If there’s one thing I know to be true about running a photography business, it’s this: if it’s not easy, it’s not getting done. Between sessions, editing, uploading galleries, managing client communication, and trying to occasionally feed my family (you know, small things), I don’t have time to wrestle with complicated tech.

That’s why I’m a Flodesk girl  through and through.

But let me be real with you – I didn’t always love email marketing. In fact, I avoided it for way too long because the first few platforms I tried (who shall remain nameless) were overwhelming and a bit too “corporate” for me. Then I discovered Flodesk…and let me tell you, GAME. CHANGER! I give Flodesk a lot of credit for helping me fall in love with email marketing. 

While there is a long list of reasons I love Flodesk, today I want to share two features that are my favorite tools for keeping my business running smoothly while I’m behind the lens doing what I love. 

(P.S. If you want to try Flodesk for yourself – save 25% off your first year when you use THIS link)

1. The Canva Integration: For the Visual Lovers Who Want Their Emails to Look Chef’s Kiss

As a photographer, visuals matter to me. I spend so much time curating galleries, choosing the right edits, and helping my clients look and feel their best. So when it comes to my brand visuals, including emails, I want them to be just as polished and on-brand.

Enter: the new Flodesk + Canva integration.

This feature allows me to easily create designs in Canva (which, let’s be honest, I already live in), and then drop that design directly into my Flodesk email. I just connect my Canva account and BOOM…I can add my designs to any email right inside the email template. No downloading, re-uploading, or pixelated screenshots. Just seamless, gorgeous graphics that match my brand perfectly.

Real-Life Ways I Use This Feature:

• Podcast Episodes – Part of my weekly Girl Means Business email includes sharing my recent podcast episodes. Inside of Canva I have a podcast graphic that I update weekly and can easily add to my emails along with a link to each episode. 

• Session Announcements – When I launch seasonal sessions, I use Canva to design an eye-catching header with the date, price, and theme. It immediately draws the reader’s attention and gets them clicking to book.
  
• Welcome Emails – After someone joins my email list I send them a welcome email with info about my business and what I offer. In that email I include several visual graphics that help to showcase my brand and images.
  

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the email I’ll send to share this blog post with my list (meta, right?):

Subject: My favorite email feature (spoiler: it’s not the unsubscribe button)

2. Workflows: AKA My “Set It and Forget It” Secret Weapon

Now that we have covered the top priority of most photographers…making your emails look pretty, let’s talk about email automations! This is my secret weapon when it comes to email marketing and it’s the thing I didn’t know I needed until I had it.

I used to stress about following up with leads, welcoming new subscribers, and delivering freebies on time. It felt like I was constantly behind or forgetting to reply. (Raise your hand if you’ve ever ghosted someone by accident. 🙋‍♀️)

Workflows in Flodesk changed everything.

Now, I can:

• Welcome a new subscriber with a fully branded 3-email series
  
• Deliver a freebie instantly after someone opts in
  
• Nurture my audience while I’m off doing literally anything else
  

It’s the closest thing to cloning myself I’ve ever found.

Example: My New Subscriber Welcome Series

When someone signs up for my Email Marketing Starter Kit  lead magnet, they immediately get a welcome email with a free download. Then, two days later, they get an email that shares more about me and what I offer.. Finally, they get a call-to-action email that invites them to sign up for one of my Done For You Email Marketing packages.

I set this up once – and it runs 24/7. Even when I’m on vacation. Even when I’m editing until 2am. Even when I’m in the middle of a photoshoot. (p.s. ALL of these scenarios are based on real moments when Flodesk was working in my business behind the scenes.) 

Example: Photography Promo Sequence

For things like seasonal mini sessions or special offers, I build a sequence in advance and then let the emails run while on a schedule:

• Email 1: Build excitement and anticipation with a “coming soon” announcement email
• Email 2: Countdown to the session or offer launch email
• Email 3: Special offer launch email 
• Email 4: Follow up email with more details and client testimonials
• Email 5: Timer countdown email creating urgency
• Email 6: Final call with a countdown-style subject line
  

The whole sequence runs without me lifting a finger once it’s live. It lets me focus on delivering amazing photos, knowing my marketing is handled.

Why These Two Features Work So Well Together

The Canva integration makes my emails look amazing. The workflows make sure they actually get sent.

This combo is why I don’t dread email marketing anymore. In fact, it’s one of my favorite parts of my business now. It feels aligned with my creative style, it helps me build trust with clients, and…let’s be real…it gets me clients while I sleep.

TLDR: If You’re a Photographer Who Wants Simple, Beautiful Emails That Work on Autopilot…

Then Flodesk is 100% worth it. And these two features – the Canva integration and workflows – are what take it from “nice to have” to “how did I live without this?”

If you want to test it out for yourself, here’s my affiliate link to get started with their best deal. (You’ll thank me later.)

You don’t need to be a tech wizard. You don’t need to write like a copywriter. You just need a few gorgeous images, a simple story, and a system that helps you share them with the people who want to hear from you.

Now go forth and email like the boss you are!