The Sweet Smell of Success: Stimulating Your Client’s Sense of Smell

Posted on April 3, 2007
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Sense of Smell When it comes to stimulating your client’s five senses, smell seems like one of those that is really hard to accomplish. Let’s face it, photo chemicals like mounting adhesive and protective sprays are not the most pleasant scents in the world and will probably not help you sell anything.

Appealing to a client’s sense of smell is more important than you might think. Studies have shown that scent memory is the strongest kind of memory. Humans use their noses to remember and define the situation they are in. Unpleasant smells will create unpleasant feelings and memories, and the last thing you want is for your work to be associated with an unpleasant smell.

But appealing to your client’s sense of smell is easier than you think.

One very obvious choice is flowers. Fresh, fragrant flowers displayed in your studio will not only help stimulate your client’s sense of smell, but will help with the sense of sight too.

Air fresheners, potpourri and scented candles can also help fill the air with delightful smells. These days you can find candles scented in just about any combination. Studies have shown that certain smells can help a person to feel more relaxed or comforted, which in turn puts the person in a better mindset for shopping. Try vanilla, cinnamon, lavender and citrus scents to get started.

You can also package your photographs with some smells. A drop of perfumed oil in the corner of a box or storing your bags in a container that has a scented sachet can help with supplying pleasant smells to your client’s nose.

You can even turn things up a notch and customize your scent appeal.

Have a client who is having their baby photographed? Add a drop of baby powder scented oil to their packaging.
Photographing kids? Chocolate chip cookies or candy apple scents will appeal.
Wedding photographs? Roses and vanilla scents will tie in nicely to thoughts of their wedding.

While smells may seem like a small detail, taking care of this small detail that will make sure your impression is a lasting and good one.

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