3 Black Friday Sales Ideas for Photographers from a Virtual Assistant
Today I wanna dive into 3 Black Friday sales ideas for photographers (straight from your friendly neighborhood virtual assistant 💕). And if you think I’m crazy for talking about Black Friday in July…I want you to keep reading.
The day after Thanksgiving is one of the largest sale days of the year, and it’s definitely an amazing way to boost income before the slower booking season of the holidays. But let’s be honest: it’s a bitch to organize & market.
Not only are a million people vying for your audience’s attention during Black Friday, you also want make sure you don’t end up glued to your computer screen while everyone else enjoys Turkey leftovers & naps. Ya know!?
Having an automation is KEY, and you’ll definitely want to have all of this mapped out in advance. Thus, why you might want to consider making a plan now versus when the busy Fall season begins.
Do I have you convinced? ;) If so…
Here are 3 Black Friday Sales Ideas for Photographers —
A Set Reduced Rate on a Popular Package: Let’s say you’re a boudoir photographer…you can offer a limited number of spots with a reduced session fee. Create urgency by capping the number of shoots that can be booked (or the window of time) though!! Don’t want it to seem open ended. For example: “Get $200 off your session fee! Must book by Sunday, November 26th!” or “Get $500 off any Collection! Offer only available to 5 people so make sure to snag a spot soon!” This creates a reason for them to invest quickly. Otherwise you’ll be lost in the sauce with all the other sales.
A Free Add-On Product or Experience: This one is particularly good if you don’t have a lot of extra TIME to spend on fulfilling this offer in 2024. Let’s say you’re a family photographer, this can look like: “Book TODAY and receive a FREE 8x10 luxury canvas print of your family!” or “The first three people to book receive complimentary access to the client closest.” Think of something that you normally upsell, and offer it as an incentive for a limited amount of time (or spots) .
A Special Stylized Shoot: Do you have a session you’ve been itching to try creatively? But aren’t sure where it fits in your normal offers? BLACK FRIDAY IS YOUR FRIEND, MY FRIEND. Let’s say you’re a wedding photographer who has always wanted to do a styled studio shoot for couples. Maybe something spicy! Or just a cool set-up! This is a unique opportunity to offer it, and make some $$ while also getting to try something new. (You might need to do a model call to have marketing materials for this, something to consider!) This would look like: “LIMITED EDITION Styled Shoot! I NEVER offer something like this, but I just can’t help myself this year! These shoots are so fun and I’m obsessed with the photos. Book this limited edition shoot now - only 5 spots available” (Remember, we are doing HEAVIER selling during Black Friday).
There are a million ways you can make Black Friday your own! Just remember to warm your audience for your deals weeks in advance, and to prepare the backend of your business before that. It can be a highly successful sales day (and a way to grow brand awareness) - but it DOES require some upfront work & attention.
If you want help with your Black Friday sales…I have something coming that will be just for you. Reach out HERE to learn more.
3 Signs You're Ready to Hire a Virtual Assistant
So your business is growing (yay), and you’re debating whether or not you need a Virtual Assistant. Maybe you’re making sure you don’t venture into burnout, or maybe you’re already there & need help. Either way, here are 3 signs you’re ready to hire a virtual assistant:
1. You’re Never Getting to Cyclical Items on Your To Do List
What I mean by that is: do you always think it would be nice to have Pinterest running, but it always falls behind? Do you think about blogging your work, but it rarely happens because urgent tasks take up your time? Do you want to have a social media plan but in reality you’re posting on the fly? It might be time for a virtual assistant. What I do as a VA for photographers is help you automate those cyclical tasks. You get to focus on the creative power alley that only YOU can do, all the while have your presence growing on Pinterest, get a social media plan delivered, see Google leads grow from blogging ETC ETC ETC.
2. You’re Itching To Grow to the Next Level
You might be ready to hire a Virtual Assistant if you have all these dreams and ideas of things you want to do to grow your business, but simply do not have the time to execute. If you wanna start a mentorship program, develop a course, create presets or WHATEVER…but you’re bogged down in client management or keeping up with social media or troubleshooting… having someone take a bulk of tasks off your plate frees you up to be creative. I have had clients hit their income goals, get more leads, literally START NEW BUSINESSES with their free time after hiring me.
3. You Are Prompt With Communication
Okay hear me out on this one! I put this as one of the 3 signs you’re ready to hire a virtual assistant because…having someone on your team that is working hand in hand with you, is a communication commitment. You are handing off tasks, but you are still the final decision maker. The more decisive and clear you are in communication, the more you will get out of your VA experience. I have unfortunately had to resolve partnerships for lack of communication. You waste your hours with someone (and your $$) if you are leaving emails on read for 3-5 days before responding. So it’s worth asking yourself if you can realistically keep up with that communication commitment before putting the financial investment into hiring someone.
I hope these 3 signs you’re ready to hire a virtual assistant were helpful!! I know it’s a big leap to outsource those intimate business tasks, but it can truly change your life.
And the added perk of hiring a Virtual Assistant as a photographer is that it positions you to naturally take up the CEO role, which in turn makes you view your business differently. You get more strategic and decisive when you are actually directing the ship that way.
Let me know what you think! Do you have any questions? Head to my Instagram and drop me a DM, I’m always happy to help!