waist down photo of photographer with sony camera sharing time saving tips

4 Time Saving Programs for Photographers

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I am Neyssa Lee a Seattle area photographer, mom of 6, planning obsessed, and who help you see the beauty, love and joy, in your own family’s chaos. I also use my super power of time management to help fellow photographers take control of their businesses. Learn more by heading to my ABOUT ME page.

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Hi, I'm Neyssa

waist down photo of photographer with sony camera sharing time saving tips

When I was in the early years of my business I found it very difficult to spend money on my business. I felt like I could save money by doing everything myself, because, I mean really how long does it take to send an email or schedule a post on Instagram? However, once I found these 4 time saving programs, my business began to change for the better.

Before using these time saving programs, I felt like I was spinning my wheels. I was stuck and unable to grow and CONSTANTLY working on things that weren’t getting me anywhere. After some mindset shifting and big realizations I started investing in my business on things that not only made me look more professional but saved me time.

These are my 4 favorite time saving programs that you might want to consider giving a try.

For scheduling social media I use Later.

By now, I’m sure you know that scheduling your social media posts are the way to go. Forget trying to wake up, find a photo and come up with a caption. Instead, I batch my work, scheduling out 3-4 weeks of posts for Instagram and Facebook all at one time.

Even better, I have started scheduling posts to my Pinterest account as well to help me grow my reach on topics that I know will help others!

I have tried a few different schedules and have like Later best for my needs. This time saving program auto publishes regular posts and carousels to both Facebook and Instagram, while easily allowing you to customize a post per platform, including adding a first comment (for adding those hashtags) on your Instagram posts.

There is both a free version with limited amount of schedule (which worked great for my business, until I was ready to schedule even more ahead of time).

For time saving in client management, use HoneyBook.

One of the biggest ways to save time in my business was by getting a CRM, or client management system. I will be honest, this was (and still is) one of my biggest expenses in my business. However, it is also the one thing that has not only allowed me to take on my clients, but helps me ensure I look professional.

With HoneyBook I have streamlined my client processes. I’m able to go from client inquiry, to booking, sending a client contract, collect payment, send preparation information, and more. I’m no longer forgetting to send those final payment due emails, nor am I wasting time writing an email every time a new client inquires.

If you’re really looking to save time, I highly suggest using a CRM. There are plenty of options. I have tried a few and been so happy with HoneyBook for the past 4 years. Struggling with the cost of a CRM? Think how one session can pay for your CRM, leaving you saving so much time for every other sesson.

In the beginning of my business I would burn digital files onto a CD (that’s funny to admit). Then I would add them onto a USB drive, which would later have to be mailed or delivered. I also gave sharing images on Dropbox, but that quickly became a hassle. I needed something that was time saving, not time sucking!

Then I discovered Shootproof for delivering client galleries. Not only is Shootproof so easy to use, uploads are fast, but the gallery looks beautiful and clean for my client. Shootproof is huge in time saving for my business.

I have also set up a shopping cart so clients can download their digital files (with no cost to me, unlike a few other services that charge you for clients to download their photos). You are also able to connect your galleries to professional print labs so that clients are able to order professional prints directly from their galleries. With them connected to a lab, I can send orders to the lab in one quick, shipping directly to the client saving me so much time.

*Try a month of Shootproof for free when you use my link.

For time saving in designing albums for clients I use Fundy Designer.

If you’re offering your clients albums, you may know how time consuming putting a design together can be. While I kept hearing about Fundy Designer, however, the initial upfront cost made me hesitate a bit. Yet when I gave the free trial a shot I was converted.

Suddenly I could design a gorgeous client album with the right dimensions for the print lab of my choice in under 10 minutes. Talk about time saving. Even better you can choose to upload to their online proofing site. This allows you to send the album design to your client for them to proof. The proofing experience allows them to feel like they are flipping through their album. Furthermore, it allows them to approve or make comments for any requested changes right on each page. (Note, online proofing is a yearly fee while the design software is a one time fee).

Investing in my business allowed me to save time, simplify processes and appear more professional.

If you’re drowning in tasks, wondering why you ever started your business, try one of these time saving programs . See how much time you save and what you can do with this new freedom. You will find how much your business can grow as you have more time to invest doing things to move the needle forward.

Questions about my favorite time saving programs for photographers? Send me an email, I’m happy to help answer any other questions.

Looking for other ways to time saving strategies for your business? Checkout my free E-mail template checklist below to get you started on which emails you must have pre-written.

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