Booking Mini Sessions
This is my first go-around at booking minis and I’m excited/nervous to execute. Some things I’ve learned from YouTube University/Podcasts/Instagram are the following:
- When promoting on social media, promote the BOOKING date, not the SHOOTING date. This way you can get people ‘saving the date’ to book their time slot and add a sense of urgency.
- It’s best to begin mentioning the upcoming booking date on social media about 6 weeks in advance of the actual photoshoot date.
- Utilize Instagram and Facebook ads to get more interest in your specific area, it’s best to do this about a week out from the booking going live.
- Mini means mini. Do 15-minute sessions. I’ve been able to get a solid 10 photos + from 15-minute sessions.
- Have a prepared workflow. Have poses or at least a loose idea of what poses to run through for each client. Keep momentum going and stay relaxed so they don’t feel rushed but guided.
- Offer an upgrade. Promise a set number of photos. I’ve heard between 5-8 is a good number, but since I’m new, I’m saying 10 for my first set of minis. With an option to upgrade for the entire gallery for an additional $50. It seems like most photographers will offer an upgrade per extra photo, which is something I might try out next time.
- Deliver in a timely fashion. This is a give-in. If you can’t deliver the full edits ASAP, at least give the client 1 or 2 sneak peeks so they can get excited that they chose you as their photographer.
- Collect email addresses. This is ultimately going to be your money-maker. Emails will always be relevant, whereas social media’s algorithms are constantly changing and we do not own our followers and have no rights to their information. Collecting and sending emails is a great way to capture an audience that is already interested in the service you offer.
Comment if you have more ideas/feedback/advice in regards to booking and promoting mini sessions! I’d love to hear more information.
With love,
Katie
Katie Postel Photography Blog 