My favourite time of the week! I’m back with some more wedding photography tips!
Up until a few years ago, I’d reply to a new inquiry, and if they didn’t get back to me with more questions or wanting to book, I would just let it be. The idea of following up with someone made me soooo uncomfortable!
What if I come off as desperate?
I don’t want to be annoying :\
Ugh this is so awkward…
These were just some of the thoughts running through my head.
When I took a minute to put myself on the other side of things, though – the potential client’s side – and really thought about it, I realized how many opportunities I was missing, and saw how following up can be so valuable.
If you’ve ever struggled with whether or not to follow up, what to say, and when to say it – this one is for you!
Flip The Negatives
All of those negative thoughts and feelings I was having about coming off as desperate, annoying, or awkward… Those thoughts had to go! In reality, our potential clients are just like everyone else. They get busy. Things slip their mind. Emails land in spam folders unexpectedly. None of these have anything to do with you or how they feel about you! Flip that energy into finding ways to positively impact their experience. I can’t count how many times I’ve completely forgotten to reply to someone I actually wanted to work with, and was so grateful when they connected with me again. Photography clients deserve that same experience!
How Often Should I Follow Up?
This is where it takes some balance to make sure you’re not overwhelming someone’s inbox. As a consumer, I hate when someone follows up with me before I’ve even had a chance to read their initial email! To make sure I’m supporting my potential clients while still giving them room to breathe, here’s what my follow up process looks like:
- Follow up to make sure they received my initial response (1 week post-inquiry)
- Check in to see if there are any questions or concerns I can help with (5 days after 1st follow-up)
- Final follow up with “the magic email” (3 days after checking in)
The Magic Email
My business coach introduced me to The Magic Email and it really is as amazing as it sounds. This is a concept by Kai Davis and helps put an end to getting ghosted. CLICK HERE to read more about it! The key to The Magic Email is to include:
“Since I have not heard from you on this, I have to assume your priorities have changed.”
This lets your potential client know that you are closing their file and won’t be contacting them further, but leaves an opening for them to reach out if they are interested at a later date.
Whether serving as a final reminder that closes the deal or at least getting you a response they have moved on – you know that you have put your best foot forward and can start putting your energy and time elsewhere.
Take a few minutes today to write yourself some follow-up email templates and start using them with your next inquiries!
Looking for more wedding photography tips?! Here are some of our faves on the blog!!
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