Imagine this: when imagining your ideal client, who comes to mind? Most would probably say someone with plenty of money who wants to hire me as their photographer! After 18 years in business though, I can vouch that those clients with “more money” may not always be ideal: oftentimes these clients cause headaches by micromanaging email exchanges, product purchases and barter over each penny spent – something not many photographers appreciate until it becomes a reality.
Of course, you don’t want to attract clients who cannot afford your service. I have found the ideal client is one who must save in order to afford you but who highly appreciate what you offer.
Where are these perfect people, and how can you ensure they keep coming in through your doors?
1. Finding Your Ideal Client
Imagine searching for your ideal client like dating app: you should write out their characteristics that describe them best as potential partners in business. What qualities would make for the ideal working relationship, such as education level or professional experience level. Also important: hobbies they enjoy doing during free time as well as how they spend their disposable income (children vs pets for instance).
Your photography specialty could include weddings at exotic destinations or photographing high school seniors who enjoy playing sports during their afternoons as your ideal clients. Jot down their characteristics to help your find their ideal client companions.
2. Don’t Leave Them On “Read”
A successful relationship requires being mindful of each person’s needs; to better understand this process, put yourself in their shoes. What would you want from your photographer? Typically we would want someone who listened to our ideas, knew us by name, provided quality products in an efficient turnaround time, made us look good and was enjoyable to be around; most importantly though we want our money well spent and felt special as clients; are you treating clients the way that you would want them treated? After all, that should be the golden rule!
