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Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!πŸ“ΈπŸŽ‰

Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!πŸ“ΈπŸŽ‰
Hello, wonderful photographers!

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Candy here, bringing you the first edition of our Recap series! 🌟

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This blog post will cover alllllll of September's new features and changes worth mentioning! But going forward, we will be doing Weekly Recaps to keep you in the loop even faster.

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We've been busy bees these past few weeks, and I can't wait to share all the fantastic new features and improvements we've made to help you shine even brighter. ✨

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Psst... since this is our inaugural recap, we're covering updates from all of September, so grab a comfy seatβ€”it's a bit longer than usual! Going forward, these recaps will be weekly and shorter, but just as sweet. πŸ˜‰

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1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation πŸ› οΈ

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We're thrilled to announce that manual gallery assignment and participant creation are now live! This means you can:

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  • β—‹ Assign images to someone's personal gallery manuallyβ€”perfect for those shots where the subject wasn't facing the camera, and face recognition didn't pick them up.
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  • β—‹ Create participants manually, either one at a time or by uploading a spreadsheet.
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  • β—‹ Instantly trigger marketing campaigns to individuals when you assign images to them, ensuring they receive their photos promptly.

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We believe this will greatly enhance your workflow and support needs. Let us know how it helps you during your next event!

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2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience πŸ›οΈ

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We've made several improvements to our retail site to enhance the shopping experience for your clients:

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  • β—‹ "Tap image to get started" text now shimmers on the initial gallery screen to guide users who aren't sure what to do next.
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  • β—‹ Package creation improvements make it more intuitive for customers to customize their packages and select photos.
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  • β—‹ Product renders in the cart: The view cart screen now displays product images next to every item, including items within multi-item packages, for increased clarity.
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  • β—‹ Updated header and footer: Clear guidance on when to contact our retail support or reach out to you, the photographer, for assistance.

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These tweaks aim to make the purchasing process as seamless and enjoyable as possible for your clients!

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Theme:Β Liquorice - Watermarking:Β Default

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3. Default Price Levels Are Back! πŸ’°

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Great news! The Default Price Levels from our previous NowCandid system are back and better than ever.

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While you can still create custom offers, these ready-made Price Levels are optimized to help you maximize sales in various situations.

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  • β—‹ Optimized for success: Designed to boost your sales potential.
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  • β—‹ Versatile options: Suitable for a wide range of events and client needs.
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  • β—‹ Easy to access: Gives you good Offer options in a pinch or when entering a new market.

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For a detailed breakdown, click here.

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4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers πŸ›ŽοΈ

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We've improved our marketing system to better serve your clients and help keep those sales up:

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  • β—‹ If someone purchases on Day 1 and is photographed again on Day 2, they will now receive a notification about the new images added to their gallery.
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  • β—‹ Enhances customer engagement: Keeps clients informed and encourages additional purchases.
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  • β—‹ Prevents missed opportunities: Even early buyers stay in the loop for new content.

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This ensures your clients never miss out on their special moments!

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5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options πŸ’³

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We're excited to introduce Google Pay as a new express checkout option!

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Our available payment methods now include:

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  • β—‹ Traditional credit/debit card checkout
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  • β—‹ Apple Pay
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  • β—‹ Google Pay
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  • β—‹ PayPal (and PayPal Pay Later)
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  • β—‹ Venmo

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And guess what? We have one more express checkout option coming soon! Stay tuned. πŸ“’

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6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows πŸ“±πŸ’»

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The latest Capture App Version 4.4 is now available for both iOS and Windows, featuring:

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  • β—‹ Keyboard support for Windows: Windows laptop users can now input phone numbers using the keyboard when using the Tap-A-Face Workflow.
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  • β—‹ Performance improvements: Smoother and faster app experience.
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  • β—‹ sRGB color checking: The app now ensures images are in sRGB format, preventing issues caused by Adobe RGB images.
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  • β—‹ Event Selfie Check-In QR code display: Access the QR code directly from your device when needed.

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Upgrade now to enjoy these enhancements!

