#75 – Not making enough money in food photography? 3 common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re a dedicated full-time food photographer or a passionate part-timer, the struggle to maximize earnings in the creative industry can be real.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not making as much as you’d like in your photography business or you’d like to make more than right now, or you’re curious if you’re missing anything in your business workflow, even though you’re pretty happy with what you’re making.

Today, we dive into the common mistakes that might be hindering your financial growth and not allowing you to make the amount proportionate to the hard work you’re putting in. Here are 3 simple immediate actions you can take to start bringing more revenue into your photography business:

1. Neglecting the habit of pitching

The most common mistake photographers make is underestimating the importance of pitching. It’s not just about reaching out to potential clients; it’s a strategic move that can reshape your entire business.

The misconception that a full workload eliminates the need to pitch is debunked by a simple question: Does your bank balance reflect your busy schedule?

By making pitching a habit, you create a consistent workflow that ensures a steady influx of projects and revenue.

Action Point: Flex your pitching muscle regularly and reach out to brands on a weekly basis.

2. Overlooking long-term client relationships

Another critical mistake is treating clients as one-off engagements rather than potential long-term collaborators. The value of turning clients into returning or regular clients cannot be overstated. By providing an exceptional working experience, you can lock in relationships that guarantee a steady income stream.

Take the time to gauge your clients’ interest in future collaborations, and capitalize on the opportunity to create an enduring partnership.

If you’re unsure how to go about it, our dedicated episode
(Episode 19) guides you through the process of securing long-term client relationships.

Action Point: Initiate conversations with existing clients about opportunities to continue the relationship long-term.

3. Working hard, but not on the right areas

Working tirelessly on non-revenue-generating activities can be a detrimental oversight. Are your efforts focused on the most impactful aspects of your business?

While creating engaging social media content is important, make sure that your time is also allocated to actions that directly contribute to bringing in revenue. Evaluate whether your current activities align with the most pivotal aspects of your business, such as pitching, client relationship management, or strategic business development.

Action Point: Conduct a thorough time management analysis to ensure your efforts are directed toward activities that bring the biggest results.

Conclusion

There are many more reasons why a business may not be making enough money but these three strategies offer immediate actionable insights to boost your business income.

While pricing, services, and proposal quality play a role, addressing these three mistakes can pave the way for a more sustainable and profitable photography business.

Unlock financial success in your business, break through those money blocks and thrive as a successful food photographer. No matter what anyone says, it is not that difficult.

Episode 19: How to turn clients into returning clients

Download free workbook: Write that pitch