Let’s face it, establishing your photography business takes time, dedication and hard work. Re- establishing your business after a move, can prove to be even more challenging. A few months ago, I found myself faced with a 1200 mile move as I recently moved my photography business and my family from Phoenix, Arizona to rural Northwest Arkansas. My business is beginning to grow and flourish here in beautiful Northwest Arkansas, and through my experience I found some things that I did early on that helped to make the transition smoother and helped me gain clients in my new area shortly after settling in. I’d love to share those with CM readers and provide help for those photographers who may be faced with a relocation.
Announce your move on your Facebook or your blog page.
I created a blog post announcing my move and the move of my business on my blog here.
This helped by business by creating a buzz with my friends and fans on Facebook. All of the sudden, I was being introduced to vendors and other photographers in my new area just from announcing that I was moving and started making a few connections with people in Northwest Arkansas. Use the social networking sites to potentially meet new clients and people in the new area that you are moving to.
Research and reach out to vendors in your new area.
As soon as I found out that we were relocating, I began researching boutiques and shops in Northwest Arkansas. I am a family/children’s portrait photographer, so what better people to connect with than 2Katie Designs in Northwest Arkansas? 2Katie Designs sell children’s hair pieces and accessories and they also make custom frames. I began emailing the two Katie’s even before relocating so see if they’d like to collaborate on a fun project or shoot. Here are some photos from a recent marketing shoot I did for 2Katie Designs and a recent Sweet Shop Mini-Sessions Event that we co-hosted. Even though I am new to the area, the 2Katies have tons of clients and followers who love their work and will now be introduced to my company and brand through someone that they already respect.
As soon as you move, create gift certificates for a print credit; or better yet, add value to your current packages by offering a set of complimentary holiday cards or birth announcements with a paid session.
The realtor who helps you locate a home/condo in your new area is a perfect marketing person for you. What better way to gain pre-qualified clients for your photography business by giving your realtor gift certificates to give to her best clients- it’s a win-win situation. You could do the same with the new salon owner that you love. My goal is to seek out places where I would want my potential clients to hang-out, shop, etc. and reach out to those owners or business people.
Research local magazines and avenues to advertise your business.
All of my clients in Phoenix were referred to me by word-of-mouth or found me on the Internet (Google searches). Since moving to a new area, I purchased ad space in a local children’s magazine to help me gain exposure. Even just a few clients booking a session with you from the ad, will help to promote your business. I was certain to give the clients I booked referral cards and tagged them on Facebook so that they could help spread the word about my business and what Krista Campbell Photography has to offer.
Host a contest on your blog or Facebook
I gave away one complimentary mini-session to a deserving family in Northwest Arkansas who helped to spread the word about my business on Facebook and gain followers in my new area. (Note: Be sure to follow Facebook’s policies regarding contests).
Find ways to get involved in your new community.
Get involved and spread the word about your business. One of the online children’s magazines where I purchased some ad space when I first moved asked me if I wanted to run a booth and take pictures at a local Fall Festival. I was able to get my card out to hundreds of new potential clients through the Fall Festival experience.
Take advantage of down time
Take a new move opportunity and possible down-time in your business to scout new magical places and locations for shoots. When we first moved, I had a few weeks to unpack and spend time with my daughter. We would venture out each day and scout out new fun locations for shoots. I used this quiet time to work on my photography and try out some new locations and set-up like this vintage bed shoot. As I blogged these sessions, I was certain to add new tag words and key words to my blog titles to increase SEO for my blog and website in my new area.
Here is a magical location that I discovered in a vacant lot in my housing development. The tall grass and pink flowers were a magical touch and created a beautiful setting for pictures.
We have had a wonderful time stumbling upon beautiful fields and visiting our local farmers’ markets.
A relocation does not have to be the end of your photography business! By following some or all of the tips above, you can market yourself in your new area and begin gaining clients and referrals soon after you settle in.
Krista, your work is beautiful!!!! Great tips, too. Thank you!
Thank you! Your photos are so bright and beautiful!
Thank you for sharing Krista. There was a lot of great information in there. I absolutely love your photos.
Thank you for sharing this!! I am just about to relocate to a new area about 4 hours south of my current location- and this gave me some great tips!! 🙂
Really great ideas! Thanks for sharing them.
This is awesome! We are likely relocating from Florida to NC in the next few months and I have been really worried about how to approach re-establishing myself. Thanks so much for all the great ideas! And your photography is breathtaking!!
Hey Krista, I really appreciate your words of advice and encouragement about relocating. I’m a wedding photographer and facing a move to Las Vegas in the next couple of months so your ideas and tips are just what I need. Love your work! Thanks 🙂
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Thank you so much for these pointers. I recently relocated to CA and I have been looking for ways to get my name out there. You have inspired me:) Thank you once again.