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Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!πŸ“ΈπŸŽ‰

Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!πŸ“ΈπŸŽ‰
Hello, wonderful photographers!

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Candy here, bringing you the first edition of our Recap series! 🌟

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This blog post will cover alllllll of September's new features and changes worth mentioning! But going forward, we will be doing Weekly Recaps to keep you in the loop even faster.

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We've been busy bees these past few weeks, and I can't wait to share all the fantastic new features and improvements we've made to help you shine even brighter. ✨

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Psst... since this is our inaugural recap, we're covering updates from all of September, so grab a comfy seatβ€”it's a bit longer than usual! Going forward, these recaps will be weekly and shorter, but just as sweet. πŸ˜‰

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1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation πŸ› οΈ

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We're thrilled to announce that manual gallery assignment and participant creation are now live! This means you can:

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  • β—‹ Assign images to someone's personal gallery manuallyβ€”perfect for those shots where the subject wasn't facing the camera, and face recognition didn't pick them up.
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  • β—‹ Create participants manually, either one at a time or by uploading a spreadsheet.
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  • β—‹ Instantly trigger marketing campaigns to individuals when you assign images to them, ensuring they receive their photos promptly.

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We believe this will greatly enhance your workflow and support needs. Let us know how it helps you during your next event!

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2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience πŸ›οΈ

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We've made several improvements to our retail site to enhance the shopping experience for your clients:

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  • β—‹ "Tap image to get started" text now shimmers on the initial gallery screen to guide users who aren't sure what to do next.
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  • β—‹ Package creation improvements make it more intuitive for customers to customize their packages and select photos.
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  • β—‹ Product renders in the cart: The view cart screen now displays product images next to every item, including items within multi-item packages, for increased clarity.
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  • β—‹ Updated header and footer: Clear guidance on when to contact our retail support or reach out to you, the photographer, for assistance.

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These tweaks aim to make the purchasing process as seamless and enjoyable as possible for your clients!

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Theme:Β Liquorice - Watermarking:Β Default

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3. Default Price Levels Are Back! πŸ’°

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Great news! The Default Price Levels from our previous NowCandid system are back and better than ever.

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While you can still create custom offers, these ready-made Price Levels are optimized to help you maximize sales in various situations.

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  • β—‹ Optimized for success: Designed to boost your sales potential.
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  • β—‹ Versatile options: Suitable for a wide range of events and client needs.
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  • β—‹ Easy to access: Gives you good Offer options in a pinch or when entering a new market.

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For a detailed breakdown, click here.

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4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers πŸ›ŽοΈ

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We've improved our marketing system to better serve your clients and help keep those sales up:

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  • β—‹ If someone purchases on Day 1 and is photographed again on Day 2, they will now receive a notification about the new images added to their gallery.
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  • β—‹ Enhances customer engagement: Keeps clients informed and encourages additional purchases.
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  • β—‹ Prevents missed opportunities: Even early buyers stay in the loop for new content.

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This ensures your clients never miss out on their special moments!

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5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options πŸ’³

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We're excited to introduce Google Pay as a new express checkout option!

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Our available payment methods now include:

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  • β—‹ Traditional credit/debit card checkout
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  • β—‹ Apple Pay
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  • β—‹ Google Pay
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  • β—‹ PayPal (and PayPal Pay Later)
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  • β—‹ Venmo

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And guess what? We have one more express checkout option coming soon! Stay tuned. πŸ“’

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Theme:Β Liquorice - Watermarking:Β Default

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6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows πŸ“±πŸ’»

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The latest Capture App Version 4.4 is now available for both iOS and Windows, featuring:

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  • β—‹ Keyboard support for Windows: Windows laptop users can now input phone numbers using the keyboard when using the Tap-A-Face Workflow.
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  • β—‹ Performance improvements: Smoother and faster app experience.
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  • β—‹ sRGB color checking: The app now ensures images are in sRGB format, preventing issues caused by Adobe RGB images.
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  • β—‹ Event Selfie Check-In QR code display: Access the QR code directly from your device when needed.

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Upgrade now to enjoy these enhancements!

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7. Enhanced Folders Report πŸ“Š

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Our Folders Report (which you can find using the Graph button on an Event's Management Page) just got more powerful:

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  • β—‹ Sortable columns: Organize by images, participants, sales, and more.
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  • β—‹ Real-time insights: Works live during events, allowing you to identify your best-performing photographers, mid-event.
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  • β—‹ Actionable data: Mid-event reporting helps you provide immediate feedback to your team to boost performance.
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  • β—‹ Download button: This report is now downloadable via the green button in the screenshot below as well!