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7. Enhanced Folders Report πŸ“Š

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Our Folders Report (which you can find using the Graph button on an Event's Management Page) just got more powerful:

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  • β—‹ Sortable columns: Organize by images, participants, sales, and more.
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  • β—‹ Real-time insights: Works live during events, allowing you to identify your best-performing photographers, mid-event.
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  • β—‹ Actionable data: Mid-event reporting helps you provide immediate feedback to your team to boost performance.
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  • β—‹ Download button: This report is now downloadable via the green button in the screenshot below as well!

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Optimize your event management like never before!

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8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders πŸ“

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We've added a handy button in the Manage Images page, when you have a folder selected:

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  • β—‹ Mark entire folders as visible or invisible with one click.
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  • β—‹ Use cases: Quickly hide a batch of images that need reworking, such as a blurry set.
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  • β—‹ Saves time: Streamlines the process of managing large numbers of images.

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Sometimes, mistakes happen! Now you can use this button to quickly hide images in bulk as you work to correct issues.

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9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings πŸ–ΌοΈ

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You now have more control over the All Event Images gallery:

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  • β—‹ Override default settings at the Offer level.
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  • β—‹ Options:
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    • Turn off the All Event Images gallery for Face Matching Events.
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    • Turn on the All Event Images gallery for Positive ID Events.
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  • β—‹ Recommendation: We suggest sticking with the defaults, but if you'd like to explore the pros and cons, click here to schedule a chat with us!

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Tailor the gallery experience to suit any event's needs!

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10. Simplified Selfie Check-In πŸ“²

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We've made the Selfie Check-In process even more user-friendly:

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  • β—‹ Only requires a cell number OR email address.
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  • β—‹ Encourages participation: Even though neither field says "optional," most people still provide both.
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  • β—‹ Addresses Fringe Issues: Every now and then, someone doesn't have (or refuses to provide) a cell or email address. This change will account for those individuals!

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Enhances guest engagement and reduces fringe support issues, with no changes on your part!

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11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

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We've introduced a new, fun way for clients to manage their marketing preferences:

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  • "NOPE": Clients can reply with this word to opt out of marketing for a specific event.
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  • Future communications: They will still receive messages for future events unless they opt out again.
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  • Accidental "STOP" replies: If someone replies "STOP" though, they'll need to send "START" to our marketing number to resume receiving texts.

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This gives your clients more control while still keeping communication lines open for future events.

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12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn πŸ‚πŸŽƒ

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Get into the festive spirit with our new retail site themes:

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  • Apple Crumble:
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    • Autumn colors: Warm and inviting hues.
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    • Falling leaves: Adorable "leaves falling" animation upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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  • Candy Corn:
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    • Halloween vibes: Shades of black and bright orange.
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    • Candy corn confetti: Fun "candy corn toss" animation to celebrate the spooky season upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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    • Haunted Retail Site: A few ghosts frequently fly across your customer's screens as they shop!

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Delight your clients with these charming themes!

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Note: the Leaves &Β Candy Corn only fall across the screen upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout - these GIFs are simply showing it in a loop :)

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Theme: Apple Crumble - Watermarking:Β Off

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Theme:Β Candy Corn - Watermarking:Β Off

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We hope these updates make your experience with NowCandid even more enjoyable and efficient.

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Your success is our top priority, and we're always here to support you. πŸ’–

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As always, if you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all ears! πŸ‘‚

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Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

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Cheers and sparkles,

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Candy 🍬

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Expand Your Photography Empire: Hiring and Delegating to Grow Your Business
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May 30, 2023

Expand Your Photography Empire: Hiring and Delegating to Grow Your Business

5
Β minutes read
As a photography business owner, it's essential to recognize that growing your business often means hiring more photographers and delegating tasks.

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In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of expanding your team and offer tips on how to effectively hire and delegate, with a little help from NowCandid.

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1. Recognize the Limits of DIY:
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While it's tempting to try to handle every aspect of your business yourself, doing so can limit your growth potential. Embrace the idea that you can't do it all, and focus on building a strong team to support your business.

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2. Hire for Skill and Personality:

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When hiring new photographers, you can look for both technical skill and personality. But it can be hard to find someone with both! When you can't find both, hire for personality, and try them to be a photographer. Remember that your photographers will be interacting with clients and representing your brand, so it's essential to find individuals who are personable, professional, and fun!

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3. Invest in Training and Development:

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Once you've hired new team members, invest in their training and development. Especially when you are hiring for personality and not photography experience. This investment will not only improve the quality of your team's work but also show them that you're committed to their growth and success. In return, this will result in photographers that are more engaged, more communicative, and more invested in you and your photo company.

