5 Ways I am Improving My Business in 2023
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Running a small business means you are in charge of ALL. OF. THE. THINGS.
I have been on autopilot in a lot of ways since 2020. I was finally feeling up to the task of updating my website, blog, forms, and contracts.
The most important update was making my workflow forms and website wording inclusive. The bridal party became a wedding party. The ‘bride and groom’ were subbed out for ‘couple’ or ‘partner’. I’ll be honest, I have not photographed a same-sex wedding so you won’t find representation on my website. But I sure can make ANYONE looking for a photographer to feel welcome with the wording I chose.
Setting up automation for booking. I finally took some time to automate my mini-sessions. WOW. I wish I had done this sooner. I used to have clients’ email be their top 2 session times, then I’d try to update everyone on available times on Facebook, and then I would invoice them. Now, I have a link for each mini-session that shows available times and click click boom- spot reserved. It’s magic and such a time saver. Next up, is setting up a workflow for wedding and portrait clients since it’s the same steps every time.
Blogging again! Not just galleries of weddings but helpful information. Even if one person finds it helpful that is all I could hope for.
Continuing My Education. I started taking courses in posed newborn photography. This is the style where you pose or lay the baby with props and backdrops. I currently do not offer this type of session because I would need a studio space to house all of the props! I also didn’t feel comfortable with this style of photography earlier in my career. But now that I have two kids, I feel more prepared to work with new little souls. It has been really fun to learn a new skill.
Listening to Business Podcasts. I know this is old news for some of you but I wasn’t really into podcasts. Probably because I hadn’t found one that I really enjoyed. A few years back, two local photographers started a podcast and I loved tuning in every week. That started the train for me. Currently, I love the Oh Shoot Podcast for photographers. I also get a huge laugh listening to Heather on the Reception to Follow Podcast. I have gotten so many good tips for social media, websites, customer relations, and setting boundaries from podcasts.