Why are repeat clients the best clients?

I spend a large majority of my time working on my SEO so that I come up on the first page when a potential client google searches for a family photographer in Boston. My long-term goal though, is always to book new clients and then keep them as repeat clients…for as long as possible!

Repeats are more comfortable right away.

Hardly anyone is comfortable in front of a camera right off the bat. I am certainly not and I work with a camera everyday! When I photograph a repeat client, the comfort level goes from 0 to 60 much more quickly than a new client. With a new client, we are getting to know each other and working towards developing that level of trust and comfort.

A repeat client has already received a gallery from me once or twice (or sometimes more!) before. They trust that I will make their family look beautiful, not make them feel awkward, and magically get their kiddos to participate.

Repeat clients know what to expect.

Are you a high-energy photographer or fairly chill? Do your sessions involve laying on the ground together or are they more reserved? Should moms prepare their footwear for hiking and chasing? These are all unknowns for clients when working with a new photographer. Once you’ve done one session together, clients know what to expect. Dads know that I am going to ask them to get on the ground and be snuggly. Moms know that they don’t have to stress about their kids running for the hills.

You, the photographer, know what to expect of them!

Just as repeat clients know what to expect of your photography style, you also know what to expect of them. Some clients are naturally playful and candid in front of the camera. Some need more posing. Some kids love having their picture taken and some are very shy. Some kids love to be thrown in the air and swung around and some are more cautious. Some kids have extreme stranger danger and some want me to hold them immediately. Knowing what I am walking into helps me create to the best of my ability!

This particular family is near and dear to my heart. I first met them in 2018 when they suggested we do their maternity session with their first daughter at an abandoned mental health facility. Not going to lie, I was a *tad* nervous before our session. Turns out its a freaking gorgeous piece of land that has special meaning to this couple. I next saw them during their newborn session and then at this maternity session. By this time, you can imagine that we all have a level of comfort that is only maintained from seeing each other often!

Why, then, do I bother with SEO?

The truth of the photography business is that clients are not necessarily clients for life. Sometimes a client’s tastes shift or they want to try someone new. Occasionally a photographer’s style (in shooting or editing) will morph over time and are no longer compatible with a client or two. People move away. Kids grow up and families move on to other stages of life. A healthy photography business will lose and gain a certain percentage of clients each year.

Each year, you’ll find me doing my best to attract new ideal clients and celebrating those repeat clients who continue to stick with me and give me all the comfortable feels :).