Podcast Episode 9 - The Real Reason Clients Don’t Book (Hint: It’s Not Your Pricing)
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.
the space where we break free from fear and step into the kind of photography business that brings both impact and income. I'm your host photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode might shake up what you think you know about why clients aren't booking you.
Here's the truth. If you are getting ghosted, if inquiries aren't converting, and if your counter is still full of holes, no matter how often you post, it's not just about your pricing and lowering your rates. That's often the worst move you can make. Today I'm pulling back the curtain on what's really going on.
Too many photographers assume price is the problem because it's the most visible piece of the puzzle, but most clients don't decide based on price alone. They decide based on perceived value and emotional connection.
If clients can't see the why behind your work
or don't feel a personal connection to the experience you are offering, they'll either ghost you or go elsewhere. People don't buy the cheapest photographer. They buy the one who makes them feel something
when they see your work.
So what's actually blocking bookings? , Keeping you from getting those jobs.
Here's what often drives the silence behind the scenes, unclear messaging. If your website or social feed says photography for everyone, it actually speaks to no one. Clients are looking for someone who feels like the right fit for them, not just anyone with a camera.
So why will they book you? You've got to give them a reason. Maybe there's a lack of an emotional hook.
Most photographers are selling a product. The pictures instead of a feeling or transformation through your images or through the photo shoot.
When that happens, that means there's nothing memorable or magnetic pulling clients toward you.
Let me dive into a few other things that are causing clients not to book you if the booking process is confusing. If it's vague pricing
Or it's not showing the next step, clearly you've already lost. If people have to guess, they bounce.
They go elsewhere.
What's really important, also, you have to build trust.
Clients today don't just need to like your photos. They need to trust you with their image. You have to understand how important this is.
For the last 38 years, I've been working with the biggest celebrities on the planet,
Oprah, George Lucas,
Angelina Jolie, Zendaya,
the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Trust me.
Trusting the right photographer with their image is extremely important, that's just not about celebrity. That's everybody.
When they hire you, they are trusting you with their image.
And if they can't feel that trust, even subconsciously, they won't move forward.
Now. Here's the shift to start thinking about. Instead of showcasing your camera skills, highlight the experience your client will have.
Make your messaging all about them, not just your portfolio.
Try talking to one specific type of person and watch how things change and grow.
Don't just post pretty photos, post stories, post meaning, post emotion.
Get out of your head and follow your heart,
because clients aren't just buying images. They're buying how you make them feel about themselves.
I want to thank you for being here today, and if today's episode gave you a new way to think about photography and getting clients, I'd love your support.
Go ahead and leave a five star rating and a review. And don't forget, follow me on Instagram. I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith for more inspiration behind the scenes and updates on something really amazing that's about to take place.
Now,
remember this, when you stop chasing clients and start attracting the right ones, . Everything in your business shifts.
You are not alone. I've got your back. Make sure you come back next week for more juice. I look forward to seeing you next week. Until then, always dream big. Bye for now.
WEBSITE’S
Matthew’s latest book: Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXY
Matthew Jordan Smith Instagram
