How Brand Photographers Can Automate Their Client Experience with Holly Birch
If you're already booking the number of clients you want to work with, but it feels like you're spending so much unnecessary time behind the scenes, your systems and automations might need an update. In this episode, I sit down with Holly Birch to talk about what happened after she completely overhauled her HoneyBook workflows using automated systems.
What's especially interesting about this conversation is that Holly wasn't starting from scratch. She already had templates, proposals, email sequences, and workflows in place. But she knew her systems could be more efficient, more professional, and more scalable. A year after implementing new automations, we're looking back at what's actually changed in her business, from booking studio headshots automatically to creating a completely hands-off client experience for brand photography sessions.
We also talk about why switching CRMs isn't a decision to make lightly, how automation creates consistency, and why the ultimate goal isn't simply saving time—it's deciding what you want to do with the time you get back.
Find It Quickly
00:23 - Meet Holly
01:42 - Choosing a CRM
02:56 - Why Switching CRMs Is Hard
03:58 - Holly Before the Toolkit
06:24 - Commercial Workflow Gaps
08:25 - Brand Shoot Automation Flow
10:18 - HoneyBook Smart File Workaround
11:30 - Headshots Offer and Lead Forms
13:54 - Schedulers and Calendar Control
17:08 - Discovery Calls and Contact Paths
20:19 - Headshot Clients and Repeat Companies
22:39 - Prep Guides and Automation Savings
23:58 - Time Saved Per Client
24:27 - Updating Your Prep Guide
25:27 - Automation Timing Fixes
26:19 - Next Systems To Build
27:31 - HoneyBook Galleries Debate
30:23 - Pic-Time Integration Tips
32:32 - Reducing Digital Clutter
34:27 - Why Templates Help
36:01 - Systems Create Consistency
38:17 - Annual Systems Audit
41:56 - Biggest Process Logjam
43:00 - What To Do With Time
Mentioned in this Episode
The Systems Behind the Scenes: How Automation Buys Me Back Time for Marketing
Connect with the Guest
Website: hollybirchphotography.com
Instagram: @hollybirchphoto
