The 360 photo booth is one of the hottest event experiences right now. Guests love the slow-motion videos, instant sharing, and VIP red-carpet feel. But while buying the booth is relatively easy, turning it into a consistent, profitable business requires strategy.

Most owners move through clear stages of growth. By knowing where you are, you can focus on the right priorities to move forward with confidence.

Stage 1: The Brand-New Business

At this stage, you’ve just purchased your booth (or are about to). Your main goal is simple: land your first bookings and look professional from the start.

What to Focus On:

• Basic Branding: Create a clean logo, claim your social media handles, and set up a simple website. You don’t need perfection: clarity beats fancy design at this stage.
• Leverage Your Network: Your friends, family, coworkers, and local community are your best first clients. Post your new business on social media, offer launch specials, and ask people to tag someone planning a wedding, birthday, or corporate event. Most early bookings come from who you already know.
• Portfolio Content: Use those early events (even discounted or free ones) to capture great videos and testimonials. Every clip becomes future marketing fuel.
• Local Referrals: Introduce yourself to venues, DJs, and event planners. Offer a referral fee or free demo so they can see the value you bring.
• Booking System: From day one, use professional booking system, like Check Cherry, that handles contracts, invoices, and deposits. Even if you only have a handful of inquiries, it sets you apart from competitors using Venmo and text messages. It also gives clients confidence you’re a legitimate business.

Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about announcing your new business. People can’t book you if they don’t know you exist and your first few events will almost always come from your existing network.

Stage 2: Early Traction

Now you’ve got a few events under your belt. Your goal is to turn this into a credible business that strangers trust.

What to Focus On:

• Social Proof: Share every event video on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Ask clients for Google reviews because people booking online read those first.
• Packages That Convert: Keep it simple: two or three clear options (e.g., 2 hours, 4 hours, premium). Too many options can overwhelm clients.
• Networking: Attend bridal shows, corporate mixers, and chamber of commerce events. Shake hands, hand out cards, and let people experience the booth.
• Content Strategy: Behind-the-scenes clips of guests laughing and having fun often perform better than polished ads.

Pro Tip: Put your city in your social media handle or bio (“360BoothChicago”). Local searches drive more leads than appearing “national.”

Stage 3: Steady Growth

You’re getting multiple bookings per month. The next step is efficiency and consistency.

What to Focus On:

• Automation: Use your booking system to automate reminders, travel fee calculations, and post-event thank-you messages. Save time and eliminate mistakes.
• Upsells: Offer branded overlays, instant sharing stations, or VIP add-ons. These small extras can increase profits by 20–30%.
• Website SEO: Write blog posts like “Why a 360 Booth Is the Hottest Trend for Quinceañeras in [City]” or “Top 360 Photo Booth Rental for Weddings in [City]”. Google rewards location-specific content.
• Paid Ads: Test Facebook and Instagram ads targeting people who are engaged, planning quinceañeras, or managing corporate events.
• Team Training: Start teaching a part-timer how to run the booth so you can handle multiple events or simply free up your weekends.

Stage 4: Expansion & Scaling

With steady profits, now it’s about growing beyond just yourself.

What to Focus On:

• Second Booth: If demand is strong, a second booth doubles your earning potential.
• Corporate Partnerships: Approach venues, hotels, and agencies for recurring bookings.
• Staff Playbooks: Document everything: setup steps, guest interactions, troubleshooting. This ensures your staff delivers the same experience you would.
• Referral Program: Encourage past clients to send new business with small incentives (gift cards, discounts, or upgrades).

Pro Tip: Many 360 operators expand into related services like traditional photo booths, DJs, or event lighting to capture a bigger share of the event budget.

Stage 5: Established Brand

Now you’re not just a booth rental, you’re the go-to brand in your market.

What to Focus On:

• Premium Positioning: Stop competing on price. Focus on luxury weddings, corporate activations, and high-end events where budgets are bigger.
• Brand Recognition: Consistent visuals, uniforms, and sleek setups make your booth instantly recognizable.
• Expansion: Explore multi-city operations or even franchising. Some operators run teams across multiple states.
• Diversification: Add complementary services (mirror booths, DJs, event planning) to increase your revenue per event.

