If you’re a portrait or event photographer, you’ve undoubtedly had clients ask you any or all of the following questions:

• Are digital files included with my booking?
• Could I get a digital copy?
• Will I get a USB with all my images on it?
• Can I post these photos on Instagram?

The fact is we're living in a digital world. Fewer and fewer people are interested in physical prints and are increasingly using websites and social media to store and share their precious memories.

At SmugMug, we still believe in the power of a printed photograph, but we think it's equally important to adapt your business to the digital needs of today’s customers.

You've already got your portfolio and proofing solution sorted out with SmugMug, and you know what a lifesaver our print labs are in fulfilling your print and merchandise orders. Don't leave money on the table by keeping digital downloads a secret!

Photos + video downloads = instant gratification.

Portfolio and Pro account owners can price and sell single digital images and video files to clients and they're retrievable immediately after checkout. In other words, they're perfect for customers who are itching to share with friends and family right away. Digital downloads also buy you time, especially if they'll be waiting for you to proof your prints; and they provide a little extra cash in your pocket.

Don't think you can emotionally "let go" of your digital files? Not to worry: You can lock them down and offer only smaller display sizes or choose to offer files that only include your printmark. Additionally, you can set one price for personal use and charge more for commercial licensing. Or sell the whole gallery at a single package price.

Steps to start selling.

1. Protect against theft.

When you decide to start selling downloads, it's of utmost importance to be sure you've got image protection set up the right way. Take a look at the resources we've written to help you set up watermarking, right-click protection, and more.

2. Strategize your pricing.

We've got a great article that helps you answer the eternal question, "How much should I charge?" but this is a very personal decision and there is no right answer. We can, however, offer some practical tips:

• Don't dismiss printmarks. While text or logos cover up part of your image, there's a greater benefit: they're advertising for you. Create a printmark that's tasteful and unobtrusive, and your clients will be happy to share your name with the world.
• Set your larger downloads at a higher price point than your prints. Assuming you're selling downloads so customers can get prints made locally instead of through SmugMug's print labs, you'll have to make up for that loss. Also remember that a digital file doesn't self-destruct once it's been printed, so make sure you build multiple uses of those files into your prices.
• Consider paring down your offerings. While it's true we make several download options available for you to sell, it doesn't mean you should actually do it. Decision paralysis throttles sales every day, and we want you and your clients to both be happy.
• Include digital files in your sitting fee/packing price, then give your client a print credit coupon after the shoot to purchase digital downloads. This method streamlines the amount of thinking they need to do, and it keeps everything close to your website at SmugMug. 
• Alternatively, use our client downloads feature to deliver a select number of full-res photos in the gallery to the client via zip file.

3. Set your prices.

Just like traditional prints and gifts, you price your photo, video, and gallery downloads in your pricelists manager to make them available to your clients. The only difference is that all digital downloads are delivered instantly via email from SmugMug, and they aren't tied to a specific print lab like physical products.

We hope we've inspired you to try an all-new way to make more money from your photography, as well as given you new ways to make your clients happier. If you're brand new to digital downloads or just want to read more about how you can make money at SmugMug, read our help pages for all the details.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our Support Heroes if you're confused, need help, or just have a question about what you need to do next. Happy sales to you!