Getting Yourself Started

This is a sample of the checklist I use when starting or re-structuring a photographer/studio. They're not in any particular order, but I find it's a good thing to use the checklist a few times over the course of those first couple of months and then years, just to make sure you're staying on track.

• Business Plan
•  Marketing Plan
•  Business Name
•  Logo
•  Tag Line
•  Market Research, local area
• Benchmarks for progress created
• Website Url
•  Blog Url
•  Facebook Page
•  Marketing Calendar
•  Promotional Pieces
•  Branding Colors
•  Branding Image Elements
•  Photographic Style
•  Target Markets
•  Value Statement
•  Inquiry Script
•  Booking Script
•  Booking Policies
•  Sessions
•  Agreements
•  Presentation and Ordering Process
•  Vendors Chosen
•  Studio Management Software
•  Business License and EIN set up
•  Accounting Software Chosen
•  Product Line
•  Pricing
•  Packages and Presentation of Prices
•  Email Marketing Host
•  Email Marketing Database
•  General Advertising Piece created
•  Business Cards
•  Senior Rep Program
•  Moms Rep Program
•  Bank Account Set Up
•  Merchant Account for accepting Credit Cards
•  Cancellation Policies
•  Ordering Policies
•  Finished Order/Delivery Process
•  Customer Retention Program
•  Reorder Specials
•  Yearbook coordination
•  Digital Image Policy and Agreements
•  Modeling Releases
•  Word Bank (for ads, marketing, facebook, web)
•  Web Designer and Host
•  Email Communications written for each part of the process
•  Workflow process created
•  Critiques on all of your pages before launching
•  Social Media facets identified and branded with purpose – not repetitive
•  Idea Bank created (ongoing list of go-to ideas)
•  Inventory of props and supplies
•  Reviews from past clients on hand
•  Client review process created