December 5, 2023

9 Tips for a Calm and Bright Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful (and busiest!) time of the year.

We hope your holiday season is off to a great start! While we all look for time to rest, unwind, and reset over the holidays, we know the first two weeks in December can be some of the highest-volume ordering weeks of the entire year. Trying to keep your orders flowing and clients happy can be exhausting, so we put together the following tips and tricks to help make this time easier, and more enjoyable for you and your clients!

1. Keep Offering Sales - According to Gallup, 20% of consumers wait until December to start their Christmas shopping. So, at this point, some of your clients are still considering what to get their loved ones for Christmas. Help make their decision easier by running additional sales and encouraging additional orders. Don't let your Black Friday sale be the last one of the season, but instead, run new sales every couple of days right up until your final ordering deadline. The more often your clients are reminded of the images, the more likely they are to make a purchase and give the gift of prints!

 

2. Be Realistic (and Kind) With Your Ordering Deadlines - We're talking about being kind to yourself. Make sure you give yourself some wriggle room with your ordering deadline so you have time to fulfill all of your orders. Select a hard deadline for orders and let your clients know that anything ordered after that date should not be expected before Christmas. Setting expectations will help you and your clients! To help you identify what your order deadline should be, we consolidated order deadlines from our lab partners.

Order deadlines aren’t the only information we’ve gathered from our lab partners. We created a lab partner landing page so you can quickly find valuable information in one, convenient location.

3. Overcommunicate Deadlines - Speaking of ordering deadlines, post them EVERYWHERE. We recommend posting them to your storefront, social accounts, blogs, and anywhere else your clients may visit. On your Instaproofs storefront, your deadlines can be added to the gallery login page, gallery description, promotional emails, order receipts, or all of the above. Log in now to quickly update these spaces.


4. Get (Christmas) Creative -  In addition to your standard shipping options, try adding a new option labeled “Christmas Delivery” or “Delivery by Christmas." As your order deadline approaches, you can increase the cost of this option to help cover priority shipping fees that may be incurred to ensure the orders arrive on time. If you’re unsure how to manage your shipping options and/or shipping rates, don’t worry. We made a tutorial video .

 

5. Don't Wait - We probably should've listed this first. Fulfilling your orders promptly is always important, but even more so in December! Remember to be kind to yourself (Tip #2) and fulfill orders as soon as they come in so you don't find yourself in a last-minute rush.

 

6. Keep Your Customers in the Loop - Have you ever found yourself desperately tracking orders to see if they’ll arrive in time? Your clients are likely to do the same. Keeping your clients well-informed and updating the status of their orders will go a long way in easing their minds, and it may even save you from receiving panicked/frantic messages demanding to know where their orders are! If you want help keeping them in the loop, check out the tip below!


7. Considering Package Tracking? Do It. - This goes hand-in-hand with Tip #6. If you are self-fulfilling your orders, always opt for package tracking. This might cost you a little extra up-front, but the hassles it will save you if problems arise will more than makeup for it! Once you receive the tracking numbers for your orders, pass them along to your customers so they can monitor progress themselves. This will help alleviate their concerns while saving you time and energy!

 

8. Keep Things Current - If you do update your storefront and other client landing spots with holiday deadlines, remember to update your messaging once your order deadline passes. Let your clients know it's too late to expect orders to arrive before Christmas. If you added a Christmas shipping option (Tip #4) make sure you remove that too. 

 

9. Let Us Make Your Life Easier - If you don't want to bother hunting down your ordered images and re-uploading them to another service, consider using our integrated fulfillment (and auto-fulfillment) services. Standard print orders generally ship the next business day, and all orders automatically receive tracking numbers when they are shipped.  Our holiday fulfillment deadlines can be found here: Fulfillment Deadlines.

If you haven’t taken advantage of our integrated fulfillment services before, read this article for instructions on how to set up your account to do so.


If you follow any combination of these tips and tricks, we think you'll be set up for a great holiday season— including the hectic first weeks of December! We wish you, your loved ones, and your clients a wonderful holiday season. 

