Ever feel like you’re shouting into the void when you post on social media?

You pour your heart into crafting the perfect images, writing thoughtful captions, and hitting “post,” hoping today is the day your dream clients finally find you and book.

And then… crickets.

No inquiries. No new bookings. Just you, refreshing your inbox and wondering what the hell you’re doing wrong.

So, let me set the record straight—it’s NOT because your work isn’t good enough.
And no, it’s definitely not because you’re “not posting enough.”

It’s because potential clients need a reason to book—now.

If you’re tired of playing the social media guessing game, let’s talk about why the “post and hope” method isn’t working—and what actually does.

The Social Media Trap That’s Costing You Clients

When I first started my photography business, social media was brand new and a goldmine. Post reach was incredible, and a single beautiful image almost always got me a new booking.

But those days? Long gone.

Now, social feeds are overcrowded, organic reach is at an all-time low, and relying solely on social media to book clients is like standing on the side of a busy highway waving a sign that says “Book me!” while everyone speeds past at 100km.

Sound familiar?

Here’s why the “post and hope” approach just doesn’t work.

👉 There’s No Strategy Behind It 😫

Posting beautiful images without a plan is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. You might get lucky occasionally, but you can’t build a business on luck.

Most photographers using this method:

❌ Post randomly without a clear “here’s what to do next” message
❌ Share content without understanding what actually makes their ideal client book
❌ Rely on social media as their only marketing approach (yikes!)

👉 You’re Playing the “Pick Me” Game 😫

When you rely solely on being “found” on social media, you’re essentially:

❌ Competing with every other photographer screaming “hire me!”
❌ Being judged primarily on price (because let’s be real, that’s the easiest thing for clients to compare)
❌ Getting lost in the crowd – instead of standing out.

👉The Algorithms Are Working Against You 😫

That stunning image you spent an hour editing? It’s probably being shown to a tiny fraction of your followers—let alone potential new clients who are ready to book right now.

Bottom line? Posting alone isn’t enough.

So, what actually works?

A Smarter Way to Get Photography Clients (Without Hoping and Praying)

Social media is amazing – but it’s just one ingredient in your marketing cocktail, not the whole damn drink.

The photographers who are fully booked months in advance aren’t relying on luck. They’re strategic about their entire client attraction system.

Here’s how you can steal their process……

😎 Remove the “Big Commitment” Barrier 🙌

One of the biggest lightbulb moments in my business? Realising that clients are hesitant to book because they fear making a big commitment.

By offering a low-barrier entry point— for example – a special package option that doesn’t include everything – but allows for customer to upgrade and buy more after their session. (Rather than commit to something at the beginning).

✅ Make it super easy for clients to say “yes” with a ‘try before you buy’ approach.
✅ Reduce the risk factor for them so they feel safer booking in NOW – not shopping around.
✅ Give yourself the chance to WOW them with your talent (which leads to higher sales later!)

😎 Guide Your Clients Every Step of the Way 🙌

The magic happens after the session when clients:

🥰 See their images and fall in love
🥰 Understand the real value of what you offer
🥰 Feel emotionally ready to invest in preserving these memories

This is where your nurture and client systems come into play – your communication process will guide your customer with an amazing client journey experience so they always know exactly what to expect each step of the way, while adding so much value that buying more from you – is a no-brainer!

😎 Build a Marketing System That Works (Consistently!) 🙌

Rather than hoping the “right” clients stumble across your Instagram, create a repeatable marketing system that attracts dream portrait bookings whenever you desire.

A portrait marketing system that includes:

✨ A mix of marketing campaigns (so you’re not at the mercy of algorithms)
✨ A clear client journey that moves people from “interested” to “ready to book”
✨ A way to stay in touch with potential clients (hello, email list!)

But What About…? (Let’s Bust Some Fears!)

“If I offer a special rate, won’t people just take the cheapest option and run?”

Not if you do it right. The key is how you structure it.

The right clients—your dream clients—will naturally want more once they see how incredible their images are. And with the right communication in place, you’ll attract people who actually value your work (and filter out the tyre-kickers).

“I don’t want to be like those high-pressure sales studios.”

Good. Because that’s not what this is about.

Selling isn’t about pressuring people—it’s about guiding them. When clients see the value in their images, making a purchase feels natural and easy. (And trust me – it’s sooooo much easier to offer upgrades and accept orders with warmed up customers – than to try and get someone to commit to a top package up front.)

With transparent pricing, clear communication, and an amazing experience, your sales process will feel seamless—not pushy.

“I don’t want to hide my prices or attract people who can’t afford me.”

Being upfront is important. But forcing clients to commit to a large package before they’ve even seen their portraits? That’s asking them to take a huge risk.

There’s a better way—one that builds trust, creates connection, and ensures the right clients book you.

The Results? More Clients, More Sales, Less Stress

When you ditch the “post and hope” approach and implement a strategic client attraction system, everything changes:

✅ You know where your next booking is coming from
✅ You stop competing on price (and start booking clients who actually value your work)
✅ Your sales increase effortlessly—without feeling like you’re “selling”
✅ You gain more confidence in your business which in turn allows to grow even more.

One Campaign – 70 Sessions!

Meet Karyn. After a devastating cyclone wiped out her business area, she was starting from scratch. Instead of just posting on social media and praying for inquiries, she implemented a strategic promotion.

💥 The result? 70 sessions booked from ONE campaign—generating over $100K in revenue.
All without posting and hoping, or ever being “salesy” or pushy. (You can watch Karyn’s interview here)

That’s the power of real marketing.

So- What’s Your Next Step?

You can keep posting and praying for bookings…
Or you can implement a marketing strategy that actually works.

The choice is yours.

Ready To Grow Your Business?

If you’re ready for more income in your portrait business, profitable pricing, higher sales, more time and consistent bookings – then you probably need a solid plan to do it! Let’s create one for you!

Here’s three ways to learn more about how I can help you: 

👉  1.SEND ME A MESSAGE   and tell me a bit about your business, challenges and goals. 

👉  2. If you’re more of a  DM  kinda person –HIT ME UP ON INSTAGRAM  and lets chat more in real time.  

👉  3.  And if you’re looking for a photography business coach who is as passionate about your results as you are- then BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL HERE  and lets begin mapping out a plan for you.