The Pet Photographers Club

The Pet Photographers Club
  • 4.5 (13)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Pet Photographers Club

The FREE podcast for the global community of pet photographers. Join your host, Kirstie McConnell as she interviews professional pet photographers and other expert guests to help grow your business.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    How free publicity has shaped this pet photographers business with Belinda Richards

    I initially had just one question prepared for today’s guest, Belinda Richards, and it wasn’t anything to do with PR. Yet we just spent over half of this interview diving into why Belinda is putting most of her marketing energy into getting newspaper articles, blog posts and even a radio show segment! And let me tell you- the information she shared will make you go back to your client avatar, look at where they go for information and find a way to feature there. In the member’s half Belinda shared her top tips for getting free publicity and then we moved on to her approach for successful expos- which really had little to do with being there on the day. I took us well over time but I know you’ll be glad because the episode is full of so many great take aways, oh and eventually I did get to my one question- how and why Frog Dog studios is charging for pre-shoot consults? WE COVERED Why Belinda began entering awards and the impact on her businessClient trust- how do you make sure that your audience knows about the awardsWhy Belinda doesn’t work with a PR Agent SEO impact from the backlinks of the online publications Client demographic that comes from printed media Who is the client Belinda wants to work with nowHow far Frog Dog Studio’s clients travel for to work with Belinda IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE Belinda’s top tips for getting PR - who to contact, how and what to sayThe marketing strategy that Belinda has pivoted away from, and whyHow Belinda approached expo’sA decision doesn’t have to be forever The story behind the studio shop frontCharging for pre-shoot consultationsBelinda’s conversion rate from consultation to booking Links in the show notes: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1703

    25 min

  2. 2 NOV

    Thinking like a business person for pet photography success

    Today’s guest has been in business for a long time- and you can tell. She is thinking outside the box with her marketing while also ensuring she has a layered approach to fill her calendar. I’m talking about Lisa Asp who beyond that, is heavily involved with PPA and ISAP so after chatting marketing she answered your questions about joining a photography association and the different awards and competitions that are out there. WE COVERED Lisa’s journey from the dream of being a painting major to shifting gears into photography How a rescue encouraged Lisa’s business to transition into pets from general portraitsHow Lisa uses social mediaMarketing a specialised studio versus a general portrait studio Thinking outside the box with passive marketing by partnering with a cafeHow putting yourself out there can lead to new clients and marketing partnershipsWhat is a professional photography association and why would you join IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE How to find an association to join for professional photographersWhat's the deal with competitions and awards, and which should you enterHeadshots for houndsKnowing when to say no to fundraisers Show notes can be found here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1702

    26 min

  3. 20 OCT

    Great communication, clear boundaries and firm policies make for a solid and profitable pet photography business for Jessica Wasik

    Do you groan every time you hear another coach or podcast guest talk about the importance of phone calls or pre-shoot consultations? Then this interview will be a breath of fresh air for you! Today’s guest, Jessica Wasik, is on track to hit a quarter of a million dollars in annual revenue- without phone calls for most of her 80+ bookings a year! She shared what she does instead and the importance of systems along with a whole lot of other insights. And if you’re a member, you’ll even hear my of my recent rookie mistake! WE COVERED Where Jessica’s clients come from each yearHow much are Jessica’s gift certificatesClient communication to ensure gift voucher clients spend Jessica’s booking fee, how much her clients spend and what they’re purchasing IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE Booked out for the next two months - what does that meanNumber of sessions per monthGoal for next year How knowing your numbers helps mindset for assuming the saleThe real reason people don’t book Boundaries and policies that have made the biggest difference Kirstie’s recent rookie mistakeMarketing and selling vouchers What Jessica’s Black Friday sale includes and how she promotes itRainbow sessions Pre-purchase credit  Mentioned links can be found here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1701

    17 min

  4. 28 SEPT

    From burn out to happiness in doing all the things with Allira Fontana

    I initially reached out to today's guest to chat all about her Facebook group for pet parents, and we did get into the details of that but we also covered much more because today’s guest was a complete open book!  I’m talking about Allira Fontana and if you’re considering offering event photography for horse shows, the first part will certainly be of interest to you. Then we switched gears and chatted about that Facebook group- why she started it, how it grew and why Allira isn’t worried about losing clients with it.  If you’re a member- you’re really in for a treat, and maybe even a bit of a wake-up call. Allira shared the importance of understanding animal behaviour as a pet and equine photographer- and how she went about learning that, and then we got into her marketing strategies. If you’re looking at an empty calendar, hearing Allira list off her upcoming marketing calendar will be quite the eye-opener!  I don’t think I’ve ever had an interview with such variety so no matter what stage of business you’re in- be sure to tune in. We Covered: From Horse Events to Private Sessions Burnout from Horse EventsFulfillment from private sessionsHow Horse Events work financiallyRecognising what makes you happy and following thatRecognising burnout, taking a break and re-assessing Pricing for horse showsThe ultimate training ground for learning dog behaviourRelaunching the change in business model Why start a Facebook group with photo tips for pet-parentsDiversifying income  For members-only: The goal of the Facebook groupAre you losing your clients by teaching them?Certificate in animal behaviourWorking with a coachHow clients find Allira Fontana Photography todayWhat are people buying  Mentioned links can be found in the show notes: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1612 ******** DIRECTORY UPDATE The new and improved Pet Photographers Directory is now live!  You can claim your free listing, or upgrade to a premium listing for extra backlinks to tell Google that you’re a trusted site so they improve your ranking. Find out more at https://www.petphotographersdirectory.com/