Turn Every Guest Into Your Next Customer

No matter which stage you’re in, remember: every person who steps onto your 360 platform is a potential client. Treat every event like a live showcase.

How to Maximize the Opportunity:

• Business Cards with QR Codes: Hand out cards that link directly to your packages. With Check Cherry, you can even apply an automatic discount code to make guests feel like VIPs.
• Branded Sharing: Ensure every video guests share includes your logo and website link. When clips go viral, your brand travels with them.
• Onsite Offers: Provide a “book within 7 days” promo to encourage quick action.
• Lead Capture: Use a sharing station that asks for email/phone before sending clips, then follow up with a thank-you and offer.

Pro Tip: Think of your booth as both entertainment and marketing. Every event should fill your pipeline for the next.

Final Thoughts

Growing a 360 photo booth business isn’t about luck, it’s about focusing on the right stage at the right time.

• Stage 1: Leverage your network and look professional from day one.
• Stage 2: Build credibility with reviews, social proof, and smart packaging.
• Stage 3: Automate and upsell for efficiency and profit.
• Stage 4: Expand with staff, partnerships, and additional booths.
• Stage 5: Position yourself as the premium, go-to brand.
• Always: Turn every guest into your next customer.

Every business starts at Stage 1. With the right systems and consistency, you can grow into a powerhouse that dominates your local market.

Example Business Cards with QR Code



Another year in the books! I'm happy to share 2024 was a great year at Check Cherry. We're always striving to improve the user experience and it was a year of significant upgrades, new features, and enhancements which make Check Cherry better. Thanks to all those who providing feedback and help make Check Cherry event better each year. Here are the highlights from 2024:

Revamped User Interface

In 2024, we upgraded the underlying technology that powers our user interface (UI). The new design is more intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing. Expect more UI improvements in 2025.

Questionnaire Enhancements

We've made several improvements to our questionnaire feature to streamline the process for both you and your clients with:

Drag and Drop: Reordering questionnaire fields is now easier than ever with our drag-and-drop functionality.

Conditional Questions: You can display specific questions based on conditions such as package or add-on selections.

Add-on Based Question: Attach a questionnaire that's specific to an add-on purchased, reducing unnecessary questions for your clients.

Revision History: Keep track of changes made to questionnaires with our new version history feature.

Client Unlock: Allow clients to unlock questionnaires within a set time frame, offering more flexibility.

Customizable Dashboards

This one was big! We know how important it is to quickly get insights into your business. That's why we introduced a customizable dashboard for all admins. You can now add, remove, and rearrange components to get the most relevant information for your business.

Enhanced Messaging Features

Communicating with clients is a breeze with the new messaging updates which includes:

Send Later: Schedule emails or text messages to send later, making it easier to communicate during business hours.

Multiple Attachments: Finally! You can now attach multiple files to a single email or text message.

Quick Send: Allows you to send messages or add them to a review queue with just one click, streamlining your communication process.

Checklist Enhancements

Often times there are specific checklists items the same staff member is responsible for completing even if they are not assigned to the booking.

Assign Checklist Items: Assign tasks to staff members at the template level, ensuring the right person handles the right tasks every time.

View Assigned Items: Your team can easily view their assigned tasks under "My Checklists."

Multiple Packages Online Booking

Clients can now book more than one package during the online booking process. This one was perhaps the longest outstanding feature request on this list.

Improved Staff Availability Settings

Staff members can now set their availability based on specific days, start times, and end times. This is perfect for those with additional commitments outside of your business.

Payment Improvments

We've added a number of features to streamline payments and make the process more flexible for your clients. These include:

Credit Card Surcharges: Set surcharges for credit card payments in compliance with local regulations.

Tax Exemptions for Clients: Easily mark tax-exempt clients, such as non-profits, for automatic exemption during online bookings and proposals.

