Disclaimer, this post is for the photographers out there, but creative business owners can definitely get something out of it as well! In 2013, I bought my first camera. By 2014, I photographed my first family session. I was a wedding photographer trying to figure out how to transition to boudoir photographer in 2015. But in 2016, I had my first 6 figure year as a boudoir photographer. You can see I was most definitely not an overnight success.
On the flip side, I learned a whole lot about what NOT to do on your journey to a six figure boudoir photography business.
Success in general is rare, but especially overnight success. It takes determination with a side of education, and I’ve invested in both, which is what got me where I am today. All that being said though, I want to give you three ways you can speed up your success as a boudoir photographer.
Consistency in your marketing plan.
Some days I don’t want to even open up Instagram. Or check my email. I dread Facebook and the haters(or creepers). But it’s so important to be in front of your ideal client every single day without fail that you just have to do it. Even on the days when you just don’t want to.
It takes work to show up every day, but consistency is what’s going to speed up your growth. Try to be everywhere all the time so that your ideal client HAS to take notice.
Build business relationships.
By now, you know your client inside and out, right? All the little things about her like where she shops, what she wears, even what she watches on a night off with her family.
Once you know those things, you can get a feel about where your client may be shopping and you can start working with local businesses where your ideal client regularly shops.
It’s so important, though, that the relationships you build with these businesses are at least mutually beneficial or even more beneficial for that business. Don’t be afraid to give more than you get until the business trusts you enough to refer their clients to you.
I don’t mean work yourself to death though. I still want you to build a sustainable business while working way less than part time hours… and it’s possible, even with this method.
What can you offer that will be mutually beneficial? What about a session fee at no charge. This makes the business look great. It’s like they’re giving their customers a several hundred dollar gift while letting you make sales you wouldn’t have otherwise made.
Yes, you’re missing out on the session fee, but if you’re prioritizing profit in your business, then you’ll make it up in your sales session. And remember, it’s money you wouldn’t have otherwise made.
Quick Win: Bridal Fairs
And for a quick win and a great way to build up your email list, try some really good local bridal fairs. If they are done right, you can book 5-10 session within a week of the bridal fair.
The thing to watch out for with bridal fairs are that they are definitely not all created equal. Do your research and read the contract thoroughly before you sign. Speaking from experience, some are super shady.
For super in depth information on bridal fairs and how to do them well, be sure to join Boudoir Studio Accelerator. We go over this whole process in a lot of detail!
Conclusion
There are a lot of photographers out there. But if you go above and beyond for your clients and other businesses, you will be the one they remember and refer to.
Be that photographer. The one that gives more than she takes. This will help you build a business that’s sustainable for the long haul, while still bringing in business immediately. 🙂
Tracy Lynn is a boudoir photogapher for brides-to-be in the St. Louis area, and a mentor + coach for photographers looking to level up their businesses with better systems and processes.
