April 26, 2023

Business Strategies for 2023, Pt. 2

Welcome back for part two of our Business Strategies series! We’re diving into the cumulative 2022 sales data for all Instaproofs users, looking for patterns, trends, and missed opportunities. Your business success is our biggest focus.

Data-driven decisions get better results,
faster, with less frustration.

In this article, we’re going to focus on purchasing statistics, gallery statistics, and a little bit of marketing.

We hope that you can use this data to see where you may be able to make simple adjustments to level-up your sales, and in turn, level-up your business.

Note: These are not predictions or guarantees of future results.

Purchasing Statistics

SHipping rates

A key part of running a profitable business is making sure you’re covering your costs. Seems elementary, but once the business gets rolling, details like this can fall by the wayside. Below are average shipping rates for Instaproofs users. Check out the chart, then check out your current shipping rates. Are you pleased with what you see? There’s always opportunity to make adjustments.


Best sellers

Across the board, these are the prints and products that are selling at highest volume. Are you offering these options? Marketing them? Putting focus here when it’s time for a sale? Comparing your business to someone else’s is not always a recipe for success, but noticing what other folks are successfully selling could be just the helpful hint you’ve been looking for.

Best Selling Print Products
Overall best selling products, by volume:
4x6 Lustre Prints
5x7 Lustre Prints
8x10 Lustre Prints
11x14 Lustre Prints

Best Selling Sizes, by Product Type
Canvas: 11x14, 16x24, 16x20, 24x36
Fine Art: 5x7, 8x10/8x12, 4x6, 11x14
Framed Prints: 11x14, 5x7, 8x10, 16x20
Metal Print: 5x7, 8x10, 8x12, 16x24
Acrylic Prints: 20x24, 16x24

Best Selling Non-Print Products
Multiple Print and/or Download Packages
Full Gallery Downloads (Full Res, Medium Res, Low Res)
Custom Christmas Cards
Gallery Extensions
Magnets

Best Selling Add-Ons
Digital Download
Retouching Services
Upgraded Paper Types (Fine Art, Deep Matte, etc.)
Upgraded Edges (White Borders, Deckled Edge, etc.)
Add Print Mounting (Styrene, Matboard, etc.)
Upgrade to Canvas
Upgrade to Framed Print
Upgrade to Metal Print
Add Matting


Digital sales

Digital sales are often a hands-off, easy method for quick sales. Below are sales statistics from Instaproofs users in 2022—are your prices at least meeting this community standard? If not, we encourage you to consider raising your prices.

By the way…if imposter syndrome is keeping your prices too low, hear it from us first: the photographers you most admire want you to raise your value and raise your prices.

Average Digital Download Prices (Single Image)
640px: $10.00
800px: $13.61
1280px: $10.85
1800px: $14.20
2800px: $20.00
Full Res: $19.99

Best Selling Digital Download Sizes
Full Resolution (72%)
Small/Web Resolution (21%)
Medium Resolution (7%)


Gallery Statistics

galleries

When are your busiest months? Your most profitable? Can you anticipate the time of year you’ll routinely slow down? Plenty of us have a vague answers for these questions, which is fine. When we upgrade our answers to certainty, however, we equip ourselves with the data we need to get creative, employ strategy, and maximize results throughout the year.

Do you want to create a slow season? Great! Protect it!

Would you rather have consistent profit across the year? Fantastic! Where are your gaps? What could you leverage during those months that you’re not currently thinking about?

You can check out your personal gallery statistics here.


Number of Galleries Created, By Month
Oct → 14.6%
Nov → 13.4%
Sep → 9.9%
Dec → 9.7%
Jun → 8.2%
May → 8.1%
Apr → 7.8%
Aug → 7.8%
Jul → 7.0%
Mar → 5.9%
Feb → 4.1%
Jan → 3.6%


Below we have a few numbers regarding the quantity of images per gallery type. Use this how you will—you may find value in examining how your data looks next to the average (and remember—your’e running your own business, this information is meant to empower you, not create distress), or you may even want to look at the gallery types to brainstorm new options for your business. Never tried sports photography, but finding yourself intrigued? That’s neat!

Average Number of Images Per Gallery Type
Anniversary → 103
Boudior → 119
Bridal → 198
Commercial → 181
Dance → 483
Editorial → 177
Engagement → 183
Equine → 1101
Event → 338
Family → 128
Fine Art → 191
Kids → 77
Lifestyle → 147
Maternity → 104
Mini Sessions → 66
Models → 130
Nature → 48
Parties → 595
Pets → 316
Photo Booth → 189
Portrait → 130
Reunion → 239
School → 397
Senior → 105
Sports → 571
Travel → 53
Wedding → 849


Marketing

Social

Instaproofs offers clients (and photographers) the option to share their images online via social media. Email is our most often used option, followed fairly closely by Facebook. How are you encouraging your clients to celebrate their images—and, as a byproduct, promote your business—via social sharing?

Social Sharing
Email → 43.0%
Facebook → 37.0%
Twitter → 13.4%
Pinterest → 6.5%


gallery customization

Set the mood! At no extra charge, Instaproofs provides options for musical accompaniment for gallery viewing. Here are the favorites of our users:

Top 20 Favorite Slideshow Song Selections
Looking at You by Staci Frene (Children)
Hardknoxville by Stock20 (Acoustic Rock)
You're the One by David Keen (Children & Weddings)
A Little Heaven by Daniel Ho (Weddings & Family Portraits)
I'm Beautiful by Faith Rivera (Bridal, Boudoir)
You are Loved by Tami Mulcahy (Children)
Sun Kissed by Bradley Mariska (Piano)
Autumn Song by Bernard Weinstock (Piano)
Angel Eyes by Brenda Harp (Children & Weddings)
Hazel Stars by Spencer Arntsen (Guitar, Acoustic)
Forever More by Joe Bongiorno (Piano)
Cup O Joe by Daniel Ho (Engagement & Wedding)
Danish Runaways by Micah Dahl Anderson (Relaxed)
My Everything by Violaine (Bridal)
Power of a Dream by John Morgan (Neo-classical, Finger Picking, Guitar)
Good Day by Beth Champion Mason & Leah Martensen (Weddings, Seniors, & Children)
15 Years by Thomas James (Piano)
Heavens Place by Ben Campbell (Piano)
Together by Joe Bongiorno (Piano)
Claire de Lune by Laura Sullivan (Piano)



Love this data? We have one more in this series, coming up next month!

Want to learn something specific? Drop us a line and let us know, and we’ll do our best to support you and your business growth!


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.
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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!
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