Creating Lasting Relationships with Clients
Beyond delivering wonderful photos, it is your job as a photographer to ensure that building valuable, long-term relationships is essential to maintaining your photography business afloat. Instilling trust with a client must go both ways and ensuring constant, clear communication and care will always have them eager to work with you again!
In this blog we will discuss what I believe are some of the most important points to build a strong foundation with a client to create ongoing partnerships, and most importantly, personal bonds that can turn into life-long friendships.
Set Expectations Early!
The most important form of communication (which we will touch base again!) is to always set expectations on what the client can expect for the project. Define your timelines, deliverables, and upfront costs with anything and everything, including your own personal skills for said project!
If, for example, you are shooting product photography but have not mastered reflections or specific lighting the project is requesting - share the knowledge that you may not be able to. If you are willing to try relay the info to the client and let them make the decision. It may mean that you lose the project (which is fine, start practicing!) or they may be inclined to let you take a crack at it.
Either way, ensuring that you set expectations from the start is the ultimate form of communication. Speaking of communication….
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
The biggest form of flattery is when someone knows you are willing to listen and to speak your mind when appropriate. Keep clients in the loop before, during, and after the shoot for full transparency. Transparency naturally builds trust!
Ensure you give them a proper timeline and what exactly you will be doing leading up to the shoot. Keep them updated during the shoot whether it is through a link to view the live shoot, or invite them to your space so they can see it in action! Most importantly, keep constant lines of communication open after as this is most crucial.
Letting them be a part of the editing process can lead to happy clients and lets them know that you are an open book for challenges, a listening ear and have a genuine hold of the situation. Remember to listen first, and shoot second!
Remain as Flexible as You Can!
Adaptability must and will always be expected as a photographer, it allows you to shine in unexpected and challenging scenarios. It also ensures that you are approachable when the client wants to present a new challenge for you. Make sure you listen intently and if it is possible go the extra mile to make them happy!
It allows you to understand their vision, even if some aspects change in the process. Better yet, it allows you to pus your own personal boundaries as an artist! So, say yes when possible, and if you can’t… Read up above all about communication and setting expectations!
Conclusion
I always value the prospect of budding and long term relationships, they set the stage up for a collaborative and fun experiences! Just like any friendship or personal relationship, always strive to communicate clearly with set expectations as to how things will unfold. Even if it brings discomfort, a client will always appreciate flexibility when needed - on the other hand alwyas make sure that you are completely confident in your ability and if you’re not that’s okay too! Be sure to relay, listen, and accept or deny. Clients are the most important lifeline for your company, be sure to treat everyone in your line of sight with kindness and business will always make its way back to you.