    33 min

  5. 13 SEPT

    Don’t let fear hold you back with Alex Cearns

    We’ve heard it before, business is not for the faint-hearted and today’s guest agrees. I’m talking about Alex Cearns who’s been in business for 15 years and has worked with pet photographers from all corners of the globe.  We covered many topics including the usual business structures, marketing and products, but the common theme throughout was not to let fear hold you back in business.  If you’ve caught yourself getting down after comparing your average sales to other photographers, or beating yourself up over the peaks and troughs of business, Alex’s message is sure to hit home. In the members second-half, Alex shared how she’s booking 250 clients a year, what they’re buying, why they don’t ask for digitals and her thoughts on social media for marketing. There’s great takeaways from this episode no matter what stage you’re at in business, so tune in! We covered: The business structure of Houndstooth StudioCharacteristics to be successfulBusiness is not lineaFake it ‘til you make itGet in front of people and talk passionately about what you doHow to appreciate where you’re currently at with your sales when you see your friends making 5 figures IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE: Organic bookings are all but dead, so how is Alex booking 250 shoots a year?What clients are buyingSocial media expectationsWhat one thing has the biggest impact on a successful business Mentioned links can be found in the show notes here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1611

    25 min

  6. 25 AUG

    Guaranteeing a minimum $2000 sale with Jane Thomson

    Over the last few years I’ve seen how trends have changed and pet photographers around the world have introduced new business models and pricing structures. But today’s guest is the exception.  She found what works for her early on, and she’s sticking to it. By pricing herself this way she is consistently hitting her averages, and attracting the type of client she wants- all by word of mouth!  I’m talking about Jane Thomson whose work is pure art and just gorgeous, and I am stoked to have her on the show today. We covered: Jane’s journey from $350 shoots to the structure she uses todayWhat gives Jane the confidence to ask for the money upfrontHow clients respond when they’re told about the minimum collection  IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE: What Jane’s clients are buying The client experienceHow Jane sells products, without In Person Sales!How Jane’s clients find herAll about the charity project and why Jane took it on Mentioned links are in the show notes found here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1610 *** CLUB CHANGESFor the first time since the launch of The Pet Photographers Club six years ago, a price rise is coming. That price rise is because the new membership structure will include over $150 worth of bonus content for monthly members and even more for annual members. Of course, there is also 16 seasons of interviews in the archives of the podcast! That's a lot of valuable content collected over the years! Don't worry existing members- your payments won't change. The new price is only for new sign-ups from 1st October 2024. Not yet a member? You can lock in the current low price. Sign up now.

    21 min

  7. 11 AUG

    Clients are everywhere, but some areas are worth traveling to with Blue Amrich

    We often hear educators saying that you can find clients anywhere. I know I say it, and I believe it because we really need so few clients per year that we can find enough no matter where we live- well almost. Today’s guest agrees, but she also pointed out that some markets are easier than others which is why she happily travels two hours to her client shoots back in Boston, instead of trying to find clients in her new hometown. By making this decision, she also realised she had to make more money per client. So two years ago, Blue Amrich re-designed her business model to meet that new required average sale. In today's episode, she shared what Beyond the Fence looked like then and the biggest change she made to ensure that drive is worth it. We covered: Moving into pets because "dogs are better than brides"What happened when Blue stopped selling digitals Conversion rate from enquiry to selling Why Blue didn't move her business when she moved her homeIt's a numbers game Knowing your client  IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE: Most people haven't thought about the final result Blue's initial client callPricing and products and profitsWhy Blue is happy to be working seasonallyHow clients are finding Beyond the Fence Why do personal projects Show notes can be found here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1609

    21 min

  8. 26 JULY

    Business lesson learned over 14 years+ as a pet photographer with Nicole Begley

    Today’s guest is absolutely no stranger in this industry. She has been setting standards for pet photographers for a decade or so, but today she’s here not to talk about education, but her own journey as a pet photographer and the changes she’s made throughout the years in order to meet her business goals. I’m talking about none other than Nicole Begley and I’m wrapped to have her joining us today. WE COVERED: The push for Nicole to start a business back in 2010 and her first goalThe wake-up call to switch from $175 all-inclusive sessionsThe impact of attending a conference Nicole's first sale from making that switch, and her average from then onHow Nicole's marketing approach changed to align with her new pricing came in Why Nicole stopped photographing families and went "all in" with photographing pets IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE: The confidence boost from a great saleThe mark up Nicole puts on her products to be profitable Money blocks The three different pricing structures Nicole has trialled: Collections, Create your own collection, (including digitals), Al A carte Why Nicole uses digitals as an incentive, and howNicole’s golden first question for enquiriesNicole’s booking process and how she utilises the pre-booking phone callWhy offer a bonus even for clients that have an unlimited budget Find the show notes here: https://thepetphotographersclub.com/podcast/1608

    24 min
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4.5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The FREE podcast for the global community of pet photographers. Join your host, Kirstie McConnell as she interviews professional pet photographers and other expert guests to help grow your business.

Information

  • Creator
    The Pet Photographers Club
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Pet Photographers Club | 732703
  • Show Website
    The Pet Photographers Club

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