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Optimize your event management like never before!

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8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders πŸ“

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We've added a handy button in the Manage Images page, when you have a folder selected:

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  • β—‹ Mark entire folders as visible or invisible with one click.
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  • β—‹ Use cases: Quickly hide a batch of images that need reworking, such as a blurry set.
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  • β—‹ Saves time: Streamlines the process of managing large numbers of images.

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Sometimes, mistakes happen! Now you can use this button to quickly hide images in bulk as you work to correct issues.

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9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings πŸ–ΌοΈ

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You now have more control over the All Event Images gallery:

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  • β—‹ Override default settings at the Offer level.
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  • β—‹ Options:
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    • Turn off the All Event Images gallery for Face Matching Events.
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    • Turn on the All Event Images gallery for Positive ID Events.
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  • β—‹ Recommendation: We suggest sticking with the defaults, but if you'd like to explore the pros and cons, click here to schedule a chat with us!

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Tailor the gallery experience to suit any event's needs!

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10. Simplified Selfie Check-In πŸ“²

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We've made the Selfie Check-In process even more user-friendly:

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  • β—‹ Only requires a cell number OR email address.
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  • β—‹ Encourages participation: Even though neither field says "optional," most people still provide both.
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  • β—‹ Addresses Fringe Issues: Every now and then, someone doesn't have (or refuses to provide) a cell or email address. This change will account for those individuals!

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Enhances guest engagement and reduces fringe support issues, with no changes on your part!

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Theme:Β Liquorice

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11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

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We've introduced a new, fun way for clients to manage their marketing preferences:

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  • "NOPE": Clients can reply with this word to opt out of marketing for a specific event.
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  • Future communications: They will still receive messages for future events unless they opt out again.
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  • Accidental "STOP" replies: If someone replies "STOP" though, they'll need to send "START" to our marketing number to resume receiving texts.

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This gives your clients more control while still keeping communication lines open for future events.

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12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn πŸ‚πŸŽƒ

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Get into the festive spirit with our new retail site themes:

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  • Apple Crumble:
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    • Autumn colors: Warm and inviting hues.
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    • Falling leaves: Adorable "leaves falling" animation upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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  • Candy Corn:
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    • Halloween vibes: Shades of black and bright orange.
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    • Candy corn confetti: Fun "candy corn toss" animation to celebrate the spooky season upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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    • Haunted Retail Site: A few ghosts frequently fly across your customer's screens as they shop!

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Delight your clients with these charming themes!

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Note: the Leaves &Β Candy Corn only fall across the screen upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout - these GIFs are simply showing it in a loop :)

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Theme: Apple Crumble - Watermarking:Β Off

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Theme:Β Candy Corn - Watermarking:Β Off

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We hope these updates make your experience with NowCandid even more enjoyable and efficient.

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Your success is our top priority, and we're always here to support you. πŸ’–

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As always, if you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all ears! πŸ‘‚

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Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

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Cheers and sparkles,

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Candy 🍬

Related articles

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success
Success Stories
November 22, 2024

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success

8
Β minutes read
When it comes to military ball events, our incredible NowCandid users out of Louisiana have done it again!

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Building on their previous years of success, they’ve once again showcased how profitable and rewarding these events can be with the right tools, strategy, and dedication.

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Consistency & Growth in 2024

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Despite a slight decrease in event participants/attendance in 2024 compared to the previous year, this Louisiana team managed to match their impressive ~$26,000 sales total from 2023β€”and they didn’t stop there. They also improved their sales per image and sales per participant averages, proving that even with fewer attendees, their ability to deliver value remains unparalleled.

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This is the kind of consistency and adaptability that defines true professionals. Even more remarkable is their journey to this point.

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The Journey: From 2022 to 2024

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It’s worth revisiting their story. Back in 2022, this team had just started using NowCandidβ€”trained on the system the week of their first military ball event. Despite being completely new to the platform and working under tight deadlines, they pulled in an impressive $16,000 in sales. While those numbers didn’t quite hit the heights of their 2023 and 2024 totals, it was a strong foundation for what was to come.

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For their 2023 and 2024 events, they doubled down on preparation and team strategy, hiring additional staff to support their photographers and improve operational efficiency.

