. If it is going to cost you less than $20, do it. 

 

What to Include in Your Packages?

Have you heard of paralysis by analysis? When we are given too many choices we become paralyzed and don’t know what to choose and so end up choosing nothing. Give your clients 3-4 different package options.  Pick 2-3 high end products that you want to sell and put them in your packages.  Remember that you can always include an à la carte option in your pricing.

Pinpoint your bestselling products and put those in your top and middle-priced packages. My two highest selling products were digital images and albums. Those two products are not in my lowest package.

To simplify, price all your prints at the same price. For example, 8×10 or smaller is considered a gift print. Include 5 gift prints in your all your packages.  They will pay the same for an 8×10 as they do a 4×6. This will also help push them towards purchasing the digitals so they can print their own images. 

Price your highest package at a ridiculous amount. This does two things. It makes for a really awesome day when someone ends up purchasing that collection, but it also pushes clients toward your middle package. 

 

Security Deposit/Sitting Fee

A security deposit is just that—security. It secures that spot for your client, and also gives you a guaranteed amount made before you even begin. Having a larger security deposit serves a few purposes.  First, it will help you attract your ideal client. Asking for a larger amount upfront ensures that your client can afford to pay for your services and also when it comes time to order they have idea what to expect. Secondly, if part of the security deposit goes towards their order they will be willing to spend more money because they won’t have to come up with as much at their ordering session.  Lastly, if on occasion if you have someone who doesn’t show up or doesn’t place an order, you are not out the time you spent working with them. Years ago I raised my security deposit. I worried I would lose business, but I didn’t and it has been one of the best things I have done. 

 

How to Price Products

When pricing high-end products ($100 or more), I suggest charging at least three times what you pay out of pocket. The reason? On occasion a client might not double check the file name or there may be a picture that needs a touch-up edit and you will have to reorder. I am not saying IF this happens, I am saying WHEN it happens, because it will. You do not want to go into the negative when you have to replace a product. Charging three times the base product cost ensures you will still make a profit even if you have to reprint. 

DIGITALS

If you sell digitals—and you can assume most photographers do—refrain from selling individual files. Sell all the digitals or none. Selling individual files or even 5, 10, or 20 will bring your sells down drastically. Most clients will want the digitals. If you give them options, clients will narrow down their five favorites and convince themselves they don’t need the rest of the images. Remember: once you give the digitals, clients can print on demand and won’t buy prints or products because they know they can them cheaper elsewhere, regardless of the quality. Your digitals should be your highest product listed. Price them extremely high to push them towards buying a package that includes more products.

 

VERBIAGE

Use phrases such as “most popular” or “biggest savings” to entice your clients to buy your higher collections. You want your clients to know that you are saving them money. Figure out what the package would cost if they bought everything à la carte and let them know what they will save. Let your clients know what others are purchasing and why. Clients like to be told what to do or what is popular. This is one less choice they have to make. We often reason that if so many others are doing it, it must be the best decision.

 

À La Carte

Assign high prices to everything in your à la carte. This will push your clients towards your packages and get them to spend more. Your clients will realize they get more for their money when they purchase a package and in turn that will increase your sales. 

Pricing can often be one of our biggest points of confusion.  We know we are worth more, but don’t have the confidence to charge that amount. Do the math first and then work on your mindset. Once you have learned those tools you will know how to price yourself as a photographer. Learn to understand and embrace your value, because if you don’t value your time and work, your clients won’t either. 

 

HOW TO BACK UP YOUR IMAGES

How To Back Up Your Images. A good rule of thumb is to back up your images on three different platforms. This is important not only for your clients, but also for yourself.

Brittni Schroeder Coaching

HOW TO BACK UP YOUR IMAGES

HOW TO BACK UP YOUR IMAGES

I lost all of my images! 

 

Have you ever screamed that out in terror during the middle of an editing session? It only takes ONE time to lose images to make you realize you NEED to back up your images. We all have heard the horror stories of laptops crashing, external hard drives not working or corrupted SD cards. It gives me anxiety just thinking about it.  Being proactive about backing up your images will prevent a mountain of avoidable stress.

 

A good rule of thumb is to back up your images on three different platforms. This is important not only for your clients, but also for yourself. There will be times when your clients will lose the images you sent them or when the links to their galleries won’t work. It’s crucial to always be prepared. Being reliable and dependable are indispensable qualities when it comes to the success of your business.

 

HOW, WHERE, AND WHEN TO BACK UP

Regardless of your industry, imagery is central to promoting our businesses. Whether you are backing up images from your DSLR Camera or your phone, it is important to implement a back-up system. 

 

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

I use the 3TB My Passport Ultra External Hard Drive to store my images. I create a folder in My Passport (or any external hard drive) and then import my images in Lightroom. The images live on my hard drive, but I am still able to edit them in Lightroom and Photoshop. Once the images are edited, I export them as JPG’s and store them on a separate hard drive. Using an external hard drive has more than one benefit. Storing your images on an external hard drive frees up space on your computer, keeping it uncluttered and able to process faster.  

 

TIME MACHINE

If you are a MAC user, you can use Time Machine. You will need an external hard drive that is at least the same size as your Mac’s internal drive. Turn on Time Machine and select the backup destination. It will back up your entire Mac, including system files, apps, music, photos, emails, and documents. It automatically backs up your Mac and performs hourly, daily, and weekly backups of your files. 

 

ONLINE STORE SERVICE

There are several online storage platforms available. I use Amazon Photo for my iPhone and Backblaze for my desktop and laptop. These programs can be installed and programed to automatically backup every time you open your devices. Other online options are Google Drive, DropBox, and iCloud. Most online services offer free versions to back up your photos, although it’s generally just a small amount of storage space. Storing images online ensures that your images will be safe in the event that your house is robbed or a hurricane strikes. 

 

MEMORY CARDS

This may be an extreme measure, but it only took me one time of losing images to become overly cautious. I have several SD cards that I use. I have made it a habit to only format my cards after all images have been backed up on three different platforms.  It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Hopefully you’ll never need to use a backup platform, but these are good resources to have in case! And, believe me, your clients will love you for it!