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Have you decided to start a senior model team program for your senior photography business? You’re in the right place! 

As a senior photographer myself with a senior model team that has been up and running for over 10 years, I can confidently say that this program has helped my business grow and has made me the go-to senior portrait photographer in my area.

Today, I would love to tell you more about how to find the perfect senior model team that fits your business!

Heads up – this episode is part of a mini series on senior model teams. If you haven’t listened to episode 81 yet, I recommend starting there first! 

Alright, let’s jump in! 

How to Find Your Senior Model Team

If you’re new to having a senior model team for your business, finding your first models can feel like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be!

The best place to start is by networking with the people you already know. To get started, build yourself a list of people you know who you want to reach out to. 

• Use your connections 
  • Brainstorm who you know that knows high school juniors. Don’t be afraid to ask around! 
  • Think about previous senior clients, friends, siblings, babysitters, church members, teachers, coaches, etc. 
• Ask for nominations
  • Ask people you know, senior clients, and past models for nominations.
  • Gather names and create a list of potential models.
  • When you start by putting a list of potential models together, you’re not solely relying on who might land on seeing a social media post or campaign.

Building Your Application Process

You don’t want to have any barriers to the application process. You can do this by using an online questionnaire application. 

When you ask the right questions, you can get insight into the girl applying. Be sure to ask the essentials such as name, school, contact info, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask for information such as their social media handles and a photo, so you can put a name to the face. Most importantly, include a parent section to ensure they’re involved from the start.

• Example Questions to Ask
  • What are some of your hobbies, interests, and talents?
  • What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
  • Why do you believe you would make a good spokesmodel?
  • Are you or any of your family members or close friends photographers?
  • Do you think any of your friends would be good spokesmodels? If so, list their names and their Instagram handles. 
• Other Questions and Question Categories to Consider Including
  • Personality: 
    • List three words that best describe you. 
    • What are your favorite things to do outside of school? 
  • Style:
    • Describe your personal style.
    • Where are your favorite places to shop?
  • Photo Shoot: 
    • What would your dream photoshoot look like?
    • Do you like to have your photo taken?
  • Other: 
    • Have you ever applied to be a spokesmodel for another photographer? 
    • What part of being a spokesmodel are you most excited about? 
  • Parent:
    • Parent name, email, and phone number.
    • Permission to apply.

Showcase Your Senior Model Team

Determine what else you might need to showcase about your model program and inform potential applicants. Would your application process benefit from something such as a digital magazine?

• A digital magazine could include:
  • Additional information to ensure applicants are fully informed. 
  • The opportunity to explain incentives and requirements. 
  • Ability to include photos from past model shoots for context.
  • Testimonials from previous spokesmodels. 
  • FAQ section to get in front of any potential questions.

Be sure to provide your website and key social media handles, along with any additional resources. 

Put Together a Launch Plan

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a model, questions to ask on your application, info to send out with the application, and where to showcase your program, it’s time to plan the launch of your program! 

Start by determining your launch goals.

• You might have goals such as:
  • Gathering as many applications as possible. 
  • Creating buzz and interest about your senior model team. 
  • Growing the number of applications you receive each year. 

From there, determine how you’ll get the information out into the community and posted onto your social platforms! 

Homework

Ready for some homework?

• First, determine who your ideal spokesmodel is.
• Second, start to build your application.
• Third, create your own version of a digital magazine that applies to your program and your business.
• Finally, plan your launch! 

Are you curious to learn more about how to start a senior model team to grow your senior photography business? Enroll in the Spokesmodel Academy today!

xoxo,

Leslie

 

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