Running a newborn photography business can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure how to automate your processes. You’re constantly juggling client expectations, endless editing, and trying to maintain a personal life. Without automation, it often feels like you’re chasing a moving target. There’s never enough time, things slip through the cracks, and your to-do list grows faster than you can check things off. That’s why learning to automate your newborn photography business is crucial for success and sanity.
When I first joined Glean & Co in 2017, I was overwhelmed by the business to-do list (and pregnant with my 3rd son so life was already wildly busy). I spent hours on every edit, second-guessed my pricing, and wrote custom emails for each client. If they didn’t respond, I felt like a failure. However, a wake-up call came when I realized my kids expected to find me working in my office at 6 AM instead of in bed.
Today, I run a successful newborn photography business with consistent four-figure client sales, and I rarely work late nights anymore. How did I achieve this? By learning to automate my newborn photography business without losing the personal touch clients love.
Here are a few ways you can do the same:
I now use email templates (written in my brand voice!) for everything from initial inquiries to post-session follow-ups. The key is to personalize them for each client. A mention of the baby’s name or a comment about something we discussed during the session keeps things personal without starting from scratch every time.
Instead of treating each photo as a blank canvas, I now have a go-to set of Photoshop actions and presets. This approach not only saves time but also helps build my brand. Check out this screenshot from the Glean & Co instagram account. The overall look and feel of the images is consistent across the board so potential clients know what to expect from a session with us.
Moreover, if you dislike editing, a consistent style makes it easier to outsource this task or even use AI! Check out this interview from PhotobizX all about reducing your editing time: Reducing Your Editing time with AI.
My editing used to be as organized as my middle son, Blade’s bedroom (aka a total disaster 24/7). Over the past few years, I’ve created a step-by-step process for every session. One game-changer has been soft proofing. By editing only the images clients purchase, I’ve cut my editing time in half and focused my energy where it matters most. And I promise- the clients understand when I explain the process and it doesn’t affect my sales numbers in the slightest.
Social media used to be my nemesis. I’d spend hours scrolling, posting, and wondering why my follower count wasn’t skyrocketing. Now, I use scheduling tools to plan my posts in advance. But I still hop on regularly to respond to comments and engage with my audience. It’s all about finding that balance.
Gone are the days of agonizing over what to charge each client. I now have a clear pricing structure that I stick to, which makes sales conversations so much easier. And trust me, when you’re confident in your pricing, clients can tell. If you’re not sure about the right pricing model for you, be sure to check out this article from Shootproof about different pricing structures.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Paige, won’t all this automation make my business feel… well, robotic?” I get it. I had the same fears. But here’s the thing: automating the repetitive stuff frees up time and mental energy for the parts of your business that truly need that personal touch.
When I’m not drowning in admin work (or the bills to pay someone else to do it for me), I can focus on making genuine connections with my clients. I can spend more time perfecting my craft and less time wrestling with my inbox. And at the end of the day, I can actually turn off my computer and spend time with my family without feeling guilty.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering how to take your newborn photography business to the next level, it might be time to embrace a little autopilot. Trust me, your future self (and your sanity) will thank you.
If you like the sound of this, but have no idea where to start, well that’s where Flow and Format comes in. We’ve got a treasure trove of resources designed to help you streamline your business without losing that personal touch. Email templates? Check. Marketing guides? You bet. Client questionnaires? We’ve got those too. And they’re all based on the things I’ve spend the past 7 years building for Glean & Co, then perfected into 12 different voices from our resident brand voice expert, Gill.
To make these tools work for you, you need to know your brand voice. It’s the secret ingredient that makes automated processes feel uniquely yours. We’ve created a short quiz to help you identify which of our 12 mythical muses best fits your brand.
Take five minutes to answer a few questions and gain insights into your unique brand personality. It’s the first step in creating a business that runs smoothly while still feeling authentically you.
Ready to discover your brand voice and start streamlining your business? Click here to take the quiz now. Your future, less-stressed self is cheering you on!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below. Remember, we’re all in this together, and I’m rooting for your success!
July 16, 2024
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