How's Biz Right Now?

[HotHolly]

Up, down, making a come back after an economic hiatus or what?

Bridal is up, high end weddings is same, mid-low cost weddings is down, boudoir is up.

People are spending money like they might have more next week - finally. At the end of last year, they were acting like they were selling their sole heir. GFB! Maybe reality set in. I dunno. People are out and about again here. Hope it keeps up.

Whats up by you?

[Cajungaltx]

I limit what I do - mainly cause of the '40 hours J.O.B' that I have... lol.... but I'm booking up the sessions/times that I make myself available.

I think some people are realizing 'life goes on'...

[lisakitty]

Well I haven't really seen much booming business lately. Of course I'm just beginning and the word of mouth isn't out there yet for me. I'm still in the baby start-up phase. But I did have a cancellation recently that was vague and I got the impression it was a money thing. Since I only get a handful of sessions a month, one cancellation is a big hit for me. I'd love some advice on how to get the word of mouth out there faster. I really want to hit the ground running this fall with this business. I don't need a huge income, really just a part time income.

[HotHolly]

The places that have been the best WOM for me are salons. My hair has been short for the past 3 years b/c of that. I recently found out that nails at a spa is WOM mecca. Consider your $$ ad money. Make sure you are going to spas and salons that fit your target demographic. You are either targeting the girls who work there OR their clients. Go be chatty, talk about new stuff, show them the cutest baby ever - or this really cool set you have - or what ever reason you need to whip out photos.

We are a full time studio and only have a few session a month normally. We do higher prices, lower volume. When biz slacks off its felt. Having multiple lines helps keep that from happening. Specializing seems to be a luxury, imho.

[Breezy]

Thanks for the tips Holly, I am cheap and go to the beauty school. Maybe I will continue to take dd there and then I will pay out my butt for mine.

[Tom]

I cut my own hair and am already a fan of my work. :(

[Breezy]

Hey Thomas,
Dh cuts his too lol. He has to we can't afford him to have it cut ever 10 days or so. When on the ship they cut it if he has time to stand in line. Only time we pay is when there is a ball or something and he is going for a flat top. But that is slowly fading as the hair is thinning majorly lol.

[HotHolly]

I think of it as paying for WOM. Its in my ad budget...too bad I cant count it like that on my taxes. I would have long hair if it didnt work and I dont do my nails. I just discovered that. WOM Mecca = spa. :o)

[brad]

Mine is down considerably this year.. but that may be because of the amount of time we've spent at doctors' offices instead of working. ;)

[Breezy]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I think of it as paying for WOM. Its in my ad budget...too bad I cant count it like that on my taxes. I would have long hair if it didnt work and I dont do my nails. I just discovered that. WOM Mecca = spa. :o)

I am definitely going to have to try it here.
My business over last years is up obviously. I am booking Weddings and OPLOVE sessions (thankfully they are making purchases) and a few boudoirs here and there.

[jkderby]

What everyone should do to get more bookings... continue to improve posing and lighting and redue your marketing plan. Do not reman stagnant. Keep comparing your photos to the top photographers in the country.