The Seniorologie Podcast The Seniorologie Podcast

Last week I shared the NUMBER ONE tool that I use to drive results in my business….email marketing. I touched on how email marketing is a great way to grow your audience and reach, but today I want to dive into how you can specifically use email marketing to grow your contact list. Let’s talk about how to grow your email list in 30 days! 

How to Grow Your Email List in 30 Days

Here’s the Secret:

The secret to quickly growing your email list is a magical little thing called a lead magnet. If you haven’t heard this term before, it’s really just a fancy way of describing a free asset or a special deal offered to your potential clients in exchange for their contact information. Lead magnets are an excellent way to attract new clients and grow your contact list. It’s a win-win. Those who subscribe get something useful, and you get a list of potential new clients to connect with. Research has shown that lead magnets are a great tool to use, with 50% of marketers experiencing higher conversion rates when implementing them into their marketing strategy! Lead magnets can come in many forms such as a template, a mini-book or e-book, a checklist, a how-to guide, the list goes on! 

How to use a lead magnet: 

Firstly, the most important thing to remember when planning how to use a lead magnet is to consider what your audience needs the most. A good lead magnet should be relevant to your audience or industry. Using a broader lead magnet topic might get you more contacts, but those contacts might not be ideal clients for you. It’s better to use a lead magnet that is very specific to your niche clients, that way you don’t have to weed through any potential people down the road. Secondly, a good lead magnet should provide value. What is something you can offer your clients that no one else can? What makes you stand out from the crowd? What is some information you know that your clients couldn’t easily get elsewhere? 

Lead magnets help position you as an expert within your industry. As a result of this, it’s important to remain trustworthy. Any information you provide in your lead magnet should be backed up with research or experience. I recommend setting up your lead magnet to be easily shareable. This will help you get even more leads! If someone who downloads your lead magnet really likes it, they can then just copy the link to share with someone else they know! 

And don’t forget, you don’t want to provide too much to your contacts! Your lead magnet works hand in hand with you to draw new clients in. If you give away too much information, they may not reach out to you to book. They may think, “I can take my child’s senior photos myself!” Or they may just take what you’ve given them and go to someone else. Draw people in, establish yourself as the expert, and leave them wanting more from you! 

Creating your Own Lead Magnet:

You’ve narrowed down your audience and what they need. You maybe even took some time to scope out what your competitors are offering and doing on their websites and social pages. Now it’s time to turn on the creative juices and create your own lead magnet! You may already have some ideas popping into your head, but if you need a little inspiration, here are just a few quick ideas for lead magnets. I would encourage you to not just take one of these ideas and call it a day, but really consider what fits best within your brand, what will target your audience the best, and of course, make it your own! 

Lead magnet ideas:



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Have you looked into using email marketing to grow your business, but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe the only thing you know about email marketing is the spammy emails that clutter your inbox and drive you nuts. Whatever your experience may be, I’m excited to share with you the #1 tool I use to drive results in my business…email marketing! 

The #1 Tool I Use to Drive Results in My Business 

What is Email Marketing and Why Do You Need This Tool? 

Email marketing is a form of direct and digital marketing that uses email to promote your products and services and connect with new potential clients. It’s a great way to engage with your clients, let them know about any discounts or special offers, and keep your services front of mind! Just a few benefits of email marketing include creating personalized content, collecting feedback and surveys on your clients’ experiences, improving your sales, communicating with your audience more, and generating more traffic to your website. 

Are you intrigued yet? Let’s dive into the specifics! 

Setting Yourself to Drive Results to Your Business

When it comes to setting yourself up for success, there are a few things you want to consider before getting started:



* What platform is best for you?



Working with an email marketing platform is the best way to leverage your emails and automation to effectively deliver messages to large groups of contacts or subscribers. When you’re just starting, I recommend using a user-friendly platform, that has great templates to work off of, and is of course, reasonably priced! I use Flodesk, a great platform for anyone at any level in their email marketing experience. But there are a lot of other great options out there too! 



