Here’s something you may not realize: Your list of existing or former clients is the most valuable thing you have.
The business of photography is incredibly referral-based. Of course, you can have an amazing social media presence, but reaching out to your former clients is one of the best marketing tools you have.
Here’s how to do it the right way.
Refer Business to Them
An effective strategy to stay in the minds of former clients is to provide them with a referral. There’s a good chance they’ll take your call and or answer your email. You’re trying to give them money by sending business their way. Pay it forward and hopefully the same happens to you.
This does a few things. First of all, it obviously creates a sense of gratitude. Secondly, it reintroduces you to your former clients and keeps you fresh in their mind.
Build a Newsletter/Mailing List
Another way to stay in their minds is to create a semi-weekly or monthly touch point: A newsletter.
You might be surprised to learn that email marketing has a return on investment of 4400% and $44 for every $1 spent.
Remember, you’re not a stranger-bot trying to send them an email with useless information. You have worked with these people before. So they know you and they presumably like you.
Your job is literally to take beautiful pictures, so fill these newsletters with some of your best work every month.
You can find inexpensive or free HTML email templates you can use. Many of them also let you track statistics such as response and open rate.
Use these statistics. That way you can see what type of pictures or subject lines are getting the best response rate.
Create a database with a list of former clients that includes information on their preferences and what session they previous booked with you.
Additionally, sign up for your client’s newsletters if they have a business so you can keep tabs on their news. Use this information as a reason to reconnect. This shows your interest in their activities. Continue to stay abreast of what’s happening in their life and see how they can once again use your photography services.
Reach Out on Social Media
If appropriate, become friends with your former clients on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. What better way for you to showcase your recent work and share news of discounts and seasonal photo shoot opportunities.
You’ll also stay in touch with what’s happening in your former client’s lives and are able to comment with your reaction to their news. Imagine this scenario – a couple whose wedding you photographed are now new parents. What better way to reach out than to congratulate them on their new bundle of joy. You can offer them a former client discount to do a photo session with their baby or a family shoot.
Put your creative thinking cap on. The possibilities are endless. Bring something fresh to the table each time you reach.
Go a Little Bit Old School
Embrace the postal service.
That’s right. The same marketing tool that nearly every other sector has written off completely can be your new sales funnel.
Reach out to former clients with professional and beautiful postcards, thank you notes, and seasonal greetings.
These days, your former clients’ mailboxes are full of nothing but bills, postcards from realtors, and pizza coupons. So the opportunity for something personal and touching is there.
Let Us Help You Wow Your Current and Former Clients
Do you need a website that looks as amazing as your photography? Maybe it’s time for a website upgrade or refresh? We can help!
Start by getting in touch with us today. Click here to contact us.
MorePhotos offers online solutions that include professional websites and a powerful e-commerce shopping cart. With our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can assist you in creating an online presence that will attract traffic to your photography website.