I’ve been doing minis for years and the first years I lost money and my mind! However 15 years later I’ve learned a lot about minis from a lot of trial and error. These tips are all parts of my mini session success. Also by planning ahead I still have time for full sessions that my seniors want in the fall. Take a moment to invest in your success this upcoming mini season.
10 Tips For Your Road to Success
- Start planning early. Think about your fall/winter schedule with family and events then fill in your calendar. Start gathering items you would need. For example I need 7 flocked trees. Buying them on BST now than in fall when people want them saves me money!! By the end of June I have a set mini session schedule, newsletters scheduled and blog post completed - all are scheduled to automatically post on a set date.
- Build excitement. Start sharing with your followers and subscribers your mini session plans so they will know if you’re offering something they would be interested in.
- Start booking when you want but really push it 6 weeks before the session date. I have clients that book the day I announce in July because they want a specific theme but for many a family session in the fall is far from on their to do list.
- Annoy people! I once had a client say that if I hadn’t sent so many emails and posts then they wouldn’t have booked. She kept putting off booking then finally had time to do so. She’s booked with me every year since then and she’s not the only one.
- Get creative! Yes people love the fields, barns and Christmas trees but let’s be honest - everyone does that. Expand your offerings and you will attract clients that are over the barns and trees for their cards.
- Don’t be afraid to fail. Some ideas fly and some flop. Guess what though - you’ll never know until you try. If you have a session that doesn’t book then think about why? I’ve tried ideas that seem to work for other photogs but for me flopped. It happens.
- Get automated! Set up your CRM to do the work for you with email reminders. I photographed 80 minis last year. No way could I have done so and give clients the attention they deserve with doing individual emails. Invest in a CRM like Sprout, Tave or 7Hats.
- Build a newsletter / email list! This is crucial in filling spots. Without it there is no way 80 people would have booked a mini. I’ve worked hard over the years to build this. During mini session season I send out short emails more often with my openings and reminders.
- Go indoors! Using a studio during the colder months extends your mini session period which means more money for your family, business and you! This is also the time to offer sessions that are different from the norm.
- Trying something new? Create inspo boards or do a model call. People need to see what you are offering! Inspo boards are great but a real pic is the best. If planning on studio sessions rent the studio ahead of time and create some work. The investment will pay off.
So this isn't really a tip as this is not a post about finances of a business. But please....Charge appropriately! I'm not saying if you're starting out charge $500 for 10 min but I am saying don't charge $50 for 20 minutes and all the images. This post isn't about pricing but it is about success and walking away from 2 hours of shooting, 2 hours of editing and 3 hours of planning/travel/emails for $300 (before taxes, props, location rental, etc.) doesn't seem worth it all all. After all the things you subtract you bring home about $10 an hour...might as well work at McDonalds.