So, you’ve just recovered from the most epic wedding reception ever. The hangover was worth it. Why? Well, you got to raise a glass to the happy couple, and you’ve found the perfect business idea.
No more 9-5 working for the man…

You’ll be working for yourself, and you’ll be putting a smile on thousands of people’s faces in no time.
Sounds good right? So many of us started out in the Photo Booth industry this same way…inspired by an amazing event, wedding reception or corporate activation that brought the entertainment to life and used photo booth technology to capture the excitement and emotions. Turning a side hustle into a business isn’t easy…but lucky for you, we are more than happy to share a few insider secrets on how to start, scale and ultimately succeed in the wonderful world of photo booths!!

Research everything for your new photo booth business

As exciting as this new photo booth business venture is, don’t jump in blindly. It is vital that at this point you do your research, into the product, the market opportunity and what is already available in your area.
Without understanding exactly what you wish to do. You must learn your target market and their needs.
Do you want to do weddings, birthdays, or corporate events? Each type of event has unique requirements, and the only way to beat the competition is to offer services and extras that will set your business apart.

Who’s your photo booth business competition?

They may well become friends, but for now, get to know who is in the photo booth game and what they are offering. Why? Because there’s no point doing the same…this will help you develop a unique selling proposition (USP) and set your photo booth business apart from others in the industry.
You may analyze the competitors’ pricing, services, and customer reviews to see where you can improve and stand out.

Everything has a cost

Of course, you want to run a profitable business, and that’s only achievable if the starting and running costs don’t exceed the returns. First, have a breakdown of all costs involved in starting a photo booth, which include:

• Purchasing or leasing equipment (cameras, lighting, printers, backdrops etc.)
• Software
• Design
• Marketing and advertising
• Insurance fees
• Licenses and permit fees
• Transportation and logistic fees
• Staffing

A cost breakdown will make it much easier when you try to raise capital. Banks, investors and even family and friends will take you much more seriously if you have a detailed financial plan.

What’s in a name?

Your business is your brand identity. Choose a name that identifies with your target market and stands out.
It’s a good idea to pick a name that is easy to pronounce and remember. Don’t copy others in the industry, invest in your brand and consider further growth of your photo booth business. And when it comes to building your website…choose keywords that match your services.
And do yourself a favor and make sure the domain name is available for your website and social media before you even move into concept creation.

Quality is key

The quality of your services can only be as good as the quality of the equipment, your software knowledge and photo booth skills. You cannot capture high-resolution images if you invest in an outdated photo booth set up. Similarly, your lighting equipment must be top-notch to meet customer expectations.

Therefore, when planning your budget, set aside a decent budget for high-quality cameras, printers, lighting, and props to give customers a memorable experience and high-quality photos.

Smart pricing strategy

Again, the goal is to run a profitable photo booth business, and like any other business, how you price services will determine your profitability. First, the prices can either attract or drive away potential clients.

However, remember that low prices are not a guarantee of high sales. Sometimes, potential consumers associate low prices with low-quality services and will likely go for your high-end competitors.

When pricing your services, consider the cost of running the business (these include maintenance, logistics, and customer service). Also, consider the market demand and what your target audience is willing to pay.

Consider offering package deals or add-ons to attract more customers and increase your profits. It’s also crucial to regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy based on your experience, offerings, market trends and demand.

Promote your business

Isn’t much point doing all of this if you aren’t actively promoting and shouting about your new photo booth business venture. Marketing, advertising, PR, digital media, word of mouth – all of it, all of the time. Use every tool in your arsenal and think smart – social media is a pretty cost effective way to get your brand out there.

A website is a must. Actually no, a good website is a must. And you need to invest in SEO. This step is crucial, especially since many individuals search for services and products on Google and other search engines before settling for the best.

Feedback is a gift

Besides offering quality services, planning for customer experience and satisfaction is critical. Your customers are the key aspect of your company’s success, and if you don’t meet their expectations, you will likely lose them to competitors.

So, think of effective ways to get their feedback, such as customer reviews and questionnaires, and respond to complaints promptly.

Last word…

Starting and running a successful photo booth business requires a lot of hard work and planning. It isn’t all smiles…but at the end of the day, put these steps into action and you and your clients will have more smiles than frowns as you turn your side hustle into a success.