Payment Plans: Offering payment plans allows your clients to pay for larger purchases in installments, improving cash flow and customer satisfaction.

ACH Direct Debit Payments for U.S. customers using Check Cherry Payments, we've added the ability to accept ACH direct debit payments. This low-fee payment option gives your clients another way to pay easily and securely.

Instant Payouts are now offered for all Check Cherry Payments accounts.

Mini Sessions Enhancements

Allow multiple clients to book the same time slot. This is ideal for events like Santa photos or corporate headshots, where multiple clients can book within a single time frame.

Integrations

Check Cherry know better when it works with other services.

Quickbooks Integration

We've launched a QuickBooks Online integration for U.S.-based customers, making it easier than ever to sync financial data for your business. Head to the "Integrations" page in your account settings to enable this feature.

New Paddee

Access over 10,000 Paddee's customizable photo booth templates directly within your Check Cherry account. Learn more about Paddee >

Improved PhotoBoothTemplates.com

We improved the integration to make it easier to select the perfect photo booth overlay for any event without requiring a membership. Learn more about PhotoBoothTemplates.com >.

Global Search

Searching for clients, bookings, proposals, leads, or users just got a lot easier. Our global search feature allows you to locate all these items with just one search.

Media Library

We've added a Media Library for storing and reusing images within your account. You can upload images, organize them into categories, and quickly access them when creating proposals or adding content to your bookings.

Included Add-ons with Packages

We've introduced add-ons with packages, giving you more flexibility when offering bundled services. Clients can now choose to include add-ons within their package, allowing for easier customization and booking.

Native App Updates

We've made significant updates to the Check Cherry iOS and Android apps for improved messaging functionality on the go. Now you can send scheduled messages, view message statuses, and add multiple attachments—all from your phone or tablet with:



• Sending scheduled messages.
• View open/click/bounce status of sent messages.
• New Message Center
• Review and approve messages in your "Awaiting Review" queue.
• Review and manage scheduled messages.
• View historical messages.
• Add multiple attachments to messages
• Adjust the "Send replies to" address from within new messages.
• Improvements to message template system.

Tons of smaller stuff

Not all the changes we make are worth announcing but that does not mean they don't have a big impact. In 2024, there were a ton of smaller changes which make Check Cherry easier, more reliable and better for all of those who use the service. 

Webinar: Check Cherry 2024 Recap & a Peek Into 2025

Watch Now

It's time for another annual recap. I'm happy to share that it was another excellent year for Check Cherry and its customers. We ended the year with record-high client booking volume and revenue collected.  With our amazing customers' feedback, we improved Check Cherry in several essential aspects. Here are some highlights:

iOS and Android Apps [New Platforms]

Over the years, offering "an app" has been consistently requested by our customers. In early 2023, we made it happen: Check Cherry is now available on iOS and Android. These native apps are designed to make it even easier for staff and admins to get work done on the go, and we're pleased with the results and feedback.

Download Check Cherry for iOS or Android >

Referrals [New Feature]

Referrals are the cornerstone of any solid business. If people consistently recommend a business' service to others, you know they are on the path to success. In 2023, we introduced features to help our customers better track referrals from their clients, staff, and venues. 

See How It Works >

Login Codes [New Feature]

People forget passwords, and while we've come up with some handy ways of allowing people to access Check Cherry's client portal without needing a password, there are times when a password is required. Login Codes simplify the login process. Enter an email address, receive a code, and you're in!

Custom Email Signatures [New Feature]

Custom email signatures were another common feature request, and it was surprising we didn't already support it. Customers can now add a default signature to outgoing automated emails.

Proposals [Improvements]

Proposal Requests

We love it when our customers offer online booking becuase we know it will make them more successful. However, not everyone is ready to offer true online booking. In 2023, we added a new mode to the booking engine: "Request for Proposal". 

With the "Request for Proposal" mode enabled, our customers can showcase packages and add-ons with the booking engine; however, instead of allowing customers to sign and pay a deposit, a proposal is generated, reviewed by an admin, and manually sent out for signature and initial payment.

