When I was shooting newborns something that happened to me was that I would get a ton of boy newborns in and at one time, but hardly any girls. I had all of these cute girl props I wanted to use and no newborn girls to use them on! This is a situation where you could offer a VIP model call and make it more specific that you are looking for a newborn girl.
Let’s say you already have your newborn portfolio done and you really want to focus your niche on photographing newborn multiples, twins, triplets, etc. You have a few sessions that you think went really well but are on the lookout for more. Here’s where you would post a model call on all of your social media sites, website, and blog to let others know what you are specifically looking for. To learn more about how to effectively use model calls, check out this article.
If posting online doesn’t work, move to the next marketing tactic and try in-person marketing. The top two places I’d personally go to first would be ultrasound companies and doctors’ offices. Since multiples aren’t as common, let the offices nearby know what you are looking for and plan to offer. Take them a few print outs to post in their office. You are looking to do anything that can help getting the word out there.
If they do refer a client to you make sure to send them a complimentary print or canvas from the session. Not only with this let them know you are appreciate them, it can also get you additional clients that see it within the office. I would also send them some chocolates or a fruit basket — something for the office staff to enjoy. You really want to go above and beyond so that they’ll love you and want to promote you.
A key part of marketing to clients is networking with other businesses around you. This can help immensely. The more time a client sees your studio name, the higher the odds of them purchasing a session. To gain more newborn clients after your model call, try setting up a booth at a local fair or art festival. Team up with doctors’ offices, children clothing boutiques, and hair cutting salons. I would definitely suggest getting a portfolio together and networking with these boutiques and also maternity clothing stores, especially if you want newborns to be your niche market. If you’re trying to reach out to a boutique, I would email them first and if they don’t respond within a week, I’d call or stop by to talk to them directly.
Think about the clients purchasing items at these boutiques. They know they can get those items elsewhere for cheaper, but they have the funds and want unique toys and clothes for their child. Chances are, they are willing to pay more for their child’s photos as well. Make sure if you do network with boutiques that you have your portfolio at a great point. Offer incentives for the store, for example, free promotional materials.
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Special thanks to Little Wonders Photography for sharing the beautiful imagery included in this post! 🙂
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