The Photographer's Action Plan: Strategies for Building a Thriving Business and Life.

Do you ever lie awake at night worrying about whether or not you sent that important email to a client? Or do you feel overwhelmed when managing and sending out invoices manually? And let's not mention the stress of juggling bookings across multiple calendars, like Google Calendar or iCal. I understand how difficult it can be to keep everything organized and under control.

You can finally say goodbye to the endless juggling act. With the right tools in place, you can streamline your photography business and scale it to new heights, all while taking care of those repetitive and time-consuming tasks that have been weighing you down. And the solution lies in setting up a CRM, a Customer Relationship Management system.

If you found this episode helpful, feel free to capture a screenshot of yourself listening on your device and share it on your Instagram stories. Don't forget to tag me @actionarrowmedia!

In this episode, I’ll be going over how a CRM makes automating invoicing, communication, and booking processes work. Of course, I’ll share actionable tips and real-life examples of how some clients have used a CRM to manage their business.  This is a robust episode.  You can read the blog post here if you would like to supplement the audio content with some visuals and text.  
https://www.actionarrowmedia.com/blog/streamline-succeed-manage-your-photography-business-with-automation

Here are the bullet points:

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode.

17hats University: Mapping Out the Client Journey Using Workflows: Part 1 | Small Business Advice
https://www.17hatsuniversity.com/small-business-education/mapping-out-the-client-journey-using-workflows-part-1-small-business-advice

Work with me if you want a 17hats audit & strategy
https://www.actionarrowmedia.com/work-with-me

Why am I covering planning for the rest of the year now? Today, July 4th, America's Independence Day, and during the vacation season? Well, partly because of the freedom of business but also because we need to start that seed of the holiday season now. If not with our clients but with ourselves.

Christmas in July is a reality when you own and operate your photo business. Let's uncover the simplicity of using a marketing calendar in your photography business with a downloadable Google Doc template.

I'll explore the strategic sessions to consider promoting, such as mini-sessions, types of summers, and fall themes to drive your marketing efforts.

Today's episode will be short and sweet so you can return to those lazy summer days. This episode also intends to get your creative marketing juices flowing and give you a solid start to marketing for the rest of the year. Consider this episode the no-pressure, idea stage of the sessions you'll offer soon.

If you found this episode helpful, feel free to capture a screenshot of yourself listening on your device and share it on your Instagram stories. Don't forget to tag me @actionarrowmedia!

 In this episode, you'll hear:

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode. 

Marketing Calendar for Photographers
https://bit.ly/42NkTlS 

Photographers VIP Email Sequence Template
https://www.actionarrowmedia.com/Photographers_VIP_Email_Sequence_Template

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

This week I’ve been creating a marketing strategy for a client and realized that brand messaging seems unimportant in the visual world. Existing in the photo world where the image is King, your brand message & voice needs to be Queen.
In this podcast, we're going to explore how the right words, the right tone, and the proper communication can genuinely transform your photography business. I’ll unravel the secrets behind crafting a compelling brand voice that captures your unique identity and resonates deeply with your ideal clients.

As usual, I’ll outline actions today to empower you to communicate your brand message with clarity, authenticity, and impact. Practical actions to help you connect with your audience and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode.
What’s your brand archetype quiz by Nikki Lou Clark
https://www.nikkilouclark.com/quiz-brand-archetype

ChatGPT Prompt mentioned in the episode
"I'm trying to determine my brand voice. Here's a small paragraph sample. Could you give me your take on what brand voice I have by describing the tone, vocabulary, and writing style in this paragraph?"

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

This week my sister and I discussed how our Instagram engagement and website traffic has tanked since the middle of May. Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of the summer months when most of us start to check out your clients included. In today's episode, I'll outline specific actions you can take to set up your business for when you're out of the office and keep the marketing efforts you built throughout the year.
I outline in order of importance from the bare minimum;* Hint* make sure you update your "Out of Office" signature and reply to what to do on social media if you don't want to babysit it.  

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode.  
Plann That Social Media Scheduler (affiliate link)
https://www.plannthat.com/register/?refer=cus_HHh5eHgrHsfDQd

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

Rekindle your love for photography by exploring its infinite possibilities, and reignite your passion for capturing moments with print competition. In this episode, we receive valuable action tips from Courtney of Courtney Ranck-Copher Photography.

In this episode, she discusses how competition can spark more of your passion for photography. Don't miss out on the creative insights she shares. Tune in and discover all the juicy details!

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode.
To see an artist's creative storytelling in action
https://shirkphotography.com/gallery/family-portraits/#!
To find a print competition
https://printcompetition.com/

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

Is investing in a marketing agency worth it?  Does the cost feel like a significant investment?
Well, fear not because a marketing agency can be a game-changer for your photography business.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what to expect to pay for a marketing agency, some budget maximizers to get the most out of your investment, and of course, an action plan for you to get started figuring out if a marketing agency is right for you.

