If there’s one business practice EVERY photographer HATES, it’s getting GHOSTED by an inquiring client.  Today, let’s I want to share one of the biggest surprise aspects of working with college and sorority students: While the fear of being ghosted by potential clients looms in many industries like Weddings, Families, and High School Photography, there are several compelling reasons why college students are less likely to ghost photographers after making an initial inquiry. Understanding these reasons can help you tailor your approach and foster better communications and more secure bookings.

1. High Engagement and Event Participation

College students are highly engaged in campus activities and social events, which often require professional photography services. Whether it’s for graduation pictures, sorority formals, or other significant events, the demand for capturing these moments creates a genuine need for reliable photographers. This necessity makes students more likely to follow through after reaching out.

2. Peer Influence and Social Proof

Social dynamics play a huge role in college settings. Students see their peers hiring photographers for professional shoots and sharing these photos on social media. This visibility, coupled with the fear of missing out (FOMO), prompts them to secure their own sessions, reducing the likelihood of ghosting once they’ve initiated contact.

3. Decisive and Digitally Enabled

College students are decisive, growing up in an era of instant digital gratification, where a “see it, want it, have it” mindset dominates decision making. This mindset extends to their planning for events, where they expect quick and straightforward transactions. Their proficiency with digital tools not only makes them quick to communicate but also fast to commit, reducing the likelihood of ghosting.

4. Structured Academic and Social Calendars

College students’ academic and social calendars are highly structured, with key events and timelines. Since many photography bookings are tied to specific, non-negotiable dates (Graduation day won’t be getting moved because they forgot to schedule their grad session!), students are highly incentivized to finalize arrangements quickly to ensure everything is set for their important occasions. And with a limited number of warm weather dates in many parts of the country, demand for space on a go-to photographer’s limited calendar is important!

5. High Volume of Referred Business = High Paying Leads

Once a photographer successfully captures a student’s grad photos, and the Peer Influence and FOMO I mentioned above starts to kick in, you open up the opportunity for direct referrals. Referred business from sorority sisters or classmates of past clients is a common occurrence in the college ecosystem. And because they’ve already talked to one or more of  their friends about you, your next clients are coming in already knowing what to expect from your pricing and client experience! 

Encouraging Even Better Engagement

While college students generally show reliable follow-through, enhancing your engagement strategies can further reduce the chances of ghosting:

• Prompt, Clear Communication: Respond quickly to inquiries with clear, concise information and easy next steps.
• Social Media Engagement: Regularly update your social media with your latest work and engage actively with your followers, including potential clients.
• Follow-Up Reminders: Send gentle reminders as the event approaches or if you haven’t heard back in a while. A booking reminder can sometimes be just what’s needed to re-engage a busy student.

Conclusion

Working with college and sorority students offers a unique opportunity due to their high engagement levels, reliance on social proof, and desire to “see it, want it, and have it” when their heart gets set on a product or service. By understanding the driving factors behind their behaviors, you can tailor your business strategies to ensure smooth transactions and minimal ghosting. Embrace the vibrant world of college photography, and watch your business thrive with a client base that’s as enthusiastic and dynamic as your photography!