Want to make more money as a newborn photographer? Who doesn’t? And while there is a lot of “just raise your rates” advice out there for photographers, today, I want to share all about my baby plan (what’s made me more money as a newborn photographer). If you’re looking to increase your income, build stronger client relationships, and create a steady stream of repeat customers, you’re in the right place. Grab a coffee (or if you’re like me, a caramel vanilla latte), and your notebook because I’m sharing exactly how to create your baby plan to transform your business and help you thrive in the competitive world of newborn photography.
PS: New around here? Welcome! I’m Colie – your new systems fairy godmother (and former family photographer!). Got questions about boosting your income or streamlining your workflow? I’m here to help! Learn more about how you can work with me here.
Alright, let’s get into it!
What is a Baby Plan?
First things first, let’s break down what a baby plan actually is. In my business, I call them “yearbooks,” but the concept remains the same. A baby plan is a package deal that offers clients multiple photo sessions throughout their baby’s first year (and sometimes beyond).
The idea is simple: when a client books you for maternity or newborn photos, you offer them the opportunity to book additional sessions for key milestones in their baby’s first year. This might include a 6-month session, a 1-year cake smash, or even quarterly sessions to capture every precious stage of that first year.
Why Baby Plans Work
Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I offer a package deal instead of booking these sessions separately?” Great question! Here’s why baby plans help you make more money as a newborn photographer:
- Increased Booking Rates: When clients book multiple sessions upfront, you’re securing future work and income. While you may need to offer a discount to make it feel like a win-win, it also means you can spend less time (or money) on constant marketing and client acquisition.
- Stronger Client Relationships: Spending multiple sessions with one client over a year allows you to build a deeper connection. This often leads to clients becoming comfortable with you faster, resulting in more authentic and beautiful images.
- Higher Lifetime Client Value: Many of my “yearbook clients” have become annual family clients. By establishing a relationship early on, you’re setting the stage for years of repeat business.
- Simplified Workflow: Lastly (and because I’m a systems gal!), it’s worth noting that with pre-booked sessions, you can plan your schedule more effectively and reduce the stress of constantly filling your calendar and filling your CRM with new clients.
Want to make more money as a newborn photographer fast? Than you need my Baby Plan Toolkit (filled with easy-to-use templates and workflows for Dubsado and HoneyBook users). Ready to increase your bookings? Get your toolkit here!
Now that you know why you need a baby plan to make more money as a newborn photographer, let’s talk about how to create one!
Understand Your Ideal Market
Before you create your baby plan, it’s crucial to understand your ideal market. Take some time to research and consider:
- What do your target clients value most?
- What are their pain points when it comes to photography sessions?
- What milestones are most important to them?
By understanding your market, you can create packages that truly resonate with your ideal clients. Remember, the goal is to offer something that’s an easy “yes” for them.
Creating Package Tiers
When it comes to baby plans, one size doesn’t fit all. Consider creating different tiers to cater to various budgets and preferences. Here’s a sample structure you might consider:
Basic Package:
- Maternity or Newborn session
- 6-month session
- 1-year cake smash
Deluxe Package:
- Maternity session
- Newborn session
- 3-month session
- 6-month session
- 9-month session
- 1-year cake smash
Premium Package:
- All sessions in the Deluxe Package
- Mini sessions between major milestones
- Family portrait session
Remember, these are just examples. Create your baby plan packages and tailor them to what makes sense for your business and your clients.
Pricing Your Baby Plans
When it comes to pricing, it’s important to strike a balance. You want to offer value to your clients while ensuring profitability for your business. Here are some tips:
- Calculate your costs: Factor in your time, equipment, studio costs, and any products included in the package.
- Consider offering a discount: While you might make slightly less per session compared to booking them individually, remember that you’re securing multiple sessions upfront. This guaranteed income and reduced marketing efforts often outweigh the discount.
- Add value without increasing costs: Consider including digital images, small prints, or a photo book as part of the package. These can increase the perceived value without significantly impacting your bottom line.
- Offer payment plans: Allow clients to spread the cost over several months (or the whole year). This can make the package more accessible and appealing while increasing your monthly recurring revenue.
Real-World Example with Kati Douglas
To give you a real-world perspective on the power of baby plans, I want to share some takeaways I had from a discussion I had with photographer Kati Douglas on my podcast. Kati has seen incredible success with her baby plan strategy, with 60-70% of her clients now being yearbook clients!
Kati emphasized how these repeat customers lead to better, more authentic images. When clients are already familiar with you, they don’t need time to warm up or get used to your presence. This comfort translates directly into more natural, emotionally resonant photographs.
How amazing is that? I mean, who doesn’t love watching babies grow, am I right? By offering a series of sessions throughout the year, you’re tapping into parents’ natural desire to document every stage of their child’s rapid development.
If you’d like to listen to the full interview with Kati and hear more of her insights, you can find it here.
The Long-Term Benefits of Baby Plans
While baby plans offer clear immediate financial perks, the long-term benefits are just as impressive. For starters, having sessions booked months in advance means you can predict and plan your income better. Plus, happy clients tend to spread the word, bringing in new business through recommendations to their friends and family.
These regular sessions also give you a chance to build a diverse portfolio, showing off your skills and styles as the babies grow. By focusing on fewer clients more intensively, you can streamline your workflow and maybe even cut down on your overall working hours. And let’s not forget the creative boost you’ll get from capturing a child’s growth over time – it’s a great way to evolve as a photographer and keep your work fresh and exciting.
Are You Ready to Create Your Baby Plan?
Implementing a baby plan strategy in your newborn photography business can be a game-changer. It not only provides a steady stream of income but also allows you to build deeper connections with your clients, resulting in better photographs and a more satisfying professional experience.
Remember, the key to a successful baby plan is understanding your market, offering value, and providing an exceptional experience throughout the year. With careful planning and excellent execution, you can transform your business, increase your income, and create lasting relationships with your clients.
Are you ready to take your newborn photography business to the next level with baby plans? Check out my Baby Plan Toolkit here. This resource provides everything you need for booking and managing your baby plans inside Dubsado or Honeybook effectively. Or you could just join Systems in Session and we can strategize, design, and implement your baby plan inside your CRM together ✅
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out here.
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