With a deluge of clients asking for digital files, it’s easy to wonder: ‘Has digital replaced print, finally, and what could be done to convince clients to print photos?’
The truth is, while the demand for digital photos has gone up, the appeal of print albums hasn’t eroded.
For one, a print album is tangible and therefore, more likely to keep people riveted compared to digital photos that often get lost in the noise. Print albums ensure longevity by allowing us to revisit the memories they hold. Digital photos can never match the polished experience of leafing through an heirloom quality printed album.
But wait, there’s more! The allure of print albums stretches beyond the emotional connection people form with items they can actually hold in their hands. Print adds an air of quality to your brand.
When you invest in print products that exude luxury in their look, touch, and finish, it paints your brand in professional tones. So, not just print albums; the addition of a stunning presentation box — such as the one from our collection — can take your brand value several notches higher.
Affluent consumers are often drawn to print. It’s the reason high-end lifestyle and design brands leverage the power of print — be it through packaging or marketing collaterals — to convey the sense of luxury.
When you’re able to communicate these benefits of print to your clients, you can change their minds in the favor of printed albums. Or, at the very least you’ll start attracting clients who are willing to pay a premium for the experiences print offers.
Let’s face it: You need those print sales to keep your business growing and thriving. It’s an excellent way to set yourself apart from peers. Plus, a nicely crafted album design indirectly markets your brand as well.
That said, here are some ways to convey the value of print albums to your clients.
1. Make print a part of your conversation
If you’re waiting till after the shoot to drop the mention of print albums, you’ll be disappointed. By then, the client might have already made up their mind. This is why the best approach is to bring print early on in your discussions with the client.
For example, you can include print albums in your initial consultation through questions like these:
“If you were to have all your wedding photos spread out in your album, what story would you like them to tell?”
“Have you decided a theme for your wedding? Would you like to explore how your wedding album might fit into that theme?”
These questions don’t just plant the thought of an album in your client’s mind. They also show that you care about their vision and are working with them to ensure their wedding photos tell a story that’s uniquely theirs.
2. Don’t just tell, show
Digital — no matter how contemporary and convenient – is flat and cold. Even with the most fabulous digital photos, there’s always a glass screen between them and the viewer. Nothing compares to the aesthetic you can experience in three-dimension. But, rather than simply telling your clients these things, let them figure out the distinction for themselves.
Having an array of album options available for your clients to view helps.. It offers them a chance to feel and touch the hand-crafted quality of albums, the textures, layout, and unique design. All of these aspects come together to give the viewer the satisfaction of savoring beautiful photos in all their color-rich, high-resolution glory. What better way to make the case for printed albums?
3. Have them within your package
Often one of the main things that deter clients from choosing prints is the cost. When you position them as an ‘extra’ that someone has to pay additional charges to get, many might choose to go without them. Instead, if you include them within your package even if by bumping up your pricing, client’s might negotiate but won’t complaint much.
A great idea here is to go with a standard album for your regular wedding photography package and offer the clients a choice to upgrade, in terms of both, size and quality.
What’s more! There are products that let you combine print and digital so you can give your clients the best of both the worlds. Our leather album with presentation box is a hit with wedding photographers for this exact reason.
Give these tips a try and get your print sales flowing!
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