Its not always obvious when you're making a mistake...

I've compiled a list of 9 common mistakes photographers (and videographers) make, that can easily be avoided. Let it be known that I will never, ever blame you if you are guilty of any of the following – I was guilty of every single one of these puppies at one point or another. Here goes...

Using a gmail, hotmail or other free email account

"If its free, its for me!" is one of my all time, favorite phrases in the universe! But using a free email account as your business email address sends a "you're not established" message to Clients and potential Clients. Always use an email address that includes the full URL to your website. Of course gmail is cool - but it’s robbing you of an opportunity to communicate your brand to YOUR Clients.

Money is NO excuse! Go Daddy offers personal email plans for only $1.20 a month - go, get... pronto.

Not having an email signature

This is a super easy fix and it will only take you two minutes to complete. Find a way to put this on the top of your to-do list immediately! A proper email address should be included in every single one of your outgoing emails and consist of your full name, title, company name, address, contact information and if you have one, a mini tag line or branding message. Mine looks a little something like this:

--
Natalie Sousa
VSM Team Lead

Virtual Studio Manager
c/o Webster Hill Inc
580 California Street, 5th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

virtualstudiomanager.com | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 866.977.5300

Getting Photographers behind their cameras, not their desks!

Not responding to Clients promptly

I know what you're thinking... "Of course you should, who doesn't"? Believe it or not, this isn't something that most of us do consistently. By following up with Clients quickly, you're more likely to have a potential Client become a contracted Client, and gain valuable, word-of-mouth recommendations from your existing Clients.

Virtual Studio Manager makes it easy to follow up with one, or more Clients with a click of a few buttons!

Using a P.O.Box address

P.O.Box addresses are for large corporations with payment processing centers. If you're a small business owner, and you're including the words "P. O. Box" in your address, its sends an uncomfortable feeling to your Clients - and you don't want that!

If you're not comfortable using your personal address, use the full street name for your local post office and list your P.O. Box number as a suite number.

Not having a toll free number

This is really useful for a number of reasons! Not only can you route your toll free number to any phone, therefore never having to change your business phone number, it also sends a professional, established message to your Clients. There are lots of low cost solutions out there for you… run a search on the web and you’ll be amazed at all of the toll-free goodness available.

We use gotvmail, its a voice mail management system that also includes a toll free number.

Not accepting credit cards

Being able to offer your Clients multiple ways to pay for your service, is not only convenient but also provides additional security for your Clients. There are low cost solutions out there for you to help get you started.

A really convenient and popular option is PayPal all you need is an email address to get started.

Not knowing what you REALLY make per hour

Many photographers have NO idea what they actually make per hour! Take the time to explore your cost and profit margins, then implement tools that will help you save time - allowing you to maximize your hourly rate.

I'm a huge fan of time management systems that are effective and make life easier for every party. In this case however, you'll just have to set some time aside to really determine how much time you spend obtaining, maintaining and processing a Client/Assignment. Once you confirm what you're making per hour, look at implementing time saving tools that will help you streamline your business.

Not having a meeting plan!

Getting a Client to meet with you is a great - and you should be thrilled that you are moving them along the process to becoming an actual Client! Once you land the meeting, know the steps needed to covert your potential Client to a contracted Client.

To start creating an effective meeting plan, check out the The Do Not Sell Photographers Guide to Booking Clients.

Not having a business plan!

When you don't have a destination point clearly stated, you are less likely to make decisions that will help you reach your goals. Dedicate an afternoon and put your business plan in writing. You'll be surprised at what you learn and what you realize you need to work on when you sit down and evaluate what’s you have in store for your business.

Years of being in the industry and lots of research helped us accumulate tools, tips and resources to help us build our business!

--

about Natalie... She’s a photographer + mom + entrepreneur on a mission to help professional photographers save time and do more of what they love.

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... One "free" email account option that I think is reasonable is Google's Google Apps for Domains. http://www.google.com/a With this free solution, you will be able to use your domain.

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... @ Paul, thanks for the suggestion!

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