As the third quarter of the year unfolds, photographers and creative entrepreneurs have unique opportunities to capitalize on summer events, back-to-school promotions, and end-of-summer sales. Implementing a focused Quarter 3 action plan can significantly boost your business by aligning your strategies with seasonal trends. This blog provides a detailed, action plan and checklist specifically for Q3, covering reflection and goal setting, financial planning, marketing strategies, operational improvements, and professional development.
Be sure to tune in to the ‘Photo Goals with Lori Pickens’ podcast for more details and resources to scale your photography business and grow as an artist!
Listen on Apple | Spotify
As you enter Q3, reflecting on the first half of the year allows you to adjust strategies and set realistic goals for the remainder of the year.
Evaluate what strategies worked and what didn’t, focusing on seasonal trends like summer shoots or family portraits.
Aim to capture summer events like weddings or festivals, and prepare for back-to-school promotions. Define targets like securing a set number of school portraits by September.
Take an in-depth look: MASTERING GOAL SETTING STRATEGIES IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
Q3 often presents varied financial opportunities with high summer demand and preparation for fall.
Review past summer and early fall data to anticipate revenue peaks and allocate resources accordingly.
Plan financial goals around high-demand services in summer, such as event photography, and prepare for back-to-school promotions.
Leveraging seasonal marketing strategies can enhance client engagement and attract new business during Quarter 3.
Develop marketing campaigns centered around summer activities, back-to-school specials, and end-of-summer sales. Schedule social media posts and email newsletters accordingly.
Host photo contests or client appreciation events. Update your portfolio with recent shoots and share them to attract new clients.
Streamlining operations during Quarter 3 can enhance efficiency, especially during the busy summer season.
Review processes to ensure they can handle the increased summer demand. Implement tools for efficient scheduling and client management.
Ensure your booking systems are seamless, especially for last-minute summer sessions and early fall bookings.
Your next read: TIME AUDIT FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES
Q3 offers numerous networking opportunities through summer events and professional gatherings.
Enroll in workshops or online courses focusing on summer photography techniques or new editing tools.
Attend summer photography workshops or local events. Collaborate with other creatives to broaden your reach and discover new opportunities.
By focusing on a Q3 action plan, photographers and creative businesses can harness the momentum of summer to drive growth. This quarter presents unique opportunities for engagement and revenue, making it crucial to align your strategies with the season’s demands. Regularly revisiting and refining your plan ensures your business adapts and thrives. Embrace the potential of Q3, and watch your photography business flourish through summer and beyond!
Lori Pickens is a mother, wife, and geek from Parkersburg, WV, and the podcast host of Photo Goals. She is a true lifelong local and has been photographing in the area for over a decade. She serves families from Parkersburg, WV, to Marietta, OH. Lori is also a Click Pro Elite and Click Community Mentor. When she’s not capturing pictures or spending time with her kids, she enjoys organizing her lists and spending time on her family farm.
Stay connected and get inspired by following Lori Pickens Photography on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and beautiful images from recent sessions.