Heyy Heyy party people!
Today I am giving you all of the things that I use to run the backend of my business as smoooooth as butter. 🧈 These programs/platforms help me spend less time thinking “omg did I forget something?” and more time serving the heck out of my clients. I’m not going to sit here and totally bore you with a long intro so let’s get to it….
1. Session
Session is a client management system that streamlines the booking process for you and your clients. This platform allows you to create not only your standard sessions but ALSO seasonal Mini Sessions and makes it super easy for your clients to see what is available and what is not.
Session also allows you to create contracts for all different needs, automated emails to send to your clients when they book, as well as session and payment reminders. (Say GOODBYE to ever dropping the ball on client communication again!) Session also allows you to take payments through your preferred provider as well as creates a calendar where you can not only see all of your upcoming sessions but also allows you to block off dates manually. (For me, I block off my days off, vacations, or any other reason I am unable to shoot that day.)
I have tried out multiple client management systems over the years and many of them take hours to setup and figure out how to operate as well as come at a higher price tag. I for one, am NOT about using a difficult to navigate platform. I would rather spend time serving my clients rather than constantly searching for a button within my client management system.
This is why I choose and love Session! You can use my link to signup for this amazing platform, you won’t regret it.
2. Pixieset
Pixieset is a gallery delivery service. This is what I use to deliver every single gallery to my clients. You are able to create multiple albums within a gallery, this feature is great for weddings to organize the images for your clients into categories such as, getting ready, ceremony, reception, etc.
I create proofing galleries for my clients where they get to view every single image (after they’ve been culled and edited) and make their selections using the favorites list function (the “♥️” button) based on how many images were included in their chosen package. They also get the opportunity to purchase additional images or the entire gallery for a set price!
Pixieset allows clients to download the highest resolution files possible and overall is the best gallery delivery system (in my opinion) that I’ve found. Again, I’ve tried out a few different platforms and Pixieset is my favorite for delivering my clients images.
Signup for Pixieset using the link and you’ll receive 250mb of additional storage completely FREE!
3. Flodesk
You know those GORGEOUS emails you get from your favorite small businesses? (Heck you probably received one from me for this blog post!) Wonder, “how the heck did she make that?” Or thinking “That seems like it would be so hard to do.”
Think again!!
Flodesk is an amazing email marketing platform that allows you to create fully customized, beautiful marketing emails as well as using pre-made templates and editing them to match your brand. Amazing right?! Flodesk is extremely easy to use and navigate (I wouldn’t use it if it wasn’t.)
Flodesk also allows you to grow your email list using popups (those things that popup on a website and ask you to subscribe) and set automated workflows that you don’t even have to touch once they are setup. Workflows will automatically send out emails to the exact people that they’re supposed to.
Thinking what on earth would I use email marketing for? Well, here’s an idea, ever wish you could SELL OUT those Mini Sessions before you even post them publicly? Here’s your answer.
Use my link to get 50% OFF of your Flodesk subscription!
4. Canva
Need cute graphics for your business? Need to create a Mini session ad? Need to create a custom pricing guide pdf? Need stock photos? Need a new logo?
Canva is your answer!
Canva is a super easy to use design platform where you can literally create anything your heart desires. There are thousands of templates to choose from, as well as full customization tools. Canva has elements and photos for practically anything you search for.
This is what I use for ALL of my graphic design such as Instagram posts, blog posts, Pinterest posts, Logos, Facebook cover photos, pricing guides, and so so so much more.
You NEED Canva as an entrepreneur and that’s all I’m going to say.
