I’ve done the research. The facts are in: people are searching “photo booths for events” online.
What’s more, people are googling “photo booths for weddings,” “photo booths for birthdays,” and “photo booths for corporate events.”
Sprinkle in some queries around “photo booth rental” for [gestures vaguely] everything, it’s evident that the market is ready for you to enter the photo booth industry for…[gestures vaguely] what exactly*?*
That’s what this article is all about.
Successful photo booth businesses focus on photo booths for specific events. They niche down.
Well, how do you do that?
I wrote this article to help three groups of people:
- Those who are interested in the photo booth industry but don’t know where to start.
- Those who have already started in the photo booth industry, but aren’t sure where to niche down.
- Veteran photo booth owners who want to select another industry in addition, to, say their wedding photo booth business.
My goal for you is, by the end of the article, to have a clear idea of the photo booth event opportunities that are available, and maybe even a strong sense of which photo booth event niche you would like to focus on.
So, why should I niche down my photo booth business?
Narrowing down your focus to specific events can have several advantages for your photo booth business. I’ve listed them below.
I’m also aware that there may be some cases in which it would be unwise to niche. I discuss this below in the sections on seasonality and small communities.
If you are like most photo booth businesses, however, there are some strong reasons for becoming selective with clients and dominating a niche.
- Specialization: By focusing on a specific type of event, you can develop specialized skills and expertise that set you apart from other photo booth operators. This can help you become known as a go-to provider for that specific type of event.
- Targeted marketing: When you focus on a specific event niche, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach the specific audience that is most likely to be interested in your services. This can help you attract more of the right customers and increase your chances of success.
- Higher prices: By specializing in a specific type of event, you may be able to charge higher prices for your services, as you are providing a specialized and sought-after service.
- Repeat business: Focusing on a specific event niche can help you establish long-term relationships with customers who regularly host that type of event. This can lead to repeat business and referrals, which are critical for the growth and success of any business.
- Streamlined operations: When you focus on a specific type of event, you can streamline your operations and processes to better serve that niche. This can help you save time, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency of your business.
Overall, narrowing down your focus to a specific event niche can help you differentiate your business, attract more of the right customers, and increase your chances of success.
What types of events can I provide photo booth services for?
There are many different types of events that can benefit from photo booth services, including weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, holiday parties, and more. It's up to you to decide which types of events you want to specialize in based on your interests, experience, and the demand in your area.
Admittedly, that’s broad. So, to provide a bit more detail, here are some other ideas of the types of events that call for photo booths.
- Weddings
- Engagement parties
- Bridal showers
- Baby showers
- Gender reveal parties
- Sweet 16 parties
- Quinceañeras
- Bar and bat mitzvahs
- Graduation parties
- Proms and homecomings
- Corporate events
- Holiday parties
- Fundraisers
- Galas
- Trade shows
- Conventions
- Product launches
- Brand activations
- Store openings
- Sporting events
- Music festivals
- Art exhibits
- Fashion shows
- Red carpet events
- Film premieres
- Award ceremonies
- Charity events
- Political rallies and events
- Family reunions
- Anniversary parties
Note, there are areas of overlap in this list. For example, quinceañeras can be a market that is included within birthday parties broadly. So, you focus on birthdays and have a special set of services or packages for the quinceañeras.
Trade shows and conventions also overlap. Product launches and brand activations overlap, and all four of those can easily be included in a “corporate event” niche.
Some of our photo booth business owners in New York City are focused exclusively on the fashion industry, providing photo booth rental for proms, beauty shows, pageants, and seasonal collection releases.
We know about other photo booth business owners in film-centric locations such as Hollywood, Toronto, or Atlanta metro. They’ve chosen to focus on events in the film industry, including screenings, series premiers, pilot reviews, and watch parties.
One of our slogans at PBSCO is “a photo booth at every event,” and our own company is a testament to that slogan. We have photo booths at our retreats, offsites, and we even had four photo booths set up at the Selfie Museum in Las Vegas earlier this year (2023).
How do I choose which types of events to focus on?
To choose which types of events to focus on, consider your interests, expertise, and the demand in your area.
You may want to start by offering services for a variety of events to get a sense of what you enjoy most and where your business is most successful.
Over time, you can choose to specialize in certain types of events based on your experiences.
How do I market my services to different types of events?
Marketing your services to different types of events requires a tailored approach to each event type.
For example, if you want to target weddings, you may want to focus on creating a polished and elegant brand image, while if you want to target birthday parties, you may want to focus on bright colors and fun themes.
Consider creating targeted marketing materials, such as flyers or social media ads, that speak to the specific needs and interests of each type of event.
How do I price my services for different types of events?
Pricing your services for different types of events can be a challenge.
It's important to consider the amount of time and resources required for each event, as well as the level of demand and competition in your area.
