Kayla Dansby
Introducing Honeybook, our favorite CRM for photographers
What is a CRM for photographers?
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. A CRM tool is a platform that enables a business to create an elevated client experience through a workflow of steps to secure a business transaction.
“Huh?”
Let’s break it down. A CRM provides all the tools necessary to make the booking process easier- for the client and for you!
Let’s take a deep dive into how a CRM platform benefits your photography business.
Why do photographers need a CRM system?
A CRM enables a photographer to cover the typical stages of vetting inquiries, booking clients, delivering galleries and products, and offboarding/retaining. Each step of the process allows you (the photographer) to set clear processes and communicate with your clients. All automatically.
Say goodbye to the days of wondering who needs a response and the dreaded “I forgot to reply” and lose a client.
Typically, we see photographers use a CRM system for the following features:
- Lead Generation
- Sales
- Contracts
- Payment
- Email Automation
- Session scheduling (virtual and in-person)
Choosing the right CRM for you
If you Google “CRM platforms for photographers” you get a lot of results. After working with photographers for 4+ years and utilizing multiples CRM platforms, I have a few recommendations but my all time favorite is Honeybook.
Honeybook has been the simplest to use with customer support that is unmatched. They also are continuously rolling out new features that are requested by users. They listen and implement really well into their platform.
Fun fact: I even use Honeybook for my own business because I truly love it that much!
If Honeybook isn’t your jam, I recommend researching 17Hats or SproutStudio as alternative CRM for photographers.
How to use Lead Generation and Management in Honeybook
Lead forms and contact forms are used to capture leads in Honeybook and start them on a nurturing automation through your workflow.
Lead forms are shared via a link you can share on your website, emails, socials, and more! The lead forms are a customizable smart file that walks your client through information, scheduling, and invoicing. We often utilize a lead form for mini sessions for a photographer. Your lead forms can be attached to an automation which then flows through client communication.
Contact forms are customizable forms that can be embedded or shared via a link. Contact forms are a way for a lead to submit their personal information as a new inquiry and then be attached to an automation that nurtures the client process and you can even send things like a session questionnaire. We often utilize contact forms on a photographer’s website and social media profiles.
Sales
For photographers, you sales process consists of showcases your services in a professional and unique way. Being able to guide clients through your session options seamlessly is important. This means, you need a platform that includes features where you can present your services in an appealing way.
Honeybook offers a feature called a smart template. You can create a smart template to your exact needs. This can be brochures, mood boards, pricing guides, styling guides, and more.
Build a template that works best for your goals. You can easily upload photos and brainding to your template and then utilize this time and time again.
The best part? You can add on booking steps to your smart template like contracts, scheduling, and invoices. One click and all the information and resources are there for your client. This elevates the client experience to an unmatched level.
Online Contracts
To avoid disputes in your photography business, a contract is crucial. This can cover everything from cancellations, model releases, refunds, and clear expectations from you.
With HoneyBook, you can choose from a variety of photography contract templates to load into your account, including styled shoot agreements, photography model releases, general contracts, and cancelation amendments.
It is always advised to review all contracts with your attorney. With this CRM for photographers, you will be able to upload your attorney’s specific language incorporated with your branding. Add in smart fields so sharing with potential clients is simple. Honeybook’s contract can pull in names, budgets, timelines, addresses, and more from other files!
Invoicing and Payment Processing
One of the best emails I get is the email stating that I have a new contract signed AND they paid their invoice. That means another person we get to serve and knowing the process was easy for them to get the service they need is even better!
Honeybook has invoice templates ready to use or create one that is perfect for you! A CRM for photographers must have the flexibility to include things like tips and late fees, which Honeybook does. They even send automatic reminders when a payment is overdue- that’s one less thing you need to think about!
And YES! You can set up recurring payments!
Honeybook has thought of it all and even lets you take invoices to the next level. Create a smart file that hosts your invoice, contract, pricing guide, thank you page, and more to suit your client experience.
Client Communication
This has got to be our favorite part. Connecting with our leads and clients while we walk them through our process is amazing. Being able to do it automatically? The best!
Client experience and communication is the key to a success photography business. Using a CRM for photographers means it already know this and gives you the tools to go above and beyond what your client needs. You’ll need to send emails about scheduling sessions, sending styling guides, session reminders, thank yous, and follow ups (to scratch the surface).
Sync Honeybook with your email and view all the communication in the platform- no need to switch between email and your CRM.
Psst…we can help get all your email automations written and set up in automations for you! We are here to serve your business best 🤍
Scheduling and Calendar
Integrated calendar and scheduling tool? Yes please.
Honeybook has made your availability visible without sacrificing the knowledge of what else in on your calendar (or who else for that matter!). This CRM for photographers has integrated calendars (like iCal and Google) so you only need to look at one spot to see your plan for the day.
This scheduling tool is extra special for photographers because you can set up session types with your available times. When you’re ready to book, just share calendar with clients through a link or smart file. They can chose what time works best for them for their session. Goodbye back and forth emails trying to coordinate a time that works best, hello more time (and brain space for you!)
A CRM for photographers is a great way to take away that mental to do list of responding, invoicing, and ensuring contracts are paid. This is a one stop platform for all your photography business admin needs which in turn brings a high end experience for your clients. They’ll want to book again and again when they see the ease and value within your business!
Are you ready to streamline and scale your photography business?
Need support in getting everything set up?
We can help! Let us tackle setting up your CRM. We will first have a strategy call to go over your current processes and how we can implement them into this CRM for photographers. We will then be able to curate your smart files, automations, and more! Invest in having time to work on your zone of genius.
About Us
We are your business bestie [aka virtual assistant for photographers!] ready to tackle the mundane admin tasks that are holding you back in your business. Blogging, newsletters/email marketing, social media, CRM set ups, and other admin tasks- we’ve got you covered.
Our goal? To allow you to cut back on your late night edit sessions, enjoy laptop free weekends with your family, relieve the pressure of running a business alone.
