How to Book More Clients
Developing a Client Experience
This topic is supppppeeeerrr important to me. Why? Because the strategies I have learned have completely changed Alisabeth Designs, and for the better. I don’t know about you, but when I first started my business I had no clue what I was doing. Marketing, social media, it was all foreign. (and quite overwhelming)
Today I want to talk to you about one of the foundational blocks of my business, and that is consultations.
Most of us small business owners have consultations on a regular basis. Whether it’s meeting up with a bride to discuss your wedding photography or planning packages, or scheduling a call to discuss a timeline. Consults are a huge part of what us small business owners do, and I have learned a little recipe for “magic” that I am really excited to share.
This “magic” isn’t anything special I’ve conjured up on my own (sorry to let you down ;)) but it is something extremely practical that you can start implementing today.
So, you’re probably wondering.. ok consultations.. but how does that help me book more clients? Well, let me tell you. HOW you have your consultations is everything. I made the mistake all too often of heading into a consult, rushed, panicked and unsure of myself. I wasn’t taking the time I should in preparation and a lot of times I would feel so scatter-brained and insecure during meetings.
Another thing I failed to do was give people the opportunity to meet with me in person. Alisabeth Designs works with clients worldwide, as most destination wedding photographers, and creatives do. What I didn’t realize, was that by meeting via video chat instead of the phone I could establish more of a personal connection, increasing my chances of booking the client.
Several weeks ago I taught this strategy to my Facebook group for Branding and Web Designers. Within just a few days, the testimonies began to pour in. I didn’t realize this truth for my business could really help others with theirs. With that being said, I highly encourage you to try video calls for your long distance meetings. One of my favorite testimonies was from Elliott who said, “We BOOKED two clients today thanks to getting face time in with them!” It may seem scary meeting someone for the first time over video, but take the time to prepare for your meeting. Heck, I created my own little outline that I fill out for each consult. It makes the WORLD of a difference in my confidence.
Another important thing to discuss is your client experience.
The reputation of your business is crucial, and developing a phenomenal client experience will help you gain credibility. Does your experience WOW your clients? Or, does it leave them feeling dissatisfied, frustrated or confused? It definitely takes time and heart to put together an experience. But, I want to encourage you to write down every step that you take with your client. Jot it all down, from your first interaction, to the last touch.
Afterwards, go back through your list and think about how you can be more intentional with each interaction to make it uplifting, exciting, encouraging and heartfelt. Every little moment should be full of thoughtfulness, showing your client that you have truly gone the extra mile for them.
One platform that I have been able to utilize to help develop a seamless client experience, full of intentional reminders, gifts, and hugs all along the way is Dubsado. This platform allows me to manage my entire client relationship and it helps me create seamless, automatic workflows to help me accomplish #allthethings. Can you put a price on productivity?! I think not.
Check out our post on other free resources you can utilize for your business >
Thanks for reading along!
Sarah Alisabeth
