Relocating your photography business is not the end of the world. I promise! Since beginning my photography career in 2008, I’ve had to re-start my business 4 times. Over the last few years, I’ve learned what has worked and what doesn’t work for me. I hope you’ll find a few of these tips useful during your next move!

1 | As soon as you find out you’re moving, announce it to the world!

Spread the word on you website, blog, and social media accounts. This will help you build your website’s SEO for your new area and will let potential clients in your new area know that you are coming and when you will be booking sessions. The quicker you can get your name “out there,” the better.

2 | Start researching your new area, and I do not mean to go stalk your competition.

You’ll want to find local vendors you can potentially partner with. They are already established and can help you get in front of your target market. Check out the local Chamber of Commerce. See if joining is a good fit for you and your business. They often throw mixers, events, ribbon cuttings, etc. for their members. Does your new area have a local magazine you can advertise with? Lastly, get involved in your new community! Volunteer at the local community center, offer to speak to the high school photography class, judge local photography competitions, etc. Give back to your new community before expecting it to give to you.

3 | Relocating your business is the perfect time for you to take a step back and re-evaluate your branding and business plan.

Does your branding represent you and your business? Do you want to become a niche photographer? If you do become a niche photographer, is there a need for it in your new community? You’ll also want to re-evaluate your business plan and pricing. I recently read a guest post on Jasmine Star’s blog about pricing that really hit home with me. To sum it up, the author said you need to ditch your “I’ve shot a lot of weddings, I earned these prices” ego. This is so spot on! Yes, we earned those prices for our old area, but we did not earn them in our new area. You have to realize you’re starting at the bottom of the food chain again.

4 | This is a biggie: MAKE SURE YOU ARE LEGAL with your new state/county/city.

Each state, county, and city have different requirements for businesses to operate legally. You can check out SBA.gov and they should be able to point you in the right direction. If your new area has a local business resource center, that would be a great place to start, too! Another great resource is fellow local photographers. They’ve been through the process and can definitely let you know what you need to do. Make sure you are respectful of their time and be sure to thank them. A Starbucks gift card, a thank you note, a shout out on your fan page, etc. can go a long way.

5 | Your very first clients will be the most important clients you ever book in your new area.

They can be your biggest source of (FREE) marketing with positive word of mouth. I love Starbucks, so I suggest it a lot. Giving your client a note with a $5.00 gift card with something to the effect of “Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph you! Have a coffee on me. XOXO Your Awesome Photographer” will definitely make you stand out from your local competitors and they’ll be bragging about their amazing experience with you to their friends. It’s that little extra touch that most people forget in today’s world.

Lastly, set reasonable expectations for yourself. You’re the newbie on the block and it will take you some time to build your business back up in your new area. It may be scary but it’s not impossible!