* Next, consider the size of your current email list



Hopefully, as you have been working with clients, you have been collecting their emails! If not, please start doing that lol. Take inventory of how large your current email list is. This will help you decide what platform package you need. Each platform has different packages available based on your number of contacts. You can always update your package as your list grows! 

3. Lastly, establish your GOALS!! 

What are you hoping to accomplish through email marketing? Is it to grow your contact list? To collect more client feedback? Generate more traffic to your website? Write down your goals and keep them front of mind as you get started and as you plan out your strategy. 

How to Get Started 

After you have determined the right platform for you, collected your email contacts, and set your goals, then it’s time to get things in motion! Here are three simple steps to get started:



* Set up your platform of choice

*  Import your contacts into your platform

*  Create your first email! 



Email Marketing Best Practices 

When it comes to running a successful email marketing strategy, there are a few “best practices” to think about. Here are a few simple and easy things to implement in your email marketing to make sure you are right on track!

Use an email signature – Doesn’t need to be anything super fancy. Feel free to make it your own and have fun with it! Include a photo of yourself or even your logo. 

Personalize the email greeting – Using merge tags, you can set up your emails to add your contact’s first or first and last name in the greeting! So instead of just saying, “Hey, friend!”, your email can say, “Hey, Jim!” instead. This may seem like a small step, but it makes a difference in capturing your reader’s attention! 

Use a compelling CTA, or, Call to Action – In each email you send out, use an enticing CTA. Maybe this is highlighting a new service or deal, or sending them to your website to check out your work examples. Whatever it is, make sure to include a CTA in every email!

How To Measure and Pivot in 2023 With a Spokesmodel Team

Have you decided to start a spokesmodel program for your senior photography business? Well, you’re in the right place! As a senior photographer with a spokesmodel program that’s been up and running for over 10 years, I can confidently say that this program not only helped my business grow but made me the go-to senior portrait photographer in my area. Today, I’m excited to dive into how to measure and pivot in 2023 with a spokesmodel team!

This episode is part of a four-part mini series on my spokesmodel program. So, if you haven’t listened to episode#81, I recommend starting there first! Alright, let’s jump in! 

Why Do You Need a Senior Model Team?

Let’s rewind for a second and talk about the why. Why do you need a senior model team in the first place? 

Well, a senior model team can:



* Create buzz about your senior photography business 

* Get your business featured on social media by your ideal client 

* Spread word-of-mouth marketing in your community

* Create a consistent marketing funnel of content to promote your business 

* Showcase your business for potential clients 

* Help you become the go-to senior photographer in your area 



Determine What You Need

It’s true, a senior model team can be a great benefit to your business. However, it’s important to first determine what YOU need for your business, because this will help you determine what you want and need to get out of your own senior model program.

Do you need:



* To get your name out there as a senior photographer?

* Content to show?

* Referrals or booked clients?

* Paying clients as models?



Before you set your requirements for your program, be sure that they actually benefit your business and fit your individual needs! 

Senior Model Team Incentives

After you’ve determined what you need, then you can start to decide what benefits to offer your senior models when they join your team.

Some examples of incentives could be:

A complimentary headshot shoot: This is a quick, first shoot to give models something to post to announce that they’re part of the team. 

Group events: These are events held throughout the year that include things like a big/little event, charity events, educational events, and more. 

Group styled shoots: These shoots are a special concept shoot with a certain theme in mind. This can be a special event where the models receive hair and makeup for the shoot.

Individual Senior Sessions: This is the individual senior session with each model for their senior photos. You can also make this special and unique to your models with hair and makeup.

Social media content/holiday shoot: You can create opportunities for your models to participate in other shoots throughout the year that are fun for them, and create content for you. 

Travel and other model opportunities: You can provide your models with opportunities to model for local fashion events, workshops, destination shoots and more. 

No matter what incentives you decide to offer, try to keep all incentives special and unique to your models. Make sure these incentives are things that your regular clients don’t have the same access to! Overall, the biggest incentive to your senior models is providing them with an experience like no other during their senior year! Remind them that they get to be part of something special when they join your team.

