Bookings are the core of your photo business. Without bookings you have no money coming in. And if you want to keep that money coming in on a regular basis, then you need to keep the bookings coming in. Now that you understand how important they are, let's take a look at what you can do to get more bookings for your photo business.

Before you get a booking you need to have a consultation. And before you can schedule a consultation you need to generate a lead. That means you have to find someone who is interested in procuring your services.

The interested party could be anyone. Someone you meet while you're standing in line at the grocery store, someone you meet at a bridal show, or even a friend of a friend of a friend. The point is, the minute that person tells you they might have need of a photographer they immediately become a potential new client. And your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to turn that lead into a consultation.

Never let a lead get away from you without at least trying to get them into your office for a consultation. If someone asks you about prices or any other type of information your goal is to get them to schedule a consultation. Never thank them for calling and tell them to call again if they have questions. Schedule a consultation. At the very least, get as much contact information as you can so you can check back with them in 24 hours.

Now, let's assume the worst. What if you can't get them to come in and talk? First, you can call them on the phone a day or two later and try again. If that doesn't work, you can send them information about your services in the mail. But it's important to stay on top of these leads. You know they're interested in hiring a photographer and if it isn't you it's going to be someone else.

And you can't let up once you have them in your office. That's when you really need to shine. Make sure you have plenty of samples or a very nice portfolio that shows off your best work. When they tell you they're getting married and such-and-such venue, let them know that you've taken plenty of pictures there before and you know all the best backdrops to get the best shots. In other words, let your experience and expertise show.

You'll get more bookings for your photo business once you realize that every single person you meet is a potential new client. You should always be talking up your business. And never let your leads go away with all their questions answered, unless they've turned into a booking.

If you'd like to learn how I got published in over 70 wedding magazines and blogs, download my free photography marketing guide to getting published and learn how to promote your photo business.