Address Collection

Sometimes, our customers want to send an offer to a prospect when they don't know the venue's address. Now, one can send a proposal without an address and require their client to provide the address before accepting the Proposal. Travel fees and sales tax will be calculated after an address is provided to ensure accurate billing. It's a great way to keep the sales process moving.

Automated Messages [Improvements]

Trigger by Add-on

It's now possible to send an automated message when an add-on is purchased. This feature gives our customers another helpful method for sending automated alerts. For example, they might alert a specific team member or supplier when an add-on is purchased.

Message History Search

We've rolled out an initial search feature for your Message History. One can now search "To" and "From" for email and SMS messages. Search is particularly helpful and allows customers to see all messages sent to staff or clients across all Bookings, Leads, and Proposals.

Multiple Conditions

Customers can now add multiple conditions for automated messages to narrow down further when to trigger an automatic email or text message. We're excited to see how our people use this new option. 

Discount Codes [Improvements]

One can now share a link to the online booking engine and have a Discount Code automatically applied. Promoting a special is now easier than ever.

Zapier Integration [Improvements]

We've enhanced our Zapier integration to allow for the creation of proposals and bookings. This one is for those power users who use custom automation and integrate Check Cherry with other systems.

Checklists [Improvements]

Improved Sync

We've learned our customers are continuously improving their operations. In 2023, we made it easier to update existing bookings when a Checklist Template changes. With one click, existing bookings can leverage the most recent template.

One-off Checklist Items

Customers can now create a task or to-do for their checklists not associated with a booking. This feature is helpful for general business items such as paying taxes, reviewing marketing campaigns, etc.

Flex Pricing [Improvements]

Flex on End Time

We've added the option to surcharge or discount based on the end time of a booking. This new rule is helpful if a customer wants to discount bookings that end before 4 PM because it will provide enough time to work on another event in the evening. Alternatively, one can add a surcharge for bookings that continue into the early morning hours.

Flex on Venues

Customers can now surcharge or discount based on a booking's location. One might use this to automatically charge more for hard-to-access, expensive, or just pain-in-the-neck venues. Alternatively, if a customer has a special relationship with a venue, they can automatically apply for a discount. 

Online Booking Engine [Improvements]

We know our customers want more customization and control over the online booking process. In 2023, we updated the Online Booking Engine to give customers the option to change the text of the call-to-action buttons and page headings during each step of online booking.

Payments [Improvements]

We added the option to add or remove a form of payment for a specific client account. Customers can now deviate from their account's default payment methods on a Proposal or Booking.

Invoices [Improvements]

Alternate Logo

Customers can now add an alternate logo for invoices. This option is particularly helpful for logos that do not show well with a white background. 

Due Dates

While rare, some customers prefer to set an invoice due date after the booking's scheduled date. For example, they want full payment due 30 days after the booking's scheduled date for corporate packages.

Override "Invoice For"

Corporate clients can be fussy when it comes to invoice formats. As a result, we made updating the "Invoice For" section on invoices easier so our customers can get paid faster.

Lead Forms [Improvements]

We've made it possible for customers to change the order of the fields on any Lead Form. It helps customers craft the perfect form for collecting leads at tradeshows or on their website.

Backdrops [Improvements]

No Extra Charge

We've made it much easier to include a backdrop at no charge with some packages while charging a fee with others. Select the packages included at no charge and set a default price for all other packages.

Lead Times

Sometimes, our customers present backdrop options they don't own. In order to provide adequate time for shipping a new backdrop, customers can now specify a lead time for backdrops. 

A ton of smaller stuff

We also made many minor changes and tweaks to Check Cherry to make the platform easier to use, support, and overall better for everyone. While these changes are not worth mentioning individually, the little stuff adds up over time and meaningfully impacts the service. It's like going to the gym: day by day, there does not seem to be a change, but over time, the results speak for themselves.

Looking at 2024

2024 looks to be another excellent year for Check Cherry and its customers. We'll continue to improve our service by listening to customer feedback and executing our vision for a company we're all proud to be associated.