If you choose to go without a marketing agency right now because it doesn’t feel like the right time, then screenshot this episode and put it in your Evernote to come back to later. However, if you feel like you might be ready and go without because of the investment, you risk missing out on invaluable opportunities to reach your target audience effectively.  You’ll spend more time and money “figuring it out” in the long run because a marketing agency knows the latest trends, channels, and techniques to ensure your message resonates with potential clients. That translates to money sooner than you can “figure it out”.

So, if you're ready to discover what you need to know about how much marketing agencies, this podcast is for you!

Grab your favorite cup of coffee, find a cozy spot, and Let's dive in!

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

In today's episode, we're diving into advice for photographers who want to attract clients, get consistent bookings, and be the go-to for your art. Are you struggling to attract photography clients and secure consistent bookings? Do you dream of becoming the go-to photographer in your niche, the one clients seek for their special moments? If you've been feeling frustrated by the lack of client interest and the inconsistency in your bookings, I’m glad you're here.

It’s important to have a comprehensive strategy to attract photography clients, secure consistent bookings, and establish yourself as the go-to artist in your field. This is crucial for your business because it sets the foundation for growth, stability, and success.

In this episode, I give you actionable advice on attracting lifelong clients that you love. I share valuable insights, both general and specific, on attracting photography clients.

However, it's crucial to understand the risks involved if you continue to navigate the photography industry without a clear plan to attract clients and secure consistent bookings. You risk missing out on valuable opportunities, losing potential clients to your competitors, and struggling to progress toward your goals.

So, don't miss this episode to gain the knowledge and tools you need to attract photography clients, get consistent bookings, and become the go-to photographer for your art.


Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode.
Uncover Your Difference: Discover Your Unfair Advantage, Captivate The Right People & Cut Through The Noise - Meera Kothand
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Uncover-Your-Difference-Advantage-Captivate/dp/B09CKTR1H6 

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

Do you find yourself struggling to get consistent bookings for your photography business? No matter how much effort you put into your marketing, you can't get enough clients to sustain your business.

You need to treat your boutique photography business like a big business. Treating your small photography business like the big box stores will give you the perspective and action plan to attract and retain clients.

A big-box or CEO mindset is crucial for your business because it helps create a consistent flow of clients and bookings. Without it, you'll struggle to find clients and grow your business.
Once you understand that your business is bigger than finding your next client, you can live into a vision and not just live for today.

In this episode, I help you see the big picture of your business, take actionable steps, and start getting consistent bookings for your photography business. I’ll discuss the 5 elements you need to address and how to apply them so that you can have consistent bookings of dreamy clients.
If you continue to try everything without taking consistent strategic actions, you can expect to keep struggling with getting bookings and growing your business.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to flip the switch on your business and start getting consistent bookings for your photography business. Listen to this episode and take the first step toward growing your business.

Episode links

Here are the links to the resources mentioned in the episode. 

Marketing Calendar for Photographers
https://bit.ly/42NkTlS

Get Different: Marketing That Can't Be Ignored! By Mike Michalowicz

Book Link
https://www.amazon.com/Get-Different-Marketing-That-Ignored/dp/0593330633

Audible Link
https://www.audible.com/pd/Get-Different-Audiobook/0593456327

Summary
https://waiyancan.com/summary-get-different-by-mike-michalowicz/

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

What would it be like to get consistent bookings with dreamy clients? If you aren’t booking your ideal clients, it could be your business model, pricing yourself too low, etc.

However, I suspect you don’t have consistent & strategic marketing for your business because you’re busy balancing it all. So what if you had a marketing strategy for all things marketing, including SEO, blog writing, and even social media? In this episode, we will discuss quick-start online marketing strategies and actions. We'll be sharing some key insights into your marketing strategy, specifically designed to help you attract and retain clients who are looking for your unique brand of photography.
Including 3 action steps, you can take now to get started in your marketing strategy.  As a bonus, I am including a list of keywords to get your next blog started.

Some keyword ideas for Family photographers:

Family portraits, Family photography, Family photo shoot, Family photographer, Family pictures, Family session, Family photo album, Family memories, Family moments, Family photo ideas, Family photo poses, Family photo outfit, Family photo location, Family photo props, Maternity photography, Newborn photography, Child photography, Candid family photography, Lifestyle family photography, Black and white family photography, Fine art family photography, Creative family photography, Outdoor family photography.

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode. 

Ubersuggest

Free SEO Audit

Free 8 Steps to  Increased Exposure on Google

Work With Me

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com

Ready to hire ✅ Not ready for conflict…

Hiring a team member, contractor, agency, VA, etc., and collaborating with & managing them could be problematic.  And…how do you hold them accountable?  

It’s essential to ensure the work is done so you don’t lose time & money.  When you sign a contract, there are deliverables, but as a busy photographer, how do you ensure they get done?

When I first started assisting photographers, I noticed everyday worries they had when hiring me. I got emails asking how to hold contractors accountable and work with them without micromanaging them.  In this episode, I reveal 6+ industry insider tips on how to work with a contractor in your photography business minus conflict.  

 Feel confident in your hires and know that you have a business partner, not an employee you have to micromanage.

Here are the Links to the resources mentioned in the episode.
How To Find A Virtual Assistant for Your Photography Business

You can follow us on Instagram @actionarrowmedia
You can find out more at www.actionarrowmedia.com