It’s always exciting to refocus and find new purpose in your business. Whether it’s to reignite your commitment to creativity, find new ways to delight your clients, or simply commit to a new perspective, 2023 is the perfect year to make sure that you’re using your gallery software to its full potential.

By outlining your business values, establishing your goals, and taking a deep dive into your ultimate photography dreams, PPA and ShootProof want to help you build a business that’s more rewarding – and more profitable – than ever before.

What you should ask when choosing a client-focused gallery software to deliver your drop-dead gorgeous photos:

● Will it help you attract even more ideal clients with a seamless branding experience?

● Will it help you make more money? (and without making you feel like a used car salesman!)

● Will it help your clients print their photos?

● Will it help streamline your process with invoices, contracts, and email campaigns?

Upgrade #1: Make a good first impression with branding

Each interaction your client has with your business is an opportunity to impress. From the visual appeal of your brand, to how photos are laid out in galleries, down to the way emails arrive in your clients’ inboxes, every brand touch point is an excuse to blow their minds (in all the best ways)! That’s why you need to develop a consistent gallery experience that authentically reflects your brand, and your clients’ values.

Your gallery can be customized to your brand standards, from fonts and colors, to the copy in your emails. If your gallery software provides tools like video intros and marketing banners, take full advantage of these opportunities to customize your clients' experience and integrate their galleries with your social content and blog.

Upgrade #2: Sell prints and products (+ make more money)

Don't leave money on the table. Each time your clients print their images at a big box store, you're missing out. Give them the quality they deserve by setting up a price sheet with a pro lab and get your clients thinking about products before their session even happens! Once you've hyped up the products you want them to buy, make sure your gallery software allows you to customize and fully control your profit margins, so you're profitable in the new year. Not only will this help your clients print their memories, you'll likely be more profitable, which is also pretty dang cool.

Upgrade #3: Create an easy workflow with invoices, contracts, email campaigns, and more

Your photography contracts, invoices, and communication help lay the groundwork for the human-to-human relationship with your client. The goal is to not only look professional but to provide your clients with an experience that will knock their socks off. Make it a mission to surprise and delight your clients at every turn, with the goal of making their experience one that’s remarkably easy - from beginning to end.

A few quick (extra) tips from the pros:

● Always use a contract. And by “always” we mean ALWAYS. Contracts protect both you and your client.

● Use digital invoices so your client can make their payments online, from wherever they are!

● Set it and forget it. Email campaigns promoting prints and products are easy to set up, and drive 38% MORE in sales, by keeping you top of mind

● Follow up every booking with a handwritten thank you note or a small gift.

Your client experience shouldn’t end when you send your client their images. With a gallery software that provides extra tools like simple portfolio websites, digital contracts and invoices, and email campaigns, you’ll forge lasting relationships with your clients that will lead to future sessions and LOTS of referrals. Thankfully, here at ShootProof, that’s our specialty.