Can you really run a photography business almost entirely through text messages and DMs? For introverts and time-poor photographers, the answer is a big yes! In this episode, we sit down with Dean Mansbridge from Zanzo Portraits in Tasmania, who has built a system that’s delivering jaw-dropping results: a 97.1% open rate on campaigns and up to 60 bookings from a single project — all driven by text.
Dean shares how he transitioned from managing a team of three to running his business solo, leveraging AI-powered tools like ManyChat to pre-qualify clients through smart questionnaires, then filtering everything straight into his Light Blue CRM. From there, a simple three-part text sequence guides clients directly into a pre-session consult. The best part? The AI handles the heavy lifting while Dean gets back his most valuable asset – time.
This approach is a game-changer for photographers who don’t want to spend hours chasing leads or leaving voicemail after voicemail. It’s proof that you can combine the efficiency of automation with the human touch of in-person consultations to create an amazing client experience. Dean’s story is a masterclass in how technology can transform not just your business, but your lifestyle too.