If you run a photography business, the time to start thinking about back to school is now. The return to the daily routine of school days can give photographers a way to boost their business with back to school sales and sessions. Student and university photos are often essential to many portrait studios — so here are five ideas to help professional photographers make the most of the next back to school season.
Replace boring school photos with stylized sessions.
Most schools have a picture day to fill up the yearbook with every student. But school photos tend to be simple, quick and sometimes rather boring. Why not replace the boring school photos with some stylized sessions? From books and apples to antique desks, designing a creative back to school themed prop set can help add some flair to those photos — and give parents a reason to book with you instead of ordering school photos.
Try affordable minis.
Back to school is an expensive time for parents — there’s the new clothes, the backpack and the school supplies, just to name a few. Many parents are going to need a financial incentive for getting back to school photos. Hosting several short mini sessions in a row is a great way to do that without ruining your own bottom line. You’ll save time and book more clients with back-to-back sessions, and parents will save money with the short shoots.
Host a school supply drive.
Many families struggle to get everything they need to send their kids back to school — try hosting a school supply drive for those families. Besides the obvious benefit (helping kids in need), your business will get a boost from the extra exposure. Encourage people to drop off donations at your studio, or advertise that you’ll donate one item for every session booked during a certain time frame. Use social media to spread the word about the school supply drive.
Try a social media contest.
Social media can be an excellent way to reach potential clients, but algorithms make it hard for business posts to reach big numbers. Contests fight that by encouraging followers to like and share posts, expanding the reach well beyond a typical post. Try giving away a free back to school session, but to enter, users have to like, comment and share a post. Details on your back to school sessions will get more exposure at a much lower cost than paying for individual advertising.
Integrate local school spirit.
Social media contests are great — but a good way to up the ante even more? Add some competition. If you live in an area with rival schools, try pitting the two against each other for some friendly competition. Turn that school supply drive into a contest to see which school can bring in the most items. Turn that social media contest into a selfie contest to see who has the most school spirit. When you personalize your back to school specials with local touches, you’ll gain credibility — and more exposure.
Back to school is an important season for businesses — and especially photographers. Start planning ahead now for a successful start to your year.