More from Pixifi

April 29, 2025
Turn gallery views into sales with Instaproofs' built-in marketing tools, email automation, and mobile-optimized storefronts.
April 1, 2025
1. Client Gateways — This update adds convenience for you and your clients! Client Gateways act as centralized hubs where you can gather all relevant items for a client (or group of clients) in one place. Simply create a gateway, add the necessary items, and send a unique link to your clients. Relevant items include: • Contracts • Invoices • Questionnaires • Galleries • Sessions • Downloadable PDFs 2. Gallery Sign-Out Option — Leverage an additional, convenient sign-out option that will soon be added to the main menu within your galleries. This can be especially handy when your clients accidentally log in with an incorrect email address, or when they use a shared computer or device with others. 3. New “Subscribe Mode” — If you want to collect email addresses for a gallery before it’s live, the upcoming Subscribe Mode may be exactly what you’re looking for! Once enabled, your clients will be prompted to provide their email addresses upfront in order to be notified when the photos are available. 4. Client Favorite Notifications — Your clients will soon be able to notify you when they’ve completed selecting their favorite images. Once the notification has been sent, the favorite list will be locked, preventing further changes unless you choose to unlock it again. 5. Navigate Multi-Category Galleries — For galleries that include multiple categories, your clients will soon have an additional navigation option in the form of a category dropdown menu. The dropdown menu will be added to the top of the screen, allowing your clients to conventiently move throughout their galleries. 6. Mobile Gallery Enhancements — From improvements in the way bulk pricing is displayed, to clearer discount icons and messaging, our galleries are constantly being enhanced to ensure an optimal experience for your clients. 7. Improved Pop-ups — Pop-up menus for items such as add-ons & upsells will soon be getting “close” buttons to make them easier to navigate and manage. We’re excited about these new features— and we hope you are too! These updates will roll out to you and your clients over the next few weeks. Continue to check back here for more site enhancement news.  If you have requests for additional functionality or features, we’d love to hear from you! You can r each out to our real, live support team anytime, or add ideas to our site suggestions board . Thank you for choosing us as your photography platform!
A person wearing blue gloves is cleaning a table with a spray bottle.
April 1, 2025
Introduction Spring is the perfect time to refresh and optimize your online galleries. A well-maintained gallery not only enhances your clients’ experience but also increases your sales potential. Instaproofs provides the tools you need to organize, update, and elevate your online galleries for a successful season. Why Spring Cleaning Matters for Online Galleries Your online gallery is often the final impression clients have of your work. A cluttered or outdated gallery can detract from your professionalism and hurt sales. Regular maintenance ensures that your galleries remain engaging, easy to navigate, and optimized for purchases. Organize Your Existing Galleries Start your spring cleaning by reviewing your current galleries: Archive old galleries to keep your platform tidy. Organize images by session type, date, or client. Ensure expired galleries are properly removed or renewed for clients. A clean gallery layout makes it easier for clients to find and purchase their favorite images. Optimize for Sales Use Instaproofs’ tools to increase the sales potential of your galleries: Highlight featured images or collections. Set up limited-time promotions to encourage purchases. Offer packages or bundles to increase average order value. These features make your galleries not only functional but also profitable. Refresh Your Branding Spring is also a great time to update the look and feel of your galleries: Customize your gallery themes to reflect your brand. Update watermarks or logo placements for a polished finish. Ensure your pricing and product offerings are current and competitive. A refreshed gallery design keeps your brand looking modern and professional. Conclusion Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s a valuable practice for your online galleries too. With Instaproofs , you can organize, optimize, and refresh your galleries to provide a seamless client experience and drive more sales. Make this spring the start of a successful season with Instaproofs.
By brock March 28, 2025
By Brock Moreau March 28, 2025
The end of the year is an opportune time to reflect on your accomplishments and set goals for the future. For photographers, creating a vision for 2025 can provide clarity and direction. Instaproofs is here to support your journey with tools that enhance client engagement and sales. Reflect on 2024’s Achievements Begin by reviewing the past year’s successes and challenges. Did you meet your sales targets? Were clients satisfied with your service? Reflection helps identify what worked and what needs improvement. Strengthen Your Online Presence A strong online presence is crucial for growing your photography business. In 2025, focus on optimizing your website, improving SEO, and curating your social media profiles. Instaproofs can enhance your online storefront, making it easier for clients to view and purchase your work. Prioritize Client Relationships In the competitive photography industry, client relationships are key. Make 2025 the year of enhanced client interaction. Personalized emails, thank-you notes, and seamless proofing galleries can create memorable experiences that lead to repeat business. Explore New Revenue Streams Diversifying your income can increase financial stability. Consider offering digital products, print packages, or mini-sessions. With Instaproofs, you can easily manage and showcase your offerings, simplifying the buying process for clients. Establish Realistic Benchmarks Set achievable benchmarks for your business, whether it’s growing your client base or increasing average order value. Regularly monitor your progress to ensure your goals align with your overarching vision. Invest in Your Growth Continuing education and skill development are vital for long-term success. Attend workshops, explore online courses, or network with industry professionals. Investing in yourself is an investment in your business. Instaproofs empowers photographers to achieve their aspirations. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, creativity, and success for your photography business.
