Podcast Summary: Book More Photography Clients Podcast
Episode: “Here’s Why Email Marketing Is the Missing Piece in Your Strategy”
Host: Brooke Jefferson
Date: November 13, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Brooke Jefferson passionately breaks down why email marketing is the game-changer most photographers are missing in their business strategies. Drawing on her own business growth and client success stories, she explains how owning your client communications through email has massive booking and income potential compared to the volatility and “borrowed space” of social media. Brooke also offers actionable steps to start building an email list, tips for creating effective campaigns, and an exclusive resource for listeners to help them launch consistent, professional emails with ease.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Why Social Media Isn't Enough (01:22)
- Borrowed Space:
Brooke emphasizes that platforms like Facebook and Instagram are “borrowed space,” not truly under your control.- Quote:
“We are operating our marketing and advertising of our business on somebody else's platform. We don't actually own Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.” (01:50)
- Quote:
- With social media, if the platform shuts down or removes your account, you lose all your contacts in an instant.
- By contrast, with email marketing, you own your contact list and can take it anywhere, even if you switch platforms.
2. The Everyday Power of Email (04:35)
- Email is still deeply ingrained in daily life: from shopping to filling out important paperwork, people regularly check their email.
- Quote:
“When you go shopping, they don't ask for your social media handle. They ask for your email address to contact you.” (05:09) - While social media is often for mindless scrolling, people generally check email for actionable items—making them more receptive to business offers.
3. The Compound Effect of Email Marketing (07:00)
- Email marketing isn’t always about instant bookings, but about staying top-of-mind until the “right moment.”
- Quote:
“It keeps you top of mind until one day they open your email, maybe for the fifth time, maybe for the 50th time. And that is when they are reminded that they do want to book a session and then they follow through and they do it.” (07:25)
4. Getting Started with Email Marketing (09:22)
- Don’t try to “hack” email marketing through Gmail or similar—the right platform is crucial for professionalism.
- Recommended tools: Flodesk (Brooke’s favorite), MailChimp, or your CRM as a starting point.
- Step-by-step tips for growing your list:
- Start by contacting past and present clients directly and invite them to join your list.
- Sample message: “Hey, I am creating an email list for all of my past and present photography clients. This will keep you in the loop with upcoming sessions, mini sessions… I want you to join and this will allow you to have first dibs in the future.”
- Expand by regularly sharing your sign-up form on social media (stories/posts) with a clear call to action once per week, not daily.
- Start by contacting past and present clients directly and invite them to join your list.
- Quote:
“That is how you are going to start growing your email list with $0 and you’re going to start having people that want to hear from you and they want to stay connected with your business.” (13:27)
5. Real Results & Numbers (15:15)
- Brooke shares her own stats to demonstrate impact:
- 927 local photography clients on her email list
- Recent Christmas Minis campaign:
- Three-part email series
- Email 1 (sent 10/01): 46% open rate, six clicks, two bookings (17:53)
- Email 2 (sent 10/03): 42.9% open rate, six clicks, two more bookings
- Email 3 (sent 10/09): 42% open rate, 14 clicks, filled last spot
- Out of all who booked, only one wasn’t on her email list.
- Quote:
“This is the power of email marketing… Out of every person that booked me, only one person is not on my email list.” (19:07)
6. Brooke's Review of Flodesk (22:30)
- Flodesk is designed for creatives and is visually focused, user-friendly, and not overwhelming.
- Feature wish: Split-testing subject lines (hopes it’s coming soon but it’s not a deal-breaker).
- Transparent pricing. Easy analytics for subscribers, forms, and workflows.
- Quote:
“It is a platform that is built for creatives. It was built by photographers and that is so important… They created a platform that has beautiful and easy to use templates, drag and drop design and easy automation.” (24:10) - She’s a paying customer since 2018, not just an affiliate, and recommends it regardless of kickbacks.
7. Exclusive Listener Gift (28:30)
- Brooke offers a free year of email templates (12 done-for-you emails, one for each month) for anyone who signs up for Flodesk using her link/code.
- Just email her your Flodesk receipt and code confirmation after purchase.
- “You are off to the races. You have all 12 months worth of 2026 templates or whatever year you decide to use this.” (29:41)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:50 | Brooke | “We are operating our marketing and advertising of our business on somebody else's platform. We don't actually own Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.” | | 05:09 | Brooke | “When you go shopping, they don't ask for your social media handle. They ask for your email address to contact you.” | | 07:25 | Brooke | “It keeps you top of mind until one day they open your email, maybe for the fifth time, maybe for the 50th time...” | | 13:27 | Brooke | “That is how you are going to start growing your email list with $0 and you’re going to start having people that want to hear from you and they want to stay connected with your business.” | | 19:07 | Brooke | “This is the power of email marketing… Out of every person that booked me, only one person is not on my email list.” | | 24:10 | Brooke | “It is a platform that is built for creatives... beautiful and easy to use templates, drag and drop design and easy automation.” | | 29:41 | Brooke | “You are off to the races. You have all 12 months worth of 2026 templates or whatever year you decide to use this.” |
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:22 — Social media as “borrowed space” and its business risk
- 04:35 — Why email is still checked and used by potential clients
- 07:00 — The “top of mind” benefit and the patience needed with email marketing
- 09:22 — Choosing the right software and initial steps
- 13:27 — Building your list from $0, actionable strategies
- 15:15 — Brooke’s own stats and real-world results
- 22:30 — Review and benefits of Flodesk
- 28:30 — Special offer for listeners: 1 year of free templates
Tone and Style
Brooke’s delivery is energetic, practical, and encouraging. She combines step-by-step education with real business anecdotes and data, dispelling overwhelm and giving both novice and veteran photographers the exact push (and template freebies!) they need to launch or turbocharge their email strategy.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode is a must for any photographer wanting to take control of their marketing, book more clients predictably, and escape dependency on unreliable social media algorithms. Brooke supports her advice with real stats from her business, showcases an easy entry point into email marketing, and provides practical resources for getting started immediately. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a total beginner, you’ll finish the episode ready to harness email marketing for real, sustainable growth.