3 Mistakes Cost Photographers Thousands Each Year | 78

As a product photographer, I've made some big mistakes throughout my career that have cost me tens of thousands of dollars. Let me say that in a different way. I've left tens of thousands of dollars on the table because of things I could have easily been doing that I ignored.

In this week's newsletter, I want to reveal these mistakes and show you how to fix them so that you can increase your revenue in your photography business.

These are different from your typical mistakes like not using contracts or messing up licensing.

These are mistakes that no one talks about, which means you have the potential to unlock more cash flow in your creative business.

Mistake 1: Focusing on selling your photos

Sometimes we create photo packages based on what we think clients want, but that isn't always what they actually need.

Here's a practical example to demonstrate the importance of truly understanding your client's needs:

Imagine you have a potential client who you reached out to, then set up a discovery call. During this call, you ask questions like "What made you decide to get on the phone with me today?" and "What issues are you facing from a marketing end?". By asking these questions, you learn that the client's product sales have been underperforming. They've been using the same images for a while now, and they're not getting traction on their social media channels or their online store.

Now, this information is crucial because it changes the conversation.

It's no longer about just delivering 10 new photos from your pre-made package. Instead, the conversation is now about addressing their pain points and offering a comprehensive solution. As a photographer, you can suggest a complete revamp of their visual content strategy. This might include creating ad creatives, new hero images for their website, and even developing a new social media strategy to better showcase their products.

By understanding the client's real challenges, you can offer a more tailored solution that not only involves a larger photo package but also additional services that address their specific needs. This approach positions you as a problem-solver and an expert in your field, making it more likely for the client to choose you over your competitors.

To fix this mistake, make sure you have a discovery call with your potential clients to uncover their real goals, pain points, and requirements. This way, you can create tailored proposals that not only increase your revenue but also result in happier, more satisfied clients who are more likely to return for future projects.

Mistake 2: Ending the client relationship after just one project

Has this happened to you before?

You deliver amazing photos, the client loves them, you invoice them, and then you never hear from this client again.

We can't forget to nurture and maintain relationships with our existing clients. This leads to repeat business, referrals, and client testimonials. To make sure you're staying connected and maximizing the potential of each client relationship, follow these steps:

1. Follow up with the client after the project is complete.
2. Ask for a review or case study.
3. Use a CRM to keep track of clients and automate follow-ups.

By taking these steps, you'll increase the likelihood of repeat business and referrals, generating more revenue for your photography business and creating a strong foundation for long-term success.

Mistake 3: Poor customer experience

Delivering the best photos possible is important, but it's not the only factor that influences a client's satisfaction. To keep the relationship fruitful with your clients, focus on other aspects of the customer experience:

• Turnaround times
• Communication
• Onboarding process
• Pre-production process

By focusing on these areas, you'll improve client satisfaction and increase the likelihood of repeat business and referrals.