CRM - What is it and Why do you need it for your photography business?
So you have started a photography business. Or maybe you have been in business for awhile and you are quickly realising that taking photos is only about 10% of the work in running a newborn and family photography business. But that’s the part you love! Managing all the other aspects of your business can be a challenge - there is responding to enquiries, booking and scheduling shoots, managing client information such as contracts and questionnaires and chasing payments. It can feel really overwhelming.
That's where a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system comes in so that you can be organised and on top of everything. Meaning you can spend more time doing the part of the job that you love the most.
I converted from a very long and unwieldy excel spreadsheet to Studio Ninja in the second year of my business and it changed my life! Seriously! All of a sudden everything was in one place, systems were streamlined, my client communications were much more professional but still personal, and tracking where every client, job, enquiry and lead was up became so easy. Which meant more time for taking photos and spending time with my growing-too-fast family. I was almost at the point of burnout when I switched over to Studio Ninja and it really saved my business and my sanity. It helped me regain some balance in my life and took away the overwhelm.
With a CRM, as your business grows, you can easily keep track of all your clients, leads and jobs, as well as invoices, contracts and tasks.
So, what is a CRM system? Simply put, a CRM system is a software that helps you manage your interactions with clients and keep track of their information. It can help you stay organised, save time, and provide a better experience for your clients.
Here are a few reasons why you need a CRM system for your photography business:
- One main client database - A CRM system allows you to keep all of your client information in one place. You can store contact information, names and ages of family members, shoot details, contract information, and more. This can help you stay organised and save time when you need to access your client’s information. I especially love that I can include a photo of my clients in the database because after 9 years it quickly jogs my memory about who they are and what their past session was like.
- Automated workflows - A CRM system can automate tasks such as sending emails, invoice and payment reminders, and following up with clients and leads. This can help you save time and ensure that you never miss an important task.
- Improved communication with clients - A CRM system can help you stay in touch with your clients and provide a better experience. You can send automated emails, share galleries, and communicate with clients directly through the system. Your client can access their own client portal where all of their invoices, contracts and questionnaires are stored making it easier for them to find what they need too.
- Better insights into your business - A CRM system can provide valuable insights into your business, such as which clients are most profitable and which services are most popular. It can tell you where your leads are coming from so you know where to direct your marketing or what marketing efforts are working best. This can help you make data-driven decisions and improve your business over time.
Overall, a CRM system can help you stay organised, save time, and provide a better experience for your clients. With so many options available, it's important to choose a CRM system that meets your specific needs as a photographer.
My CRM system is Studio Ninja, which I have used since they launched in 2016. They are constantly improving, innovating and giving me a better experience as well as my clients. You can get 20% off your subscription when using the code BR4352Y. So why not give it a try and see how it can improve your business?
Harnessing AI for Newborn & Family Photographers
In the ever-evolving world of photography, staying ahead of the game and utilising the latest technology can give your newborn and family photography business a competitive edge. Saving time within your business, having polished and professional copy on your communications and being consistent in your messaging are all crucial to running a successful business.
One powerful tool that can elevate your services is AI such as ChatGPT. This advanced language model developed by OpenAI can streamline various aspects of your business, from blog post creation to client communication. In our Harnessing AI for Family Photographers Guide we will explore three exciting ways you can incorporate ChatGPT into your workflow, taking your photography business to new heights.
- Blog Post Creation:
- Blogging is an essential marketing tool for photographers. It allows you to showcase your expertise, connect with your audience, and attract potential clients. However, crafting engaging and informative blog posts on a regular basis can be time-consuming and also cognitively taxing and draining. This is where AI such as ChatGPT comes in.
- By providing the model with a topic or outline, it can generate high-quality content for your photography blog. Whether you need tips for newborn photography, location ideas, or posing techniques, ChatGPT can assist you in producing compelling blog posts, saving you valuable time and energy.
- Social Media Captions:
- In the digital age, social media has become a powerful platform for photographers to showcase their work and connect with their audience. Crafting captivating captions that complement your stunning images is crucial for capturing attention and engaging with your followers. But this can time consuming, and draining to be creating on a daily basis.
- Ai such as ChatGPT can be your creative companion in generating unique and captivating captions. Whether you're sharing a heartwarming family portrait or a precious newborn moment, ChatGPT can provide you with creative suggestions and help you craft compelling captions that resonate with your audience.
- Client Communication:
- Clear and efficient communication is essential for building strong relationships with your clients. ChatGPT can serve as a valuable assistant in streamlining your client communication process. From responding to inquiries and providing information about your services to suggesting suitable locations and wardrobe choices, ChatGPT can help you deliver personalized and prompt responses to your clients' needs. By utilizing this tool, you can enhance the client experience, demonstrate your professionalism, and set yourself apart from the competition.
As a newborn and family photographer, incorporating ChatGPT into your workflow can revolutionise your business. By leveraging this advanced language model, you can streamline your blog post creation process, generate captivating social media captions, and enhance your client communication. With ChatGPT as your virtual assistant, you can save time, boost your productivity, and provide an elevated experience for your clients. Embrace the power of technology and stay ahead of the curve in the photography industry.
Are you using ChatGPT in your newborn and family photography business? Download our free guide to help you harness this new tool in your newborn and family photography business.
