Struggling to be successful with custom framing? I get it. Framing is intimidating at first and can feel extremely overwhelming. But just like anything, once you educate yourself and do the work to feel confident,  it’s a service you are more than capable of offering to your clients. In fact, I truly believe that it’s a disservice to not. Digital images are great, but our clients aren’t the experts and we shouldn’t be sending them off for digitals to live on their phones and hard drives. 

Buttttt Brittany…I’ve tried. My clients aren’t interested. My clients aren’t buying frames. My clients would rather go to target.  

Trust me, I’ve heard it all.

I wouldn’t be a good photographer or coach if I didn’t speak a little tough love into your business. The issue is NOT with your clients. 

I’ve installed over 800 frames in the last three years. But, I am NOT the only one capable of this. I know this because I have witnessed friends in the industry do it, and over the last year I have watched over 30 of my students in Leveraging to Luxury do it. 

So why aren’t YOU? 

Targeting the Wrong Clients 

Not everyone is going to purchase custom framing. And that’s okay, but those people are likely not your clients. The clients who are going to purchase custom framing from you are the clients that really need help with not only the design but the execution of it. They highly value their time and want to trust you as the expert to do it for them. 

To be able to do this, you have to educate yourself on not only who and how to target your ideal client, but how to offer custom framing and do it well. 

Design is Lacking 

The average person does not know how to properly design artwork for their walls. Deciding between a large statement piece or symmetrical vs asymmetrical galleries is hard. A lot more goes into it than picking beautiful photos and pretty frames. Understanding sizing and spacing, as well as allowing for it to potentially grow over time takes your expertise. 

I know I know, you’re a photographer and not a designer. True. But you are also an artist. And if you’re reading this, you probably are not just a photographer or just an artist. You also have a desire to serve your clients and help preserve their memories. Custom framing is just an extension of that. 

When you can solve a client’s problem and give them the confidence that you can design their space with their most treasured family memories, your client experience will be invaluable to them. 

If the design part intimidates you, be sure to follow along as we prepare to launch Story Walls Systems! 

Marketing and Pricing is Not Where It Needs To Be 

One of the biggest obstacles as a photographer is marketing- most photographers do not know how to market. Once you’ve really honed in on who your ideal client is, you need to know how to speak to them. Effective marketing is critical to being successful with custom framing. 

You can share pretty photos all day long, and you may even be able to sell them. But are you sharing about other services? Do your clients even know that you offer custom framing. Beyond that, do they know that you design and install for them?

I see it every day. Photographers tell me they offer custom framing and it’s even on their price sheet, but it’s nowhere to be found in their marketing. Confusing, right? 

Why? Usually, it’s a lack of confidence and/or knowledge. They know they need to offer it, but don’t know how to. And therefore, custom framing ends up being something they offer but something they never actually sell. 

Photographers, you have to market your services. And then you also need to price them appropriately. Did you know that your pricing can encourage (or discourage) your clients from purchasing certain products or services? So much so, psychologists studio the emotions and logical processes that people go through when considering how to spend their money.

If you’re ready to learn how to be successful with custom framing, eliminate the mistakes and create an experience and the business you want, please get in touch. I’d love to help!