Launching A New Photo Booth Service: How to Know When You’re Ready (and Exactly How to Do It!)

Ever feel the pressure to offer new photo booth services? After a few years in business, it’s normal to wonder if it’s time to expand. But here’s the catch—launching a new service only makes sense when your current business is rock-solid.

Here’s exactly how to know if you’re ready (and avoid wasting money):

Step 1: Perfect Your Core Offer First

Before adding anything new, ensure your main offering is streamlined and profitable.

Quick check:

• Is your core service crystal clear to clients?
• Are bookings consistent and profitable?
• Do you have effective systems (like a CRM such as Dubsado) managing your workflow?

Real-life example: Smirk Photobooth Co. succeeded by focusing on minimalist setups with high-quality prints. Wedding planners who previously avoided photo booths began recommending us, solidifying our market position. Once we were known for our sleek and minimal set up, we started expanding our offerings.

We honed in on a CORE SERVICE, because we started expanding else where.

Step 2: Differentiate by Excellence, Not Quantity

Differentiation doesn’t mean offering everything under the sun. Focus on being exceptional in key areas:

• Quality: Unmatched prints and visuals
• Service: Memorable, uncomplicated client experiences
• Innovation: Unique, trendsetting activations

How we did it: Our glam booth service organically became popular from a simple black-and-white activation at a friend’s wedding. It fit perfectly with our minimalist aesthetic and fit perfectly aligned with what our brand already stood for.

Step 3: Decide if a New Service Makes Strategic Sense

Evaluate new offerings carefully:

• Does this service complement your existing ones?
• Is it logistically practical?
• Does it align with your brand?

Example: Selfie Stations complemented our current booths perfectly, while bounce houses (this is a story for another time) quickly became impractical due to logistics and costs.

Step 4: Launch Strategically

Avoid “launching to crickets”:

• Start small: Test at select events
• Build anticipation: Tease it effectively on social media
• Communicate clearly: Explain benefits consistently

How we did it at Smirk: When adding Selfie Stations, we introduced this first to inquiries who wanted a simpler, pop up experience that could fit in small spaces and offered it for a networking event with some of our favorite vendors. We got client testimonials, our own on brand marketing images, and felt confident with the service (and new software) to start offering it permanently.

Step 5: Simplify Client Decisions with Quizzes

Too many options overwhelm clients. Use quizzes like our “Which Photo Booth is Best for Your Event?” to simplify choices.

Quizzes help:

• Clarify client needs
• Increase engagement
• Position you as the expert

Bonus: We’re launching a masterclass soon to help photobooth owners create successful quizzes.

Step 6: Pivot When Necessary

It’s okay if a new service doesn’t work out—pivot gracefully. Our bounce house experiment was short-lived because logistics didn’t align with profitability. We pivoted quickly by referring these bookings elsewhere.

Ready to Launch?

Before investing resources, take our quick quiz: “Are You Ready to Launch a New Photobooth Service?” It’ll clarify your readiness and next steps, ensuring a strategic, successful expansion.