Moving Your Photography Business

Moving Your Photography Business / By Victoria Mendoza

If you’ve ever had to move your business, you’ll know that a million thoughts run through your mind. Everything from what legal items need to be taken care of, to how you are going to find new clients. Although it can feel overwhelming to move a business that relies on a physical client base, I want to encourage you to see it with a new perspective. Whether your move is inevitable (within the last two years, I have lived in four states! My husband is in the military and the moves can sometimes be unpredictable) or planned, I want to reassure you that there can be a silver lining to relocating your photography business!

1. Take time to research your new market.

All of them are different and you need to know how to properly spend your time marketing. I’m originally from Southern California, but have lived in various states across the South over the last 10 years. Of all the clients I’ve ever had, I think less than five of them have come from Instagram. But I know this varies! In my experience with smaller towns, word of mouth, internet searches, and Facebook are more helpful in finding new clients. What works in your current location might not work in the next and it’s important to be flexible and know you might have to switch things up.

Moving Your Photography Business / By Victoria Mendoza

2. Evaluate your pricing

Moving is a great opportunity to try something new and not feel like you’re alienating your current clients. Whether you want to raise prices, change pricing structure, offer products, etc., a move offers a clean slate for you to switch things up.

3. Evaluate your portfolio.

Use styled shoots to elevate your portfolio or match the landscape of your new location. It can be hard for people to visualize you as their photographer if you’re moving to a mountainous region, but only show your work as a beach photographer. Planning styled shoots can also act as a buffer so you have fresh content during the move and while you’re waiting to book clients.

Moving Your Photography Business / By Victoria Mendoza

4. Learn SEO.

SEO can feel daunting, but educating yourself on the basics can go a long way toward helping clients find you. Especially in this age, where I feel like more and more people are off social media, they turn to Google searches when looking for a new photographer. SEO does take time, but will be worth it if done correctly. I worked so hard on my SEO in Georgia, that when we moved to Mississippi, I got inquiries about once a week for an entire year after our move. When we moved to Arkansas, I had two clients booked before I’d even moved. It definitely takes time, but will yield results.

Moving Your Photography Business / By Victoria Mendoza

5. Refine/review your client experience + systems.

I’m a big believer that it’s okay to have a part-time business (I don’t have the capacity or desire to do it full time currently, and I am super happy with doing it part time). The caveat is that it is imperative that your systems support you so you’re not actually working a full-time job. Think about what currently causes you problems, or is a time suck. One of the changes I made for this most recent move was updating my email workflow templates. This time, I used Hannah’s Words That Work and I love the variety in tone and how thorough they are! Bonus: I didn’t have to spend hours racking my brain for how to rewrite the ones I have. Time saved is money earned.

6. Consider a carefully curated styled shoot in your new location.

If you want photos at a certain location in your new city, a styled shoot is the perfect way to get exactly what you want. I recommend carefully vetting people. If you have no clients, you’re likely going to be posting on Facebook groups for families. Be very selective in who you pick to model for you. Try and see if they are well-connected in the area and make sure they are your ideal client. Provide an amazing experience for them, so they will spread the word to their friends about your work.

Moving your Business? Let’s Connect!

It is no small feat to move your business to a new location and it doesn’t have to be a negative experience! If you’re in this position, I’m always happy to chat with you and help make it feel less overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone!

Moving Your Photography Business / By Victoria Mendoza

Hi, I’m Victoria. A Peoria, Illinois based newborn and family photographer. My husband and I have three littles under 5, who are my main source of inspiration when I photograph families. I am a former elementary school teacher and a mother of a child with special needs, and it’s so important to me that all my families feel valued and celebrated. I truly believe that families are the greatest treasure, and I hope my photos reflect that for my clients.

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