Research what other photo booth companies are charging for similar services, and consider offering package deals or discounts for larger events.
The advice that I provide is simple: charge the going rate.
Build your brand value around something more than just your price point, whether that price point is low or high. Stay in the middle, and focus on other methods for growing your photo booth business.
How do I ensure that I'm providing a great experience for different types of events?
To ensure that you're providing a great experience for different types of events, it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Make sure that you have the equipment and props necessary to suit each event, and be prepared to adjust your approach based on the needs and preferences of each client. Communication is key, so make sure to stay in touch with your clients throughout the planning process to ensure that their needs are being met.
What About Photo Booths Events and Seasonality? How Does That Work?
Seasonality is an important consideration for any business, including photo booth owners. Some periods of the year may be more busy than others, and this can have a significant impact on your business.
Many of our owners find that they close down for business during December and January because the bulk of their business happens during wedding season.
You may wish to choose a couple of different areas in which to niche, based on seasonality.
Here’s a broad survey of seasonality in the photo booth industry, categorized in three main groups — weddings, holidays, and corporate events.
- Weddings - April through July. Wedding season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak months varying by region. During this time, photo booth owners may see an increase in demand for their services as couples seek unique and memorable ways to capture their special day.
- Holidays - Late November through New Year’s Day. Certain holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Halloween, may also be busier times for photo booth owners. During these holidays, people are often looking for fun and festive ways to celebrate, and a photo booth can provide a unique and interactive experience for guests.
- Corporate events - Varies according to industry. Many take place in March and April, and another surge during September through early November. Many corporate events, such as conferences and trade shows, tend to occur in the fall and winter months. This can be a busy time for photo booth owners who specialize in these types of events.
When deciding on a niche for your photo booth business, it's important to consider seasonality and how it may impact your business. For example, if you focus solely on weddings, you may experience a lull in business during the off-season. However, by diversifying your niche to include other types of events, you can help ensure a more consistent stream of business throughout the year.
To keep business going during slow periods, consider offering package deals or discounts to attract customers. You can also consider expanding your services to include other types of event photography, such as family portraits or corporate headshots. By being flexible and adaptable, you can help ensure that your business stays profitable and successful year-round.
But I live in a small town. If I niche, I die.
I get it. Having lived in a small town for a few years, I knew that there was just one DJ for hire, one florist that everyone bought from, and one renovation contractor whose schedule was always in demand. (That town also had 24 gas stations for a population of 3,000, when I lived there, but I digress.)
As a photo booth business owner in a small town, you have a unique opportunity to serve a diverse range of customers and events.
And, yes, I’ll admit that you may not want to niche if you are a photo booth owner in an area with low population density.
While there may be challenges to operating a photo booth business in a smaller market, there are also some distinct advantages that you can leverage to help grow your business.
Pros:
- Variety of events: In a small town, you may be the only photo booth operator, meaning you have access to a wide range of events, from weddings and parties to corporate events and festivals.
- Personalized service: With a smaller market, you have the opportunity to build relationships with your customers and provide personalized service that sets you apart from larger operators.
- Lower competition: Depending on your market, you may face less competition than you would in a larger city, which can help you establish yourself as the go-to provider for event photography services.
Cons:
- Limited market: In a small town, the market for event photography services may be smaller than in a larger city, which can impact your ability to grow your business.
- Limited resources: Depending on your location, you may have limited access to equipment, supplies, and other resources that can impact your ability to deliver high-quality service.
- Limited exposure: In a smaller market, it can be challenging to get the word out about your business and attract new customers.
Advice:
- Network with other local businesses: Building relationships with other local businesses, such as event planners, wedding venues, and party supply stores, can help you establish yourself as a go-to provider for event photography services.
- Offer a range of services: To appeal to a wider range of customers, consider offering a range of photo booth services, such as themed backdrops, social media sharing, and custom photo templates.
- Leverage social media: Use social media to showcase your work and build a following. Encourage customers to share their photos on social media and tag your business to help increase exposure.
- Provide exceptional service: In a smaller market, word of mouth can be a powerful tool for attracting new customers. Focus on providing exceptional service and going above and beyond to exceed your customers' expectations.
By leveraging the unique opportunities and addressing the challenges of operating a photo booth business in a small town, you can build a successful and thriving business that serves a diverse range of customers and events.
Photo Booths for Events: You’ve Got This
Having a niche in the photo booth industry can be a game-changer for your business.
Specializing in a specific type of event can help you stand out from the competition, attract more of the right customers, and charge higher prices for your services.
By narrowing down your focus to a specific event niche, you can develop specialized skills and expertise, tailor your marketing efforts, establish long-term relationships with customers, streamline your operations, and more.
Whether you focus on weddings, corporate events, or any other event niche, having a clear niche can help you differentiate your business, achieve success, and stand out in a crowded market.