If you’re a photographer, you know that receiving messages from mismatched clients can be a bit of a nightmare:
• “We’re hoping you’d do this for exposure.”
• “I know your style is _____, but we’d really love [insert opposite style].”
• “I’m not looking to pay an arm and a leg.”
• “Can we just get the RAW images and have my cousin’s boyfriend Brad edit them?”
If you’re frequently fielding inquiries from clients who don’t align with your style, vision, or process, it might be time to use your website as a powerful tool to connect with the right clients—and kindly deter the rest. Here’s how you can make that happen:
1. Feature the Work You Love Doing
This may seem straightforward, but it’s essential: make sure your portfolio reflects the kind of work you want more of. If you once shot senior portraits but now focus on intimate elopements, prioritize elopements on your homepage. Your website should “dress” for the work you want, even if you’re still building your portfolio in that direction.
2. Describe Your Style
On your homepage (or somewhere visible), describe your style in a few specific words. Are you nostalgic, true color, natural light, moody, documentary, or editorial? This simple detail helps visitors quickly determine if they vibe with your aesthetic or not.
3. Talk About the Experience
Include a short description (or a full page!) explaining what it’s like to work with you. Will you step back and capture candid moments, or do you guide clients through poses? Are you all about intimate weddings, or do you lean into a hands-off documentary approach? This kind of insight lets potential clients know what they can expect and helps them decide if they’re on board.
4. Speak Directly to Your Ideal Client
Write with your dream client in mind. Talk to them. Share what you love about your work in ways they’ll connect with, and don’t be afraid to mention who you’re not for. For instance, “If you’re looking for ____, we may not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for ____, you’re in the right place.”
5. Set Pricing Expectations
While it’s tempting to ask people to reach out for pricing, setting some kind of expectation can save you a lot of back-and-forth. Listing a starting price or a price range for your services helps those with a different budget self-select and saves you from potential “ghosting” when the quote is higher than expected.
These strategies can help make your website a magnet for the right clients, making your work as fulfilling as possible while avoiding those mismatched requests. So go ahead—make your site work for you, and bring in clients who are excited about your vision, your style, and the experience you offer!
Ready to make your website a magnet for your dream clients?
Bring in your best-fit clients using our Showit website templates. With all the prompts and layouts ready to go, these templates make it simple to create a site that feels like you and connects with the right people.