Spring checklist:
Your studio’s guide for a stronger season

1. Review last season’s wins and lessons

Before making changes for spring, take time to reflect on what worked, and what didn’t, last season. Strong planning starts with real data.

Look at:

• Participation rates
  
  

• Timing of order windows
  
  

• Best-selling packages
  
  

• Support tickets and common customer questions
  
  

• Communication gaps
  
  

• Turnaround times
  
  

Choose one or two areas to improve this spring. Small, intentional changes add up. Even a five percent lift can create meaningful revenue growth across a full fall season.

2. Refresh your price sheets and try something new

Spring is the perfect moment to revisit how your products are priced and packaged. A few thoughtful updates, guided by last season's performance, can lead to stronger average order value and more consistent sales.

Consider reviewing:

• Core price sheets for the year
  
  

• New products or bundles you want to test this spring
  
  

• Last season’s top sellers and underperformers
  
  

• Add ons that consistently boosted order value
  
  

Did you know? Many studios see an 8 to 12 percent lift in average order value after introducing a strong mid tier package or refreshing older pricing structures. Spring is a safe environment to experiment and learn what resonates with families before fall arrives.

Inside Captura Workflow, updated price sheets can appear immediately in your storefront so your team can stay focused on shooting and sales, not rework.

3. Update your seasonal product catalog

Spring sports and school events are an ideal opportunity to expand what you offer. These events allow studios to test new creative products without risking their primary revenue season.

Ideas to explore:

• New composites
  
  

• Updated memory mates
  
  

• Seasonal or themed designs
  
  

• Team or league specific items
  
  

• Limited time spring offerings

• Senior graduation  products; announcements, yard signs/banners, etc.
  
  

Captura Product Designer makes it easy to create new designs and publish them directly into Workflow, so you can test ideas quickly and see what resonates with buyers.

4. Finalize your fall and spring marketing plans

Our data consistently shows that marketing drives participation. When your gallery communication begins late, parent participation usually does too. Getting your marketing details aligned early leads to smoother launches and stronger conversions.

Share this information now:

• Event dates
  
  

• Preorder and proofing timelines
  
  

• Themes or creative direction
  
  

• New products you want to promote
  
  

• Delivery expectations
  
  

Did you know? Studios that prepare marketing 2 to 3 months ahead often see participation rates increase by 18 to 22 percent. Families respond well when communication feels timely and clear.

Captura Workflow supports this with built in tools that help automate reminders and outreach so your studio can stay consistent without extra effort.

Here are the campaigns coming up:

• Valentine’s Day
  Start: 2/10
  End: 2/14
  Happy Valentine’s Day! Your portraits are still available to view and order
  
  

• St. Patrick’s Day
  Start: 3/13
  End: 3/18
  You're in luck! Save 17% on orders $35+

• April fools flash sale
  Start: 4/1
  End: 4/2
  This Sale Is No Joke - Enjoy free shipping on all orders
  
  

• Gear Up For Graduation (SR)
  Start: 4/9
  End: 4/16
  Gear Up for Graduation! Order by 4/16 to get your items in time for Graduation PLUS Free Shipping on Orders $100+
  
  

• Earth Day
  Start: 4/22
  End: 4/23
  Happy Earth Day! Celebrate with Digital Downloads of your child's portraits
  
  

• Mother’s Day
  Start: 4/23
  End: 4/29
  Get Mom the perfect gift! Delivery Deadline + Free Shipping on Orders $35+
  
  

• Memorial Day
  Start: 5/21
  End: 5/26
  15% off $35+ instead of free shipping
  
  

• Father’s Day
  Start: 6/18
  End: 6/23
  10% off $35+
  
  

• Summer savings promo
  Start: 7/1
  End: 7/5
  Free shipping on $25+
  
  

• Archive Campaign
  Start: 7/10
  End: 7/17
  Get your portraits before they're gone! Free Shipping on Orders $35+

Keep your eyes peeled - there's more to come on how to leverage marketing best to grow your studio this year. 

5. Review and set up your stages

Stages power your production process by reducing manual changes throughout your job lifecycle. Whether you use preorder, proofing, or both, clean staging keeps your season running smoothly.

Your spring staging checklist:

• Confirm stages are active for upcoming events
  
  

• Review timing for preorder windows and proofing galleries
  
  

• Audit autopost settings
  
  

• Check image to data matching
  
  

• Verify proofing galleries convert well
  
  

Studios that audit stages ahead of the season often reduce manual work by 20 to 40 percent. When staging works, everything feels lighter and faster.

6. Check in with your schools and leagues early

A short pre-season conversation often prevents weeks of issues later. Schools and leagues appreciate clarity and early updates.

Send your partners:

• Updated schedules
  
  

• Data requirements or templates
  
  

• Sample marketing materials
  
  

• Delivery timelines
  
  

• Any changes in your process
  
  

When studios lead communication early, partners feel supported and tend to confirm future seasons more quickly.

Did you know? Portal can help reset data, confirm school contacts, and prepare for a clean start to the season. If it's not part of your workflow, talk to your CSM or the sales team about how it can benefit your workflow. 

7. Align your team before the season begins

A well-aligned team creates a smoother season. Whether your team is two people or twenty, clarity prevents stress.

Host a Spring Kickoff Conversation that covers:

• What is new this season
  
  

• Key lessons from last season
  
  

• Success markers for spring
  
  

• Each person’s responsibilities
  
  

• Any products or workflows you are testing
  
  

Teams that start with the same playbook move quickly, support each other more easily, and deliver more consistent experiences.

8. Lean on Captura. We are here to help you.

You do not need to prepare for spring alone. Whether you want support, refining stages, adjusting price sheets, improving marketing, or introducing new products, we are here to help.

Don't forget - download our take-away checklist to keep your team on track. Download it here.

Heading to SPAC?
Book a meeting, and we will walk through your spring setup together.

Not a current partner?
Schedule a demo at SPAC to see how the Captura ecosystem helps studios grow confidently through every season.