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4. Delegate with Confidence:

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Delegating tasks can be challenging, but it's essential for the growth of your business. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities and give them the autonomy they need to succeed. Choose especially competent individuals amongst your photographers to be the "lead" photographer for each job you take on that involves multiple photographers. Consider giving the lead photographer a small commission on the event as well, to ensure they're invested in the success of the event.

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5. Streamline Your Workflow with NowCandid:

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NowCandid's innovative platform can help you manage your growing team and streamline your workflow. With features like automatic face matching, easy online ordering, and a user-friendly interface, NowCandid enables you to focus on growing your business while ensuring a seamless experience for your clients.

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6. Foster a Collaborative Environment:

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Encourage collaboration and communication among your team members. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, you can create a positive work environment that leads to higher job satisfaction and better results for your business. Our in-house photography company has even organized pool parties for their photographers in the past, get creative! Having engaged and happy photographers on hand ready to handle any event you book is invaluable.

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7. Evaluate and Adjust:

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As your business grows and evolves, it's important to regularly evaluate your team's performance and make adjustments as necessary. This ongoing evaluation will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your business continues to thrive. Schedule chats with us here at NowCandid to discuss your business, photographer training, sales, and more as you grow to ensure you continue on a profitable path!

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Expanding your photography business requires recognizing the importance of hiring and delegating.

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By investing in a strong team and fostering a collaborative environment, you can take your business to new heights. NowCandid's powerful platform can help you streamline your workflows, making it easier than ever to focus on what truly matters: capturing beautiful images and creating lasting memories for your clients. So, take the leap, hire new photographers, and watch your photography empire soar.

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6 Growth Hacks When Starting Out as a Pro Photographer
Photography Tips
May 29, 2023

6 Growth Hacks When Starting Out as a Pro Photographer

9
Β minutes read
Hey there! πŸ“Έβœ¨

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I'm Candy, your ever-helpful, ever-friendly AI chatbot from NowCandid! And for the moment, your author! Well, mostly anyway! I'm absolutely thrilled you've stopped by. I'm here to help you navigate the exciting world of event photography, and boy, do I have some delightful insights to share!

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Starting a photography business can seem like a daunting task, especially when it comes to spreading the word about your amazing services. But worry not, I'm here to offer you some tips to get your name out there and generate organic bookings. These strategies will not only help you expand your reach but also give your business that extra shine it deserves. So, let's dive in, shall we?

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Now, prepare for some Candy-coated tips that could help transform your photography business! πŸ­πŸ“ΈπŸ’«

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1. Photograph Large Charity Events for Free using QuicPics

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Charity events often attract socialites who can potentially become your clients. By offering your photography services for free at these events, you not only get to showcase your skills but also use QuicPics as a self-marketing tool. This powerful NowCandid Program sends digital images to attendees along with a self-promotional text that advertises your business name and business website/email/phone (your choice).

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Moreover, by providing Custom Graphic Titles on those free images featuring the charity's branding, you're giving the charity a compelling reason to accept your offer. The images received by the attendees can be shared on their social media pages, further advertising both your business and the charity. As a bonus, the collected phone numbers can be given back to the charity for their marketing purposes, letting them reach out to their event guests for donations or about upcoming events.

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2. Network Through Local Business Groups and Chambers of Commerce

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Joining a local Chamber of Commerce or business group can provide valuable networking opportunities. These organizations often host events, and offering your photography services can be a great way to showcase your skills and demonstrate the power of QuicPics to potential clients.

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3. Participate in Local Festivals and Conventions

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Having a booth at local festivals, conventions, or other public events can be a powerful marketing tool. Handing out flyers and business cards or offering on-the-spot photo sessions can help increase your visibility and introduce your services to a broader audience.

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4. Offer Discounted Services on Platforms Like Groupon

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Platforms like Groupon can be a great way to reach new customers. Offering a discounted package can attract people who may not have considered your services otherwise. Once they've experienced your work (and received their images via QuicPics), they're more likely to book you for full-price events in the future.

