Covid-19 ruined my old booking process, but I found a new system that works better.
I'm one of those peole who does look for silver linings, but this article isn't about finding a silver lining- it's more like a Eureka-I-FOUND-GOLD moment. Seven days ago, I finally moved to a fully online booking system. Here's how Coronavirus and the Stay-at-Home order improved my workflow and client experience.
Before Corona, my senior portrait clients all had an in-person meeting to review session options, schedule a date, pay the retainer, sign the contracts, etc. It could easily take an hour.
With Corona, the old in-person system was out the window. I'd never used a CRM system, but with the one-month free and some spare time, I signed up for HoneyBook. And then I let the trial expire without using it. sigh. And then the stay at home order was extended, so I paid to subscribe. Seriously- best decision ever. That was seven days ago and it changed my booking process forever.
I booked ten clients in one week, despite the stay-at-home order.
Here's the process I used:
1. Tell people what you're doing.
If you want people to book you, make posts that say "BOOK NOW." Post when you're actively booking and for what months. I posted: NOW is the time to book June, July and August," and I offered a limited incentive., thinking peole might be reluctant to commit in light of coronavirus. Turns out, they're not. I booked ten clients in six days.
2. Make it easy.
With each inquiry, I reply with a simplified session overview/product menu, and follow up with a phone call. When a client decides to book, the HoneyBook magic happens. With templates and integrations, you email a single document with the detailed service agreement and contract with one-click signing AND online payment built in. A few clicks from a client, and they're signed and paid.
3. Share a schedule. With HoneyBook's integrations, set you're availablity, and let clients choose their own date. This is a lifesaver. Ok. Maybe not a lifesaver, but a timesaver, for sure, and convenient for everybody.
4. Automate your workflow. I used to have sticky notes reminding me what needed to happen next for each shoot. Now each step of my workflow- from inquiry to referral request- is automated! At a glance I can see that I have 3 contracts sent, 2 pending payments, or 4 editing jobs in progress. No more post its.
5. Reply Promptly. Organization doesn't come naturally for me, but now my replies are fast and efficient (thanks to email and response templates for each step of the workflow), and easy to personalize.
Responding and scheduling is super easy for me, signing and paying is super easy for clients. This is how things get done, people.
Want to give HoneyBook a try? Use my link for your free 30-day trial, and then if you love it, you get 50% off.
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