Episode Summary: "3 Free Ways to Get Photography Leads This Week"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Book More Photography Clients Podcast | Photography Business, Marketing, Leads, Business Plan
• Host: Brooke Jefferson - Oklahoma Family Photographer, Photography Business Coach
• Release Date: August 7, 2025

In Episode 3 of the Book More Photography Clients Podcast, host Brooke Jefferson delves into practical, no-cost strategies that photographers can implement immediately to generate leads and fill their booking calendars. Recognizing the hectic nature of August—with back-to-school routines and personal celebrations—Brooke tailors her advice to help photographers navigate this busy month without overwhelming expenses or complicated systems.

1. Leveraging Social Media for Visibility

[00:55] Brooke emphasizes the critical role of visibility on social media platforms. Instead of aimlessly posting, she advocates for a strategic approach to ensure that potential clients are aware of your availability and services.

• Intentional Posting: Brooke advises photographers to post with purpose, showcasing what it's like to work with them and clearly communicating their availability. For example, by highlighting a limited number of sessions available in a given month, photographers create a sense of urgency.

  "If you only have five sessions that you can take in the month of August or September, make sure that you make it super clear and give them their next step." [02:15]

• Showcasing Past Work: Reposting favorite sessions from previous seasons can reignite interest and serve as a portfolio for upcoming sessions. Brooke shares her strategy of resourcing her best fall sessions to promote new bookings despite seasonal challenges, like Oklahoma's lingering summer heat.

  "I know you think that you've shared that session too many times, but chances are they don't even remember it from last year." [04:30]

• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Utilizing reels and videos to display the photographer's process, beautiful locations, and client interactions can enhance engagement and attract more bookings.

  "Use reels, use video because it's not going anywhere and it's going to get you higher views and higher engagement." [06:45]

• Clear Calls to Action: Every post should guide the audience towards the next step, whether it's sending a DM, commenting, or visiting a booking link in the bio.

  "Don't just pop up your favorite session from last fall and talk about how beautiful it was. Tell people what their next step is." [07:50]

• Bonus Tip – Stories Integration: Brooke recommends blending personal stories with business content to humanize the brand. Sharing daily routines or favorite spots can build a stronger connection with the audience.

  "People want to know who it is behind the camera. Show things like your school drop-off routine, your go-to coffee." [09:00]

2. Utilizing Email Marketing Effectively

[12:30] Moving beyond social media, Brooke highlights email marketing as a powerful tool for re-engaging past clients and nurturing warm leads.

• Reaching Out to Past Clients: Emails targeted at those who have previously worked with you can reignite interest and encourage repeat bookings. Brooke shares her personal success story of sending out a fall calendar email that included mini sessions, resulting in immediate bookings.

  "I sent an email out to my entire email list releasing my fall calendar. And it worked. I did get bookings from this email." [14:00]

• Content of Effective Emails: Including favorite images, availability details, and straightforward booking links makes the email both appealing and actionable. Brooke emphasizes clarity and ease of response to facilitate immediate action.

  "Include a few of your favorite images from last fall, your session availability, or a link to your booking calendar." [15:45]

• Consistency is Key: Regularly sending emails, even once a month, can significantly boost bookings over time. Brooke encourages photographers not to wait for the perfect email but to start now with whatever resources they have.

  "Get consistent. Send one email a month from here on out and watch your bookings grow." [17:20]

3. Building Referrals and Local Collaborations

[20:10] The final strategy Brooke discusses centers on referrals and relationships within the local community. She underscores the value of personal connections over impersonal online algorithms.

• Direct Referrals: Reaching out to past clients with personalized messages asking for referrals can lead to new bookings. Brooke suggests a friendly, unobtrusive approach that highlights the positive experiences shared.

  "Jenny, I enjoyed working with you so much. Do you know anyone that you think would be interested in booking a fall session?" [21:15]

• Local Business Collaborations: Partnering with local businesses like coffee shops, boutiques, or salons by placing business cards or engaging with their social media can expand your reach organically.

  "Drop off a few business cards at a local coffee shop or a boutique where your ideal clients are hanging out." [22:50]

• Overcoming Hesitations: Brooke addresses common fears about appearing annoying when requesting referrals, reassuring photographers that a professional and friendly approach is typically well-received.

  "If you're doing this in a professional, friendly way, you're not annoying anybody." [24:00]

• Taking Action: She encourages stepping out of comfort zones to foster relationships that can lead to steady bookings, emphasizing immediate action.

  "Choose one of these to do this week... and put it into motion. Not tomorrow, not next week. Do it today." [25:30]

Conclusion: Taking Immediate Action

In wrapping up the episode, Brooke urges photographers to commit to implementing at least one of the discussed strategies within the week. Whether it's enhancing social media presence, ramping up email marketing, or fostering local referrals, the key is to start taking actionable steps today. She also invites listeners to engage with her on Instagram or via direct messages to share their progress and receive encouragement.

"Carve out 15 minutes to do one of these things. If you do this, I want you to either tag me with what you're doing on Instagram or just shoot me a DM and say, hey, this is what I did today so that I can cheer you on." [28:45]

Brooke concludes by encouraging listeners to share the episode with fellow photographers and visit her website for more marketing insights and coaching opportunities.

By following Brooke Jefferson's three free strategies—enhancing social media visibility, leveraging email marketing, and building local referrals—photographers can effectively increase their leads and bookings without incurring additional costs. This episode serves as a practical guide for those looking to optimize their marketing efforts and achieve sustained growth in their photography business.