Offering mini sessions isn’t rocket science; but there is a system that I’ve discovered to help my mini sessions sell out every single time. One step to this to system is offering mini sessions to only my returning clients.

There are 5 main reasons that this works best for my photography business.

Mini Sessions are a Returning-Client-Only Perk

Because I only book a limited number of clients each year, I like to keep my mini sessions at a limited number as well. The best way to do this is to only offer my mini sessions to clients I’ve already worked with. Not only does this allow me to watch their family grow, but it ensures I have reliable clients that I know will show up to their mini session date.

Plus, because I do limit my mini sessions it’s a great client-only perk that my clients look forward to several times a year. It makes them feel super special–which they are!

Mini Sessions Allow Me to Serve My Clients with Family Sessions

You may know by now that I’m strictly a maternity and newborn photographer. I don’t offer family sessions or milestone sessions, however, my clients do ask me for these types of sessions. By offering mini sessions 2-3 times a year, this gives me the perfect opportunity to serve my clients with their other photography needs as their babies get older.

Mini Sessions Go Smoother because Relationships are Already Built

When offering mini sessions to the public, you may find that you have difficult clients, no-shows, or just find yourself overwhelmed with educating a handful of clients at once. By offering mini sessions to only returning clients, I eliminate all of those things mentioned.

Relationships have already been built and my clients know how I work, communicate, and what to expect for their session. Of course, a mini session is different from a full maternity or newborn session, but the education isn’t as extensive with returning clients as it was when I offered mini sessions to anyone who wanted one.

New Clients are Less Likely to Book a Full Session

I have found within my own business and talking to those who also own a photography business that when you offer mini sessions to everyone, those new clients are less likely to book a full session with you. And why would they if they knew they could book a mini session any time for a fraction of the cost?

By making mini sessions an exclusive perk for my returning clients, I’m ensuring that my full sessions are still the most popular and main income source for my business.

Only Offer Limited Number of Minis Each Year

I only schedule 2-3 rounds of mini sessions per year. There are several reasons why I do this. First, I’m a busy homeschool mama. My time is very limited. Second, if I offered them any time of the year, they wouldn’t be as special when I did offer them. Third, I’ve found that 2-3 mini sessions allows you to hit all the “big” times of the year (Spring, Fall and one additional season or pop-up if you wish). And, lastly, it still provides me plenty of time to focus on my clients who book full sessions with me.

Those are my 5 reasons that I only offer mini sessions to returning clients. Tell me what you think in the comments! Do you see yourself transitioning to only offering mini sessions to returning clients? And if you still have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I always love hearing from you!

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