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16 Ways to Step-Up Your Client Experience for FREE: A Guide for New Photographers
November 5, 2023
If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know how much I preach the importance of creating a thoughtful and elevated client experience. I think sometimes people assume that an elevated client experience requires money, and it really doesn’t have to.
This little post will give you ideas to help you create an exceptional client experience that will not only make your clients feel valued and comfortable but also help you attract the right kind of clients. All while not spending a penny!!
*In my best Taylor Swift Voice* “Are you ready for it??”
First Impressions
Your first interactions set the tone for the rest of your relationship with your client. Make sure they are warm and make your client feel comfortable.
Active Listening
Take the time to listen to your client’s ideas and thoughts for their session. Ask questions to get to know them more. This will help you understand their vision and serve them better.
Prompt Responses
Respect your client’s time by getting back to them promptly. This makes them feel valued and important.
Client Onboarding
Establish a smooth onboarding process to welcome new clients. A well-structured onboarding process makes new clients feel comfortable and sets clear expectations right from the start.
Communication
Keep your clients in the loop about the process, expectations, and timelines. Using client guides can make communication easier and more effective.
Be Transparent
Ensure your client understands what to expect, especially your pricing/packages, and any additional costs. Transparency builds trust and prevents misunderstandings down the line.
Send a Questionnaire
A client questionnaire can help you understand your client’s vision for their session better. Try to include a couple of fun questions to make it engaging for them.
Personalized Branding
Create branding that feels true to you. Be genuine and authentic. This will help the right kind of clients find you and connect with your brand on a deeper level.
Client Guides
Make it easy for you and your client by providing resources that prep your clients for their session. Guides can include details about what to expect, how to prepare, what to bring, etc.
Styling Tips
Offer tips or style guides to help your clients look and feel their best for their session. This can include advice on clothing, makeup, accessories, etc.
Say Hello
Schedule a call or video consultation to build rapport and discuss their vision. This adds a personal touch and gives you a chance to address any questions or concerns they might have.
Positivity and Patience
Having patience and a positive attitude can go a long way in creating a pleasant session experience for everyone involved.
Inclusive Approach
Always be inclusive and sensitive to diverse family structures and dynamics. This will help you create a safe and welcoming environment for all your clients.
Location Scouting
Explore different spots that might be good session locations. Taking a friend or your family along can make location scouting a fun adventure.
Thank-You Notes
Send a thoughtful email or handwritten thank-you note after delivering their images and products. This small gesture can make your clients feel appreciated and valued.
Follow-Up
Follow up with your clients after the session. You can send follow-up emails or surveys to gather feedback and make sure they are happy with their experience. This also gives you a chance to improve and grow as a professional.
Bonus Tip: How to Get Client Gifts for (ALMOST) Free
Find a local small business that offers something you can give to your clients as a welcome/thank you gift. See if the small business or owner would be willing to do a trade. You can offer them a limited number of branding photos or offer the owner a family session or two throughout the year in exchange for the client’s gifts. Love this idea because you can support and promote a local small business, spoil your client, and make yourself look pretty awesome. Everybody wins with this deal.
Hey Friends, I’m Becci, Owner of Becci Ravera Creative
I’m a Cali girl with a touch of Southern roots, currently falling in love with Oregon. I’ve been known to wildly chase dreams, especially the “crazy ones” … Ask me about that time I made my family travel the US in an RV for almost 3 years!
After a decade of running a successful photography business, even while traveling full-time, I realized, almost by accident, that my real love is helping other small biz owners navigate through the usual hang-ups that come with running a business. From custom branding + web design to business organization + marketing, I am with you every step of the way. Helping others with their dreams is my love language (well, that and chips), so what dreams are you holding out on? ‘Cause I’m ready to show you how you can make them a reality!