By Pixifi Support March 27, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that Instaproofs has officially joined Iris Works, a leading CRM platform built by photographers, for photographers. This marks an exciting step forward in our shared mission to provide intuitive, powerful tools that help photographers run their businesses with ease. Why This Matters Instaproofs has always been a trusted resource for photographers, and we deeply appreciate the dedication that has shaped it into the platform it is today. At Iris Works, our platform was built by photographers who understand the unique needs of creatives and are committed to making business management simpler. We’re combining our expertise to continue serving you with the tools and support you rely on—while ensuring both platforms remain strong and independent. A Message from Leadership “This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Instaproofs,” said Adam Ellis, CEO of Instaproofs. “For years, our focus has been on helping photographers showcase their art and manage their businesses with ease. We’re excited to see that mission continue through Iris Works. We know Instaproofs is in great hands with a team that understands the photography community and is committed to supporting it.” What This Means for You Seamless Experience – Both Instaproofs and Iris Works will continue to operate as separate platforms, ensuring you can use the system that best fits your needs. Enhanced Support – With our combined teams, you’ll have access to improved customer support, including extended hours and better coverage. Frequently Asked Questions Will I have to switch to Iris Works? No. Both Instaproofs and Iris Works will continue to operate separately. Will there be any changes to customer support? You’ll continue to receive the same high-quality support, now strengthened by our combined teams. How can I learn more about Iris Works? You can visit Iris-Works.com to learn more. We’re incredibly excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have you as part of this journey. Best regards, The Instaproofs & Iris Works Team
March 5, 2025
Key Features for Optimizing Galleries Instaproofs provides a suite of features designed to enhance your gallery setup, including: Custom Branding : Maintain a consistent look that reflects your style. Integrated Sales Tools : Offer prints, albums, and digital downloads directly within the gallery. Responsive Design : Ensure a seamless experience on any device. By leveraging these tools, you create a gallery experience that feels professional and inviting. Encouraging Purchases with Strategic Setup Optimizing your gallery isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about strategy. Instaproofs helps you boost sales by: Highlighting featured products or popular image categories. Offering limited-time discounts to create urgency. Sending automated reminders about expiring galleries. These tactics encourage clients to act quickly and invest in their memories. Enhancing Client Engagement Through Ease of Use A seamless gallery experience keeps clients engaged and excited about their images. With Instaproofs, clients can easily share their galleries, making it simple for friends and family to explore—and purchase—their favorites. Conclusion Optimizing your gallery setup with Instaproofs is more than just good design—it’s a strategy for increasing sales and client satisfaction. By creating engaging, easy-to-use galleries, you can maximize your revenue and leave a lasting impression.
February 6, 2025
In photography, delivering the final product is a pivotal moment. Online galleries are more than a delivery method—they’re an opportunity to create a memorable client experience that fosters loyalty and satisfaction. Instaproofs equips photographers with powerful tools to make every gallery a seamless and enjoyable experience. Why Building Strong Connections Matters Photography is deeply personal—clients entrust you to capture life’s most meaningful moments. Building trust and rapport starts long before the session begins. By managing leads effectively and nurturing client relationships, you create a foundation of loyalty and trust that drives referrals and repeat business. The Role of Galleries in Client Relationships Clients often base their final impression of your work on the gallery experience. A cluttered or confusing gallery can overshadow the quality of your photos, while a seamless and polished experience enhances your professionalism and leaves clients thrilled. Creating a Memorable Gallery Experience Instaproofs enables photographers to offer galleries that are both functional and visually appealing. Key features include: Customizable Designs : Reflect your brand’s style and professionalism. Intuitive Navigation : Ensure clients can easily find and view their images. Integrated Print Sales : Simplify the ordering process with built-in tools for purchasing prints and products. These elements work together to create a gallery experience clients will rave about. Enhancing Client Engagement Post-Delivery Your relationship with the client doesn’t end when you deliver the gallery. Instaproofs provides tools to keep the interaction alive: Send reminders about expiring galleries to encourage downloads or purchases. Offer exclusive promotions for prints and albums to boost engagement. Enable easy sharing options so clients can showcase your work to friends and family. These strategies turn a one-time delivery into an ongoing relationship. Building Loyalty Through Consistency Consistency builds trust, and trust builds loyalty. Instaproofs helps photographers maintain a professional and consistent experience across all client interactions, ensuring every gallery delivery exceeds expectations. Conclusion Strengthening client loyalty begins with the gallery experience. With Instaproofs, photographers can deliver seamless, branded galleries that leave a lasting impression, fostering long-term client relationships and growing their business.
October 30, 2024
3 Tips for Enhancing your storefront before the holiday rush If you’re interested in generating additional income during the holidays (and honestly, who isn’t?), ensure your storefront is primed and ready for the holiday rush. Keep reading for three ways to help you and your clients get the most out of your custom storefront!
January 8, 2024
Welcome to 2024, INstaproofs Family! Whether you like to set New Year’s resolutions or not, we suspect you want to see your photography business thrive in 2024. With that in mind, we put together a checklist to help you ensure you’re getting the most out of your Instaproofs Account. If you’re taking advantage of all our tools and features, we think you’ll be set up for success in the new year! Plus, we pride ourselves in our clients experiencing a little something we call pajama profits. Take inventory of what features you’re currently using, check all the boxes, and then let us know how you’ve generated revenue in your sleep.
Show More