Senior Model Team Requirements

Incentives are important, but having business boundaries for yourself are important, too. It’s important to be clear about the senior model requirements you have for your team from the beginning.

How To Lead Your Spokesmodel Team for Optimal Results

Are you working on starting a spokesmodel program for your senior photography business or revamping a program you already have? Either way, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m covering everything you need to know on how to lead your spokesmodel team for optimal results!  As a senior photographer with a spokesmodel program for over 10 years, I can confidently say that this program not only helped my business grow but made me the go-to senior portrait photographer in my area. 

Just a heads up, this episode is part of a four-part mini series on my spokesmodel program. So, if you haven’t listened to episode#81, I recommend starting there first! 

Alright, let’s jump in! 

How To Lead Your Spokesmodel Team for Optimal Results

Creating the Experience

Creating an experience for your models can be time-consuming, but it truly is the backbone of your program! It’s important to create an experience that is authentic to you and your business. At the end of the day, your spokesmodel program should be reflective of your business and your spokesmodel mission statement. Give podcast episode#81, a listen for more on creating your very own spokesmodel mission statement.

No matter how you plan to create an experience for your spokesmodels, be intentional along the way. Strive to get to know one another, becoming more like a family throughout the year you’ll spend together. Remember that this is a special experience for your spokesmodels, as they round out their final years of high school. This is a time in their lives they will remember forever, and you get to be a part of it by creating a unique experience for them.

Photoshoots & Events

Make them fun – Photoshoots can be a lot of work, but remember to keep them fun for your models. 

Involve your models – Typically, your models will love to be involved in the creative process and they enjoy helping out.

Document and share the process – Take the opportunity to grab and invite your models to capture behind-the-scenes content. This can help future models see what the program is all about. 

Plan shoots strategically – Shoots can give both you and your models marketing material, social media content, and more when planned strategically.

Keep teens in mind – When thinking of concepts for shoots, think like your audience. Be sure to involve your models by asking them for their ideas.

Space shoots out – Hold various shoots throughout the year so that both you and your models have a revolving amount of updated content to share.

Turnaround time – Be as quick as possible, so your models can share quickly.

Types of Photoshoots

There are several types of photoshoots you can hold throughout the year with your models to capture content. Here are some of the shoots that have worked well for my business over the years. I’ve also found that some of these are crowd favorites! 

Headshot Shoots: Hold a headshot shoot first. That way you can quickly give your models content to post an announcement that they’re a part of your team. This shoot starts off their year as a spokesmodel and helps them begin to promote you and your business. 

Group Styled Shoots: A great way to include all your models! This shoot should have a clear concept that is different from a normal senior photo session. Make it a fun day by including professional hair and make up, spend time with the models throughout the process, eat a meal together, play music, and more! 

Individual Senior Sessions: Every model will have their own individual senior photo session that’s exactly like one of your normal senior sessions.

Have you decided to start a senior model team program for your senior photography business? You’re in the right place! 

As a senior photographer myself with a senior model team that has been up and running for over 10 years, I can confidently say that this program has helped my business grow and has made me the go-to senior portrait photographer in my area.

Today, I would love to tell you more about how to find the perfect senior model team that fits your business!

Heads up – this episode is part of a mini series on senior model teams. If you haven’t listened to episode 81 yet, I recommend starting there first! 

Alright, let’s jump in! 

How to Find Your Senior Model Team

If you’re new to having a senior model team for your business, finding your first models can feel like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be!

The best place to start is by networking with the people you already know. To get started, build yourself a list of people you know who you want to reach out to. 



* Use your connections 



* Brainstorm who you know that knows high school juniors. Don’t be afraid to ask around! 

* Think about previous senior clients, friends, siblings, babysitters, church members, teachers, coaches, etc. 





* Ask for nominations



* Ask people you know, senior clients, and past models for nominations.

* Gather names and create a list of potential models.

* When you start by putting a list of potential models together, you’re not solely relying on who might land on seeing a social media post or campaign.







Building Your Application Process

You don’t want to have any barriers to the application process. You can do this by using an online questionnaire application. 