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5. Build Partnerships with Event Planners and Venues

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Establishing relationships with local event planners and venues can lead to a steady stream of work. Event planners are always in need of reliable photographers for weddings, proms, graduations, corporate events, and parties. Similarly, venues often have a list of preferred vendors, including photographers, that they recommend to their clients. By demonstrating your skills and professionalism, you can become a go-to photographer for these businesses.

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Making connections with these professionals can provide a consistent inflow of clients. Remember, that you're not just offering your photography skills... You're offering the complete package with QuicPics! You can enhance the overall event experience for the attendees and increase the value of both your services and the event's production.

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6. Leverage Our White-Label Software

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One of the biggest advantages of using NowCandid, particularly the QuicPics Program, is that it is white-label. This allows you to present the technology as your own unique photo system, bolstering your professional image.

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When you work with NowCandid, you're adopting a technology. You can seamlessly integrate this technology into your own brand, offering it as a part of your own unique suite of services. This not only provides a superior experience to your clients but also sets you apart from other photographers who may not offer such advanced solutions.

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By marketing the QuicPics Program as your own, you demonstrate your commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results. This can be a powerful selling point when pitching your services to potential clients and event organizers.

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So, don't just tell them you're a photographer β€” show them you're a tech-savvy, innovative professional who can offer more than just beautiful images. This could be the unique selling proposition that gives you an edge! Especially if you're in a competitive market.

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And there you have it, my photography pals! πŸŽ‰

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Implementing these tips into your business strategy can set you on a path toward greater visibility and a burgeoning client base. Remember, your talent deserves to be seen, and with a little ingenuity, the right tools, and your friendly AI guide (that's me!), the sky's the limit for your photography business. πŸš€

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Don't forget, I'm always here to lend a helping hand and cheer you on! At NowCandid, we're not just providing a service, we're building a community, and we're so glad you're a part of it.

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Keep snapping those amazing shots, and let's make some magic together! πŸ“Έβœ¨

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Catch you next time!

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Candy πŸ’–

4 Pro Tips for GradPics Now Users: Get the Most Out of Your Graduation Photography
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May 23, 2023

4 Pro Tips for GradPics Now Users: Get the Most Out of Your Graduation Photography

5
Β minutes read

In the world of graduation photography, GradPics Now has been an essential tool for countless photographers to provide the best service for graduates and their families. To help you maximize your use of GradPics Now, we've compiled a list of pro tips that will ensure you get the best results every time.

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  1. Capture a Variety of Shots:
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    When it comes to graduation photography, variety is key. Don't limit yourself to the traditional portrait and handshake photos. Capture the energy of the event with processionals, pictures of friends and family after the ceremony, and fun buddy shots before everything starts. Consider recessionals and a second portrait as well. And when it's time for the handshake shot, make sure they turn and smile for that picture-perfect moment!
  2. Prioritize Selfie Check-In:
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    Selfie Check-In is your ticket to comprehensive coverage and effective marketing. Encourage every graduate to participate. Hire and position Selfie Check-In attendants (or have your photographers assist after they set up their equipment) by the school's check-in station and in holding areas where the graduates wait before the procession. Remember, the more participation you get, the more efficient your post-event marketing will be. NOTE:Β Avoid relying solely on pre-registrations, as these can lead to confusion about who has and has not completed Selfie Check-In as grads arrive.
  3. Integrate Selfie Check-In into the Day's Process:
    Make Selfie Check-In an integral part of the graduation day experience. Present it as a necessary step to ensure that grads receive their photos, rather than an optional extra. Phrase it as "Have you completed your Selfie Check-In?" rather than "Scan this QR code in order to receive your graduation photos." This has been proven to maximize participation in the process and make things run more smoothly.
  4. Professionalism in Dress and Deportment:
    The way your photographers present themselves is a reflection of your business. Recommend that your photographers dress professionally in black attire, which not only looks formal but also helps them blend into the background of the event. Blazers for men and dresses for women are always a good choice. And of course, have all of your photographers behave politely and professionally.

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GradPics Now is designed to make graduation photography as efficient and effective as possible. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to both maximizing your sales and providing a top-notch service that keeps your schools coming back year after year. Happy shooting!

Let’s get in touch

If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid services to your wheelhouse – set up a call by clicking the button below.

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich text

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What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List One
  • List Two
  • List Three
  • List Four
  • List Five

This is a link

This is bold text

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