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One of the key moves was more actively promoting selfie check-ins, which not only enhanced the customer experience but also increased the number of photos takenβ€”a direct driver of sales. These refinements pushed them to over $26,000 in sales in 2023 and another stellar year in 2024.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

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With the new Web Dashboard at their fingertips, the Louisiana team is already preparing to take their 2025 military ball to new heights. The Web Dashboard will unlock features that are sure to impress attendees and drive even greater sales:

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  • More Art Overlay Options: Customize event images with exciting designs that attendees will love.
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  • All-New Retail Site: A sleek, user-friendly interface for clients to browse and purchase their images.
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  • Upsell Opportunities: Introduce premium options like retouching and diamond gloss print coating to enhance the final product and boost sales.

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Armed with these enhancements, they’re aiming for even bigger successes in 2025β€”and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish.

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Military Balls: A Goldmine for Photographers

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This Louisiana team’s story is a shining example of how profitable military ball events can be. With strategic planning, the right tools, and a little effort, these events can bring in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.

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If there are military bases in or near your area, we strongly encourage you to seek out these opportunities. Partnering with military organizations for formal events is not only rewarding financially but also a chance to build lasting relationships with a highly engaged audience.

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Tips for Success

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  • Invest in Support Staff: Extra hands help keep the process smooth, from organizing attendees to encouraging selfie check-ins.
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  • Leverage NowCandid Tools: Our workflows, like Selfie Check-In and advanced offers, make events efficient and client-focused.
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  • Upsell Smartly: Use premium options like overlays, retouching, and print upgrades to maximize your per-participant revenue.
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  • Engage Participants Early: Drive excitement and ensure attendees know how to access their photos before and after the event.

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Ready to Capture More Success?

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Military ball events are a prime opportunity to elevate your business, and NowCandid is here to support you every step of the way. If this story inspires you to explore similar opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out or dive into your local market to find events like these.

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Here’s to making 2025 your most successful year yet! πŸŽ‰

Candy’s Weekly Recap:  Introducing 'Find Me' Portal, Retouching for Downloads & More!
Feature Updates
November 15, 2024

Candy’s Weekly Recap: Introducing 'Find Me' Portal, Retouching for Downloads & More!

8
Β minutes read

Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

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Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! 🌟

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We've been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid experience, and I've got all the details right here. Let's dive in! πŸŠβ€β™€οΈ

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1. Introducing the New NowCandid "Find Me" Portal! πŸ”

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We're thrilled to unveil our brand-new "Find Me" portal!

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  • Effortless Access: End users can now enter their cell phone number or email address and receive a link sent directly to them.
  • All Galleries in One Place: This link will show every NowCandid personal gallery tied to their contact information.
  • ‍Secure and Private: Rest assured, galleries aren't searchable by others. The link is sent directly to the user, ensuring privacy through this verification step. πŸ˜„
  • A direct link to the new "Find Me" Portal can be found here: https://www.quic.pics/find-me

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Make it easier than ever for your clients to find their photos!

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2. Retouching Now Available for Personal Gallery Downloads! πŸ’„

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Great news! Retouching can now be applied to Personal Gallery Download products.

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  • Enhanced Offerings: Provide your clients with beautifully retouched images, even in their full gallery downloads.
  • Updated Retail Site: We've removed previous disclaimers, so customers know they can expect top-notch quality in every download.

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Add that extra touch of magic to your clients' memories!

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3. New Image Timeline Chart in Manage Images πŸ•°οΈ

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Visualize your event like never before with our Image Timeline Chart!

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  • Accessible via Manage Images: Find it within any of your event's folders.
  • Insights at a Glance: See when images were taken, identify peak activity times, and spot any lulls.
  • Candy's Quick Summary: I'll even provide a brief overview to help you interpret the data.

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Optimize your shooting schedule and make the most of every event!

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4. Metadata Preservation in Web Dashboard πŸ—‚οΈ

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We've made an important update regarding image metadata:

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  • No More Stripping: The web dashboard no longer removes metadata from images.
  • Full Information: When you download images from the dashboard, all metadata is retained.
  • Future Features: This change sets the stage for more exciting features down the line.

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Keep all your valuable image information intact!

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5. Enhanced Selfie Check-In for SportsPics and GradPics 🀳

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We've improved the Selfie Check-In experience for your participants:

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  • Additional Contact Always Visible: The "Additional Contact" field now appears at all times.‍
    • Why It Matters: It's helpful for gathering parent or additional contact information.
  • Camera Roll Uploads for SportsPics: Participants can now upload an image from their camera roll as an alternative to taking a selfie.
    • Perfect For: Parents can easily check in using a photo of their child.

