Effortless Client Onboarding: A Photographer’s Guide to a Smoother Experience

Shay K Photo video on my client onboarding process

In this video, I walk through my entire client onboarding process. It is crucial that this process feels easy and effortless for your clients. You are in a luxury business—so act like one.

In the video I start by showing you where clients can find my contact form on my website. Make this button super accessible and easy to find. Use a CRM like HoneyBook or Dubsado. My contact form is embedded directly into my site through HoneyBook. If you want to learn how to do that, watch this YouTube tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6bTvEHaXO0

Once the initial inquiry email comes in, you should have a digital welcome guide ready to send immediately. This guide should communicate your brand values before you ever say a word.

Include things like:

• Your photography philosophy

• What it’s like to work with you

• What makes your experience unconventional and elegant.

• Posing expectations

• A sample timeline

• What they receive beyond just photos (GIFs, Polaroids, outfit or location guides, inspiration boards, etc.)

A professional, beautifully designed guide = clear expectations = less stress = higher perceived value.

Next, schedule a consultation call or meet-up with the client. Take care of as much as you can on your end. Don’t make your clients do all the work. Luxury does not equal 10 questionnaires or a 2-page contact form.

Be personable. Have resources prepared. People want to see your face—especially your high-paying clients. Prioritize Zoom calls over phone calls. Get out of the text or email thread and in front of their eyes.

Communicate well. Respond the same day the client inquires. So many photographers lose clients simply because they take too long to reply—I say this from experience.

From there, communicate crystal-clear timelines, meeting locations, and expectations. Add a “here’s what happens next” message after every step of the process.

In the next blog, we’ll dive into the shooting experience and how to make it as seamless, comfortable, and elevated as possible for your clients.

Subscribe to The Shay K Edit to stay tuned!