When you ask the right questions, you can get insight into the girl applying. Be sure to ask the essentials such as name, school, contact info, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask for information such as their social media handles and a photo, so you can put a name to the face. Most importantly, include a parent section to ensure they’re involved from the start.



Example Questions to Ask



What are some of your hobbies, interests, and talents?

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

Why do you believe you would make a good spokesmodel?

Are you or any of your family members or close friends photographers?

Do you think any of your friends would be good spokesmodels? If so, list their names and their Instagram handles. 





Other Questions and Question Categories to Consider Including



Personality: 



List three words that best describe you. 

What are your favorite things to do outside of school? 





Style:



Describe your personal style.

Where are your favorite places to shop?





* Photo Shoot: 



* What would your dream photoshoot look like?

* Do you like to have your photo taken?





Other: 



Have you ever applied to be a spokesmodel for another photographer? 

What part of being a spokesmodel are you most excited about? 





Parent:



Parent name, email, and phone number.

Permission to apply.











Showcase Your Senior Model Team

Determine what else you might need to showcase about your model program and inform potential applicants. Would your application process benefit from something such as a digital magazine?



* A digital magazine could include:



* Additional information to ensure applicants are fully informed. 

* The opportunity to explain incentives and requirements. 

* Ability to include photos from past model shoots for c...

As a photographer, it’s possible you’ve heard the terms, “senior model team” or “spokesmodel” floating around in the industry. Maybe you’ve even known another photographer or two who have spokesmodel programs, and you’ve thought about it, but you’re on the fence. 

As a senior photographer myself, I can confidently tell you that the spokesmodel program I’ve run for over 10 years is what made me the go-to senior portrait photographer in my area. No kidding! 

So today, I would love to tell you more about what a spokesmodel program is and how it helped my business grow.

 

What is a senior model team, or a spokesmodel program?

 

A spokesmodel program is a group of high school senior students that represent your senior photography business during their senior year of high school.

Your spokesmodels help spread the word about your business by bringing in referrals and helping you to grow your business within your target market. Basically, a spokesmodel program is a group of seniors that help you market your business.

 

Why do you need a spokesmodel program for your senior photography business?

 

Having a spokesmodel team creates “buzz” about your senior photography business. And in the world of teenagers, “buzz” is so important. Your program can help spread word of mouth marketing within your community. And with a new spokesmodel team each year that includes a new group of students, people in your community will be talking about your business.

You’ll increase your social media presence both on your end, and through your spokesmodels. Your business will be showcased on social media more often, which will increase your marketing efforts to continue reaching your ideal client. You’ll appear as busy as you really are by having a lot of content to show for your work!

You’ll showcase more seniors, which will allow you to book more seniors. And finally, all of this will help you become the go-to senior photographer in your area. 

 

Mistakes I made and lessons learned with my first senior model team

 

My first spokesmodel program started in 2012, and I started with only 4 spokesmodels. After looking back on my first year, I realized what mistakes I made:



* My program started without fully understanding what a spokesmodel program was, or why I was doing it. 

* Didn’t go into the program having a plan. 

* Spent a lot of money that I didn’t need to spend trying to get the program up and running. 

* Gave away my services without setting any rules. 

* Failed to set expectations or give guidelines to the spokesmodels and their parents. 

* Ultimately, the biggest pain point I faced in my first year was walking into the program without a plan in place.



But, I don’t regret starting my program when or how I did, because by reflecting on my first year, I learned so much to help me for the years to come. 

So, what did I learn?



* First and foremost, I gained important experience. 

* I also gained a lot of content to help me showcase more senior photography. 

* It gave me a beginning – something to start building on. 

* I started getting business from word of mouth marketing. People in my community started talking about my business with others, and my bookings began to grow. 



 

What’s next?

 

So, if you want to implement a spokesmodel program in your business, what’s next?

If I could go back to the beginning of my program and tell myself one thing, I would urge the 2012 me to determine my “why”.

What is your “why” for adding a spokesmodel program to your business? Really dig deep, and figure out what it is that you need your program to do, and why you want to have a program for your business.