Money. Yep, we like that.
You know what’s the best kind of money when you own a business? The kind you don’t have to work a fuck ton of hours to make! Let’s talk passive (ish) income, shall we?
Amazon Affiliate Links
First of all, sign up for this: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/ – the Amazon affiliate program is genius and the first way we will kick start your passive income journey! This is definitely a volume or small potatoes form of earning passive income BUT these dollas add up! Each month I earn between $50-$500 in just Amazon affiliate commissions, I know that’s a giant range but it really varies (for me). You can expect to make between $5-$50 each month if you are consistent with adding new links and encouraging people to purchase your fave products.
Okay, so this totally sounds like a mix between “influencer” and being roped into a MLM biz… I promise, it’s not.
This is how I share my fave products without being salesy! This is a screenshot from the email I send to EVERY client who signs up for a boudoir sesh with me. They receive a link to my favorite Amazon and Shein finds! Shein has an affiliate program but it’s nearly impossible to get into (I tried) but by giving them more than just 1 location to purchase from, it doesn’t seem like I’m just trying to make a buck (which, I’m obviously not). This is just ONE example of my Amazon affiliate links at work. I have my fave interactive dog toys, camera equipment, clothes, shoes, studio furniture, lighting equipment, etc!
You don’t want your affiliate links to overshadow your actual business offerings. I repeat, do NOT focus on your affiliate links. You are NOT an influencer. This is NOT your main source of income. Don’t push them more than you push your services and products you make a fuck ton more $$ on!
Referral Programs!
This is #2 in our list of passive (ish) income opportunities! Why not refer your fave programs in addition to your fave products to friends, customers, clients, etc?! Again, don’t be salesy. You aren’t making 100% of the dollas (or close to it) when people sign up for this program like you do when they buy YOUR products/services.
Example: I LOVE HoneyBook – this is how I keep up with invoicing, bookkeeping, contracts, client info, automatically send emails, reminder, etc, and do literally ALL of the things. It’s something I have had for 4+ years and couldn’t run my business without. I personally make $200 per sign up. You get $200 off of your first year ($400 regularly priced) and I make $200 direct deposit, no questions asked. This is not the same for all who have HoneyBook, I am part of their educator’s program and have been since 2017 (maybe 2018) but everyone earns $$ for referring people to use HoneyBook – the amounts are just not all the same.
You don’t have to use HoneyBook, but DO check with your fave resources to see if they have a referral incentive. Most do btw! Dubsado, website builders, some editing software, and more have them!
PRINT SALES
Wow, aggressive all caps text… This should probably tell you that this bad boy is IMPORTANT.
Let me start by saying that you do NOT need to do IPS (in-person sales) to sell prints, albums, wall art, etc.
Go to your gallery site you currently use, go to their print lab options and set this shit up. Like, now. I use CloudSpot and LOVE it! I used Pixieset for years before making the switch but there are other great options like Pic-Time, ShootProof, Pass, etc. Now that you’ve selected your preferred lab (if you have the option of multiple), select “self-fulfillment” or whatever the site’s option is for you not doing jack shit. This allows the client to choose their images for print, sizes, finishes, and shipping options! Thennnn, it’s sent directly to them. Completely hands off for you!
I bet you’re curious now… how to actually encourage clients to buy pro prints? Sales. Duh.
Easter sale, Mother’s Day sale, Memorial Day sale, Christmas, Black Friday, just because it’s a fucking Thursday, really whatever reason you want. Give them a code for free shipping, 10% off, BOGO (free, 50% off, for $5)! This is a great way for you to reach out to past clients and let them know that you’d like to collect even more of their dollas. I mean… you would love for them to print their beautiful memories you captured for them. Yep. Great save on my end. 😉
But really. Do this. Also create an order minimum! You don’t want to give free shipping (that costs like $12) and they purchase $12 worth of prints… Ew, no thanks. Annnnnnd one last thing! To encourage clients to actually purchase prints instead of using Shutterfly or other consumer labs, make the prices affordable. That sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how many people are trying to charge $14 for a single 4×6 print. That totally works if you’re doing IPS and have large print packages, but if you’re following my blog, you probs aren’t doing IPS. Here’s my actual breakdown of pricing, 30% or more of my clients purchase prints through their gallery! I use WHCC for prints/wall art AND albums (that I design). I couldn’t get my 20×30 in the frame but it’s $92 retail and $30.65 cost.
To wrap this shit up (bc my hands are tired of typing), do the things above, don’t be gross and salesy, and don’t recommend products and services you don’t believe in/love.
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