Time for Spring Cleaning?

AI from Adobe Stock

by Skip Cohen

It's that time of year. If you haven't cleaned up various aspects of your business as we go into the busy season, you'll never get around to it. While some of the things on my list are clean-up projects, others are necessary to help your business run smoother.

As a kid, I remember being told I couldn't play with friends until I cleaned up my room. Later, as an adult, one of my dive buddies was told by his wife he couldn't go on a scuba trip until he cleaned his home office! Somebody reminding us to clean something up seems to follow us throughout life!

Today, it's my turn to remind you that it's time to clean up different aspects your business. Or maybe it's outside your office or studio, and it's time to make sure your reservations for an upcoming conference are all set.

The list goes on and on, but here are some things to think about: 

• How's your "About" page? Unless it was a Pulitzer, your clients don't care what awards you've won. Talk about why you love being a photographer, how your clients trust you to capture the very best images, or how you're able to capture memories and stop time. Even better, product a video that shows your work and your passion for the craft.
• Do you need a new headshot? Most of you have terrible headshots and need something that is in line with your role as a professional photographer!
• How's your "Contact" page? Give people a phone number and a way to contact you besides a template email form! And if you insist on using a template, then make sure you're set up to respond quickly.
• When was the last time you updated your galleries? Show only "Wow" images—photographs so good that you'd just have to show one to get hired. Let's eliminate images that anybody's Uncle Harry could have shot.
• Is your price list right? By "right," I mean, will you make money this year or live on macaroni and cheese until you see your accountant in 2025?
• Do you have any plans for the various shows and conferences this year? I'm a big fan of ClickCon. This year, it's in Detroit and promises to be an outstanding event. Click here ​for more information.
• Are you doing any mailing campaigns this year? It costs nothing to call Marathon (800-228-0629) and ask about their "Power of 3" programs for direct mail.
• Are you cross-promoting with other photographers or vendors? For wedding photographers, there are so many potential partners: bridal salons, spas, travel agencies, caterers, wedding planners, florists, limo services, bands, etc. For portrait photographers, there are children's stores, restaurants, venues, etc. Don't forget to promote with other photographers - you've only got so many days a year you're available!
• What are your seasonal plans for Mother's Day, Graduation, and Father's Day? It's pretty tight for Mother's Day, but you have time to put something together for Father's Day and even graduation.
• Got all the gear you need for the new year? From memory cards to camera bags, camera bodies, lenses, and lighting gear the list is endless. And don't forget to check your backup gear.
• Who's your backup? If something goes wrong and you can't cover an event on your schedule, what's your plan? For example, when you were a kid, you were used to doing fire drills in school. Well, you need to do a fire drill in your business to see if you've got coverage.

No single post can include everything, but without any hesitation, ALL of you have something you've put off doing to strengthen your business in 2024. Don't let the year start out with a flat tire! In the same way you'd check everything out on your car if you were making a long road trip, do the same with your business. 

If you get stuck trying to figure something out, you know where to find me, and I'm happy to help. We're all too close to our own businesses; sometimes, it just takes another set of eyes!