9 reasons why I use a CRM for my photography business

…and how using a CRM has improved my customer satisfaction

First, let me explain what a CRM system is. CRM stands for Client relationship management and it’s designed to organize, streamline, and automate your customer workflow. Think about the important parts of your business like contracts, questionnaires, invoices, orders, proposals, client communications, and more. These will all be handled and hosted within the CRM system. Personally, I have been using Sprout Studio for my photography business since 2018, and it has been the best investment I have ever made.

Here are 9 reasons why I use a CRM for my photography business:

1. Transformed my business

Using a CRM for my photography business has transformed my business from being mainstream with a disorganized client workflow to one that is well-organized and professional. I now feel more self-assured and in control of my business.

2. Time-saving

Using a CRM has saved me a significant amount of time. It has motivated me to create routines and templates that streamline my daily tasks. I have templates prepared for each step of every type of photoshoot, including contracts, model releases, print releases, pre-written emails, gallery templates, questionnaires, and price lists. These resources are readily available whenever I need them, allowing me to work more efficiently.

3. Streamlined process for my clients

My clients benefit from a streamlined and easy-to-understand process. They have access to their own private client portal, where they can find all their documents, invoices, galleries, and links. This improved system allows my clients to have a clearer understanding of my pricing structure and makes it easier for them to accept my prices. As a result, there is a greater sense of trust between us.

4. Improved client communication

Utilizing a CRM system has enhanced my client communication. Effective communication is crucial for any service-based business. In my case, Sprout Studio  has aided me in the following ways:

• Achieving better results by having a clear understanding of my clients’ needs
• Avoiding unnecessary frustrations through pre-photoshoot communications, ensuring clients are aware of what to expect
• Ensuring customer satisfaction as they feel well-informed and supported

5. Automation and reminders

Have you ever experienced situations where clients don’t act on instructions given to them via email? For example, not paying their invoices or not choosing their favorite images on time? This often happens because clients are busy and simply forget. To address this issue, it’s practical and helpful to automatically send friendly reminders to clients when they fail to complete necessary action steps. And let me tell you, these reminders work. With Sprout Studio, I can program the “Sprout Assistant” to send reminders if a client doesn’t respond within a certain number of days after the first email is sent. Fortunately, most of my clients only need one reminder before taking action.

6. Legit online contract signing

I really enjoy digital contract signing. It used to be a difficult task for both me and my clients. But now, I can simply choose a contract template, customize it as necessary, and send it for digital signing. Once the client has signed it, I receive a notification and the booking process can proceed. The entire process takes just a few minutes. An added bonus is that Sprout Studio offers a comprehensive library of pre-written contracts to help you get started.

7. Work smarter, not harder

Sprout Studio allows me to work smarter instead of harder. By investing in a good system, I have freed up time to focus on revenue-generating activities. Essentially, I spend money to earn more money. It is the best investment I have ever made.

8. Online questionnaires

Imagine being able to effortlessly create questionnaire templates to gather information from your clients. I have created pre-session and post-session questionnaires available in both Dutch and English. With just one click, you can send the questionnaires to your clients. And in case they forget to fill them out (trust me, they will forget), automatic friendly reminders will gently prompt them to take action.

9. Schedule appointments

You may be familiar with the time-consuming process of agreeing on a date and time for a photo session or a product ordering session. With an online scheduler, clients can easily choose and book their preferred time from your calendar with just one click. This feature is particularly beneficial for booking mini-sessions, as you can set it up once and allow customers to select and pay for their sessions all at once.

Why I chose Sprout Studio

Last, I would like to discuss why I chose Sprout Studio as my CRM and the additional advantages it offers compared to other CRM systems.

Firstly, Sprout Studio is developed and run by photographers. They fully understand photographers’ unique needs and desires.

Secondly, Sprout Studio offers all the features that other CRM providers have and more! You get a lot more value for your money.

These “extras” are significant for photographers:

• Online galleries eliminate the need for a separate gallery subscription.
• Email marketing services offer powerful tools such as drip campaign setups, templates, and webpage pop-ups to collect email addresses.
• Designer email tool, allowing you to create visually appealing emails for your campaigns with images and pre-made layouts.
• Online album proofing allows you to create a virtual mockup of your album designs. This enables your customers to view the design exactly as it will appear when printed. They can even leaf through the virtual album as if it were a physical one. Clients also have the ability to add comments to suggest changes and swap photos.
• Online pricelists that look beautiful and are easy to share.

If you want to learn more about why I love Sprout Studio and its standout features, check out my blog post: Why Sprout Studio is the best CRM for photographers.

Conclusion: Sprout Studio offers great value for my money

Using a CRM system, specifically Sprout Studio, for my photography business has greatly improved my organization and systems, saved me time, enhanced my client communication, automated reminders, streamlined contract signing, and so much more. Sprout Studio offers additional advantages such as online galleries, email marketing services, a designer email tool, and online proofing. Overall, Sprout Studio provides excellent value for professional photographers.

Special offer

Are you ready to take your business to the next level and stand out from other photographers? Using a CRM can elevate your business, helping you scale and deliver an incredible client experience.

Even in challenging times, when assignments are rare and money is tight, I refuse to give up on my Sprout Studio subscription. In fact, it serves as a reminder of why I became a photographer and motivates me to persevere, regardless of the circumstances.

Click below to test it out for yourself, free of charge and with no commitments. If you decide to stay on, you’ll get a 20% discount on your subscription. Have any questions? Let me know via the chat function below.