{"id":1280,"date":"2021-04-22T22:17:27","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T22:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.photobooker.com\/blog\/?p=1280"},"modified":"2021-04-22T22:18:09","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T22:18:09","slug":"8-ways-to-retain-your-customers-and-keep-them-coming-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.photobooker.com\/blog\/8-ways-to-retain-your-customers-and-keep-them-coming-back\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Ways to Retain Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back"},"content":{"rendered":"

It goes without saying that client retention is probably the most essential way to keep your photography business intact. You can have the skills of an experienced photographer or have all the right equipment, but without people, you won\u2019t see the fruit of your labor roll into your bank account. After a successful session with a happy client, you might reap the benefits of that client sharing your name with friends. But what about having that same client returning to you for another job?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are easy and crafty ways to keep your clients coming back. Much of that is exceeding their expectations and giving them exactly what they were looking for in a photoshoot session, but it also reflects on how you present your brand that makes them want to rebook. We share eight ways to retain and keep your clients coming back.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Be Timely<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"a<\/span><\/p>\n

Right away, show up to your scheduled shoot on time! First impressions go a long way and you don\u2019t want to keep your client waiting. You would be surprised at the number of photographers who have shown up late. Showing up on time demonstrates your professionalism and accountability, and tells your clients that you are dependable. Look up your route to the photoshoot and account for any traffic that might get in your way then. It\u2019s also good practice to show up extra early to scout the location out. Try going the day before around the time you\u2019ll meet your client to see what lighting you\u2019ll have to work with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Allocate Enough Time for the Shoot<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Crop<\/span><\/p>\n

Nobody wants to feel like they\u2019re being rushed through the process. Make your client feel special and spend enough of your photoshoot time engaging with them. Be careful not to overbook your shoots directly back to back in case one overlaps another. Take your time throughout the photoshoot and get to know your client and don\u2019t snap away as if you are in a hurry. If you do have another appointment after this one, allocate just enough time to get to the next location, and then some buffer so that you don\u2019t look like you just rushed on over. Your client will remember how much fun they had with you and your personable spirit, hopefully keeping you in mind for the next photoshoot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t Accidentally Overbook<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Iphone<\/span><\/p>\n

With allocating enough time for photoshoots comes not accidentally overbooking. As the weather begins to warm up and families schedule shoots, it can be easy to say yes to everything and squeeze clients into whatever slot is empty. Check your calendar during busy seasons to prevent any overlap that can cause you to miss a client or be late, damaging your reputation as a dependable professional.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Listen to What Your Client\u2019s Want<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Lady<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like building rapport to get to know your clients, begin right away by hearing out what they\u2019re looking for during their shoot. Accommodate reasonable requests as best you can – your client will greatly appreciate how you can customize their experience specific to them. By getting to understand who your clients are on a deeper level, you may be able to provide extras that they didn\u2019t even ask for. Shooting extra shots, labeling them or falling a little overtime to meet their expectations will keep your clients coming back when they feel like they are important to you. Be careful not to overpromise, however. It is just as important to keep in mind that you can deliver what you can control, but there might be some requests that aren\u2019t likely. They may be out of your expertise level or you may not have the right access. Do what you can and learn to adjust the things you can control to tailor the experience to your client.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Make Your Services Simple to Understand<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Person<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond normal client interactions, keeping a simple structure for your services makes it easier for anyone to understand and create a straightforward process for the next time they book. Avoid any complexities or additional variables that will make your packages confusing. Your clients should be able to make a quick and educated decision when they\u2019re selecting which package they\u2019ll book. Most of all, don\u2019t create any \u201cfine print\u201d details that may end up surprising your client the day of<\/span>.<\/span> There\u2019s nothing worse than getting charged for some extras you weren\u2019t aware had cost additional. Simple language will keep your clients coming back to book you. Here\u2019s how you should lay out your services:<\/span><\/p>\n