Best Tools for Running My Photography Business
Over the years as a photography business owner in Washington DC I have gathered a list of my favorite tools and apps for running my business efficiency. From client management to credit card processing to Mileage tracking for tax purposing: this post is a updated list of my favorite tools not just as a resource for professional photographers but for creatives and other small business owners. Many of this tools are usable for all types of businesses.
Here are my favorite apps and programs for running my photography business:
Tave is my client management software. My CRM. I use this to collect leads from my website, send out quotes, book clients (send out contracts, collect payments through invoices, send out questionnaires), keep me calendar and track my list of tasks to complete for each job. Tave is also linked with my Square account for credit card processing. I have been using Tave for 4 years continuously. Their staff will even help you setup your account and walk you through all the features over a video call. My referral link here will double the length of your free trial.
I use Square to accept and process credit card transactions. Square collects a percentage of each transaction as a processing fee but I can collect payment from a client instantly and funds are transferred to my business account within 2 business days. Accepting credit cards has made payments and invoicing super easy and quick as opposed to waiting for a check in the mail and taking the time to deposit the check. You can get your first $1,000 processed within fee when you sign up though my referral link here.
I use Dropbox for storing files and documents online as a backup that I can access from any computer or the app on my phone. Dropbox also makes it easy to share things quickly between myself, associate photographer and clients. My referral link here will get you 500MB of extra storage.
Pixieset is used for my clients galleries. I deliver all my images to my clients with a Pixieset gallery. A beautiful and presentable way to display the images to my clients. Clients can instantly download and share their images or order prints, canvas or cards through the gallery to be delivered to their home. You can use this link here for 250MB or bonus storage.
I use MileIQ to track all my business mileage for tax purposes. After each drive or whenever I open the app I can go back to classify my drives as personal or business by swiping left or right. At the end of the year I can get a report of my total milage write off amount to use for tax filing purposes.
Keeping my business expense separate from my person expense is important for keeping me organize when tax time comes! I use Capitol One for my business credit card and love the cash back rewards on my purchases! The 1.5% cash back adds up over the course of the year and I am able to reinvest that into my business or treat myself at the end of the year. When you sign up you can earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. (click link!)
Have any questions about my experience with these tools or have other favorites to share?
Don’t be afraid to reach out via email!
Jon Fleming Photography offers photography and photo booth rentals for weddings and corporate events in the Washington DC metro area. With 10 years experience and 100+ 5 star reviews online Jon Fleming Photography is committed to offering it’s best to it’s clients.