Frequently Asked Questions

How do I market a newborn and maternity photography studio?

Use several channels at once instead of relying on one. SteinartStudio in Orlando runs paid ad campaigns, keeps an active Instagram that reassures new leads, ranks first on Google with lots of reviews, books 10 to 20 clients on the spot at a yearly expo, and partners with an ultrasound company, an OBGYN and boutiques. Most of their clients find them on Google.

Why am I only getting two or three newborn clients a month when my work is good?

Usually because the marketing and follow-up are missing, not the photos. SteinartStudio had beautiful work and only one to three clients a month in California. They marketed only on Instagram, had no funnels, didn't email or call inquiries right away, and had no phone script, so leads slipped away. Once marketing became the priority, they did over $300,000 in their first year in Orlando.

What is the fastest way to get newborn clients in a new city?

Partnerships and prospecting, because they cost time rather than money. When SteinartStudio moved to Orlando, many of their first clients came from an ultrasound company. Their first lesson was that messaging people and building rapport books clients without throwing money at ads. As they moved upmarket, fewer clients came from the ultrasound partner, so now they look for boutiques with higher-end customers.

Is paying for Yelp or boosting Instagram posts worth it for newborn photographers?

It wasn't for SteinartStudio. They paid Yelp about $500 a month and got plenty of messages but few bookings. They also paid someone who promised a number one Google ranking, which didn't really deliver, and spent a lot clicking promote on Instagram and Facebook posts. What finally worked was proper ad campaigns, fast follow-up, prospecting and partnerships.

Should I tell newborn clients my prices on the first phone call?

Yes. SteinartStudio was afraid to say it for a long time, but now every call mentions that clients spend four, five or six thousand dollars. They may book slightly fewer people, but they upsell more and stop spending time on people who don't want to spend or can't. Being upfront and selective is one of the ways they raised their average sale.

How much do clients spend at a high-end newborn and maternity studio?

At SteinartStudio in Orlando, the average sale is around $4,500, and it was much lower when they started. Their entry package is $1,000, a small 5x5 book with ten images. They raised the average by talking about investment on every call, shooting to sell during the session, and getting practiced at in-person ordering appointments.

Are expos worth it for newborn and maternity photographers?

They can be. SteinartStudio goes to one expo a year and usually books 10 to 20 people on the spot, then books more through follow-up after the event. It's one source among several, alongside ads, Instagram, Google and partnerships, so the studio never depends on a single channel.

What should I do if a client books my cheapest package but wants a big session?

Call her and be honest about the gap. A SteinartStudio client booked the $1,000 entry package but wanted a weekend date, lots of outfits and friends at the session. The studio called that afternoon, explained she wouldn't be happy with that package, and refunded her. She thanked them. Their lesson: the better you get at sales, the more selective you can be.