How to Follow Up with Clients

Mia (QUESTION): I was wondering if and how I should follow up with clients, since sometimes they don’t get back to me as soon as I would hope, which makes it harder to plan things. I’m also not sure what the appropriate time is, to reach out to the clients again, without pestering them.

Phillip (ANSWER): It’s definitely important to follow up; I think that three days to one week intervals are good. You can say something like “Hi [insert name], just following up to see when you’d like to do those engagement photos! I’m available these days and I think we’ll have a lot of fun. 🙂 Let me know what works for you. Looking forward to hearing back from you, Mia” that last sentence is important because it implies that you are waiting for their response.

$$$ TIP:

It has been said many times before that great sales people follow up seven to eight times before closing a deal. For me, if it’s a wedding inquiry or engagement shoot or something like this, my first step is to get them on the phone. That’s the best connection to make a sale happen. After the phone call I follow up with an email saying thank you and this is what I can do for you. Honestly, in my experience over the last ten years of doing this, if someone wants to hire you for their wedding they will know within 1-3 days of that first contact. So don’t be afraid to check in between 4-7 days after initial contact. And then set a reminder in your email to follow up a week later, and then two weeks later, and then two weeks later, etc. Until you hear a no or a yes. It doesn’t have to be annoying each time. Just a simple “Just checking in about your wedding! I hope you are having a great day, and I think you two are awesome. Would love to make this work for you. Best, Phil.”

Get used to following up, because if you don’t do it well, some other photographer will and they will take your job.