The Dos and Don’ts of Photography Client Follow-up Emails

As a photographer, your ability to communicate effectively with clients can make or break your business. One of the most important aspects of communication is following up with potential clients after an initial inquiry. While follow-up emails can be challenging to write, they’re essential for building relationships with potential clients and ultimately booking more business.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of sending follow-up emails to photography clients. We’ll cover everything from how to craft effective subject lines to the language you should use in your emails. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using email templates for your photography workflows and where to find them.

Whether you’re a wedding photographer, a portrait photographer, or a newborn photographer, these tips will help you improve the effectiveness of your follow-up emails and ultimately book more clients. So, if you’re ready to take your email communication to the next level and grow your photography business, read on to learn more about the dos and don’ts of photography client follow-up emails.

The Dos and Don’ts of Photography Client Follow-up Emails

Do: Personalize your follow-up email

One of the most important things to keep in mind when sending follow-up emails to photography clients is to make them personal. Nobody wants to receive a generic email that could have been sent to anyone. When writing a follow-up email, try to reference the previous communication you had with the client. For example, mention a specific project they inquired about or bring up something they said that stood out to you.

Personalizing your follow-up email shows the client that you value their time and are invested in working with them specifically. It also helps to establish a connection with the client and makes them more likely to respond.

Don’t: Be pushy

While it’s important to follow up with clients, it’s equally important not to be pushy. Clients can quickly become turned off if they feel like they’re being hounded by a photographer. Instead of sending multiple emails in quick succession, space them out over a few days or even a week. Give the client time to respond on their own terms.

Also, avoid using language that suggests urgency or pressure, such as “time is running out” or “limited spots available.” These tactics can backfire and make the client less likely to want to work with you.

Do: Provide value

Another effective way to engage potential clients in follow-up emails is to provide value. Share a resource, such as a blog post or e-book, that you think could be helpful to them. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also shows that you’re interested in helping them achieve their goals.

Providing value can also help establish trust with potential clients. If they see that you’re invested in their success, they’ll be more likely to view you as a partner rather than just another service provider.

Don’t: Be too salesy

While it’s important to promote your services, it’s equally important not to come across as too salesy in follow-up emails. This can turn off potential clients and make them less likely to want to work with you. Instead of focusing solely on your services, try to frame your email in terms of the benefits you can provide the client.

For example, instead of saying “Book me for your wedding photography,” you could say “I’d love to capture your special day and create lasting memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.” This approach is more focused on the client’s needs and desires rather than just promoting your services. Need more info? Check out this blog on: 8 Email Templates Every Wedding Photographer Needs.

Do: Keep it short and sweet

When it comes to follow-up emails, less is often more. Clients are busy, and they don’t have time to read lengthy emails. Keep your follow-up email short and sweet, and get straight to the point. Your email should be no longer than a few paragraphs.

Remember, the goal of your follow-up email is to get the client to respond, not to give them a detailed explanation of your services. Keep your email focused on the client and their needs, and try to make it as easy as possible for them to respond.

Don’t: Use a generic subject line

The subject line of your follow-up email is the first thing a client will see when they receive it. Using a generic subject line, such as “Follow-up email,” can make your email blend in with the dozens of other emails a client receives every day.

Instead, try to make your subject line stand out and grab the client’s attention. Reference something specific from your previous communication, such as the project they inquired about, or try to pique their interest with a question or intriguing statement.

For example, you could use a subject line like “Excited to discuss your wedding photography vision” or “Are you still looking for the perfect photographer?” These subject lines are specific and attention-grabbing, which can increase the chances that the client will open your email.

Do: Include a clear call to action

When sending a follow-up email to a potential client, it’s important to include a clear call to action. This is what you want the client to do after reading your email. Do you want them to schedule a consultation, book your services, or simply respond with more information?

Whatever your call to action may be, make it clear and concise. Use action-oriented language, such as “schedule a call” or “book now,” to make it easy for the client to know what they need to do next.

Don’t: Assume the client isn’t interested

If a potential client doesn’t respond to your initial email, it’s easy to assume that they’re not interested. However, this isn’t always the case. Clients can get busy and forget to respond, or they may be waiting to hear back from other photographers before making a decision.

When sending a follow-up email, don’t assume that the client isn’t interested. Instead, approach the email with a positive and proactive mindset. Assume that the client is still considering your services and use your email as an opportunity to remind them of the value you can provide.

Consider the investment in your photography business

Sending follow-up emails to potential photography clients can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of growing your business. By following the dos and don’ts outlined above, you can improve the effectiveness of your emails and increase the chances of booking new clients.

If you’re looking to streamline your workflow and take the guesswork out of follow-up emails, consider investing in email templates. With the benefits outlined above, they can be a valuable tool for any photographer looking to grow their business.

And if you’re ready to take the next step and purchase email templates for your photography workflows, check out the options available in The Photographers Business Shop here. With our range of templates designed specifically for photographers, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and helps you book more clients.

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