Wedding Photographers: Getting Ghosted?
Avoid Getting Ghosted by Potential Clients //
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It’s a common frustration within the wedding photography industry to hear complaints from photographers about potential clients disappearing after showing initial interest in their services. The phenomenon of “ghosting” can leave photographers feeling disheartened and uncertain about how to proceed. However, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, I firmly believe in taking a proactive approach to address this challenge head-on. As someone who values proactive communication and decisive action, I see the opportunity to turn this issue into an opportunity for improvement and growth.
Hi, I am Aida, host of My Wedding Season -The Podcast!
If you prefer listening, this blog post is also available in audio format on my podcast: Episode 62
By implementing strategies to engage potential clients more effectively, provide added value, and streamline the booking process, we can not only reduce the likelihood of being ghosted but also enhance the overall client experience. Let’s explore actionable steps to overcome this obstacle and build stronger connections with potential clients.
Here is what I suggest you do:
1. BE QUICK TO RESPOND TO INQUIRIES
A lot of couples reach out to multiple wedding photographers in one sitting. If you are one of the first to respond, you are most likely going to receive a response. If you take your time, they might already be in talks with other photographers and don’t bother to get back to you.
I believe that when you are quick to respond, it builds trust with potential clients by showing them that you are reliable. They see you as acting professionally and you are able to provide them with a smooth client experience from the start. It is a great way to set a positive tone for future interactions with them and opens the door to schedule a consultation call with them quickly.
2. BE TRANSPARENT ABOUT YOUR PRICES ON YOUR WEBSITE
In my personal experience, by the time potential clients inquire with me, they already know how much I charge and have had a good look at my portfolio and read through my website. They are mostly checking in to see if I am available on the date in question and we set up a free consultation to go through the details and see if we are a good fit. They are already pre-qualified inquiries that are not taken aback by the price.
I can imagine that in cases where couples are given a quote for the photography services after inquiring, there will be instances where it is simply out of their budget. I am not saying that this is a bad business practice, but I think that it can contribute to the rate at which one gets ghosted – it is just a point to consider.
I personally recommend at least to put a starting price, or a range on your website so that potential clients can judge beforehand if they are able to afford your services or not.
3. BE CLEAR ABOUT THE BOOKING PROCESS
During the consultation call, by clearly explaining the booking process, you are able to set expectations with potential clients – you are able to let them know the steps they need to take in order to book you. Do not leave things up in the air and for them to make assumptions.
I recommend that you provide them with a deadline by when they need to book you. And that means, making it official, either by signing a contract and putting down a retainer, or whatever makes it a binding agreement for both parties involved. This encourages potential clients to make a decision in a timely manner, given that they want to move forward with you as their photographer.
BONUS. FOLLOW-UP WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS
If you haven’t heard back within the time-frame that you provided them with, follow-up with them before the deadline. Sometimes, couples have to juggle so many tasks, not only in regards to planning their wedding, but also everyday activities, that they just might as well forget to get back to you. It is absolutely okay to reach out to them and ask if they have any further questions and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
Sometimes you are going to be ghosted, and that is okay. Some people struggle with delivering bad news and prefer to avoid it all together – it might not seem fair, but it is what is. You need to learn to let it go and don’t let it get to you.
If you found this article to be helpful, I would love for you to recommend it to a friend. And if you are feeling extra spicy, please hop on over to iTunes and write me a review. This will not only let me know that you are loving what I am putting out, but it will also help the show get discovered by other photographers.
If you have any questions or comments, just hit me up on Instagram @aidaglowik
Cheering you on,
Aida
Photo | Couple: Sarah & Rubén @twinflamesnl