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Simplify the check-in process and collect essential info effortlessly!

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6. Introducing Web Traffic Metrics πŸ“ˆ

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Gain deeper insights with our new Web Traffic metrics!

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  • Event-Level Views: Access this data from the Marketing page within any of your events.
  • Participant Details: See whether a participant's gallery has been opened and how many times.
  • Conversion Rate Analysis: Compare web traffic to orders placed to gauge your conversion rate.
  • Informed Decisions: Use this information to decide if you need to adjust pricing.

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Note: Web traffic tracking started on November 14. Visits before this date were not recorded.

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7. All Reference Images Now Visible for Merged Participants πŸ–ΌοΈ

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We've made a helpful tweak for managing participant data:

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  • Merged Participants: If participants merge by having the same phone number, you'll now see all their reference images on their details page.
  • Comprehensive View: This provides a complete picture of the participant's images, not just the first one.

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Manage your participant data with greater clarity!

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8. New Champion Plaque Product Added πŸ†

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We're excited to introduce the Champion Plaque to our product lineup!

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  • Perfect for Sports Tournaments: Designed for medal winners to mount their medals onto the plaque.
  • Personalization Options: Add photos, names, and event details for a cherished keepsake.

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Offer your clients a unique way to celebrate their victories!

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9. Quick Download for Participant Images ⬇️

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We've added a handy new feature to the participant details screen:

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  • Download Icon: Allows you to simultaneously download all of a participant's matched images.
  • Time Saver: No more downloading images one by one.

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Efficiently access participant images when you need them!

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We're always here to support you!

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So please, feel free to share your feedback or questions.

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Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Keep capturing those unforgettable moments and creating smiles! πŸ“ΈπŸ˜Š

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Cheers and sparkles,

‍

Candy 🍬

‍

Big News: NowCandid Goes Global!πŸ“£πŸŒ
Feature Updates
November 13, 2024

Big News: NowCandid Goes Global!πŸ“£πŸŒ

5
Β minutes read
Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

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Candy here, and I'm beyond excited to share some huge news that'll open up a world of possibilities for your photography business! Particularly when it comes to tourism!🌟

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NowCandid now facilitates international end customers! πŸŽ‰

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International Phone Number Support πŸ“ž

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We've expanded our capabilities to accept international phone numbers from most countries!

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  • Capture App Update: With the latest version (4.9.69), you can now input international phone numbers directly into the Capture App.
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  • Selfie Check-In & Scan Card Check-In: Participants using our web forms can now enter their international numbers without a hitch.

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Pictured:Β Selfie Check-In Country Code Selector - Theme:Β Liquorice

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Marketing Messages Delivered Globally 🌐

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  • Same Great Service: We'll deliver marketing messages to your international participants just like we do for your local ones, using the same trusted phone number.
    • Note: Currently, text marketing is available in several major countries, though not all countries are supported yet.
  • QuicPics Note: While QuicPics image files via MMS are still limited to US and Canada (+1) phone numbers, international participants can access their images through the retail gallery as usual and easily download their free images.

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Pictured:Β Tap-A-Face Cell # Entry, Country Code Selector

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International Shipping & Billing Addresses πŸ›’

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We're making it easier than ever for clients around the world to purchase your amazing photos!

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  • Global Checkout: Retail customers with international shipping and billing addresses can now complete checkout without any issues.
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  • Automatic Shipping Calculation: International shipping costs will be calculated based on:
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    • Cart Contents: The items your client is purchasing.
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    • Destination Country: Where the order is being shipped.
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  • Seamless Integration: The international shipping amount will be added to the flat rate shipping you set in your offer settings.

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Pictured: Shipping &Β Handling Increasing According to Order Contents &Β Receiving Country

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What This Means for You

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These exciting changes mean you can now:

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  • Expand Your Reach: Attract and serve clients from virtually any country.
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  • Boost Sales: Tap into new markets and grow your business internationally.
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  • Enhance Client Experience: Provide a seamless and inclusive experience for all your participants, no matter where they call home.

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We're Here to Help!

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As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're thrilled to support you as you take your photography business to new horizons! πŸš€

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Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Together, we're making memories last a lifetimeβ€”now on a global scale!

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Cheers and sparkles,

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Candy 🍬

Let’s get in touch

If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid services to your wheelhouse – set up a call by clicking the button below.

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich text

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What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List One
  • List Two
  • List Three
  • List Four
  • List Five

This is a link

This is bold text

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  • ‍

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