Moving your Photography Business
If we haven’t met already, let me introduce myself. I’m Whitney Kilcrease, a San Antonio, TX family photographer and business mentor. I’m also a Navy spouse and mother to two little girls – who I homeschool. After starting a blooming business in Pensacola, FL, my husband got word that we were PCSing (moving), to Beaufort, SC. The thought of having to start all over hurt, but, shortly after moving, I became the number one ranking photographer on Google in my area. I am about to share with you the tips that I make for my business everytime we move!
It is time to move!
Whether you are moving by choice to get closer to a dream session location, or moving not by choice, cough married to the military, the transition to a new market can be intimidating. No matter which type of move you are experiencing, the tips I am about to share with you will help make your move go by a little smoother! When to integrate these tips into your business is completely up to you. Ideally,
you would start a few months to half a year before your move, especially if you already have marketing material. If you have too many things on your plate, not sure about the details to your move, etc, it is okay to hold off and start once you are ready.
Complete the tasks at your own pace to avoid feeling burnt out. You are essentially rebuilding your business and it can be a lot.
Start making connections in your new location early on. There are so many connections you can make before you move like: boutiques, HMUA, wedding vendors, but most importantly- fellow photographers. Build a relationship with them by following them on social media, liking and commenting on their posts, and when it feels right, send them a message. This is a good way to get referrals in your new market.
Tip: I would discourage from following a company and immediately sending them a message asking for referrals. Focus on building a relationship.
Hashtags
Look into swapping out your geo-hashtags for your new area. Then you can start mixing them into your social media posts. Keep in mind that some locations have nicknames, like the lowcountry, that you could also be using, There could also be a special hashtag like #luvbft .
Social Media
Update your location information on all of your social media profiles.
- Facebook Business Page
- Pintrest
- TikTok
Google Business
Update your Google Business location. Remember to also update any keywords you used in your business description.
SEO
Look over your website with a fine tooth comb. Update your location anywhere that it is mentioned on your website. Do not forget to update back of the house, like the SEO titles on your images.
Geographical Changes
Moving from a location that has a similar topographic map or similar agriculture will make your move a lot easier. This will allow you to use the same images to market for your new location until you can replace them with new images.
There are some options if you are moving to a different type of backdrop:
- Even if it is just one small section at a park that can slightly resemble the location you are moving to, create a few styled shoots there! Use the images above as example. The image on the left is a typical shooting location for me in Beaufort, SC. The image on the right is still Beaufort, SC, I was strategic on not capturing the big live oaks and focused on skinnier trees. That image can pass for San Antonio, TX.
- Fly to your new location a few months before you move. Use those connections you already created, and set up some styled shoots.
- If neither one of those are options, I recommend setting up a few styled shoots when you arrive to your new location. This is a great option so you can test new locations you scouted.
When you have your images ready for your new location, start implementing them in your social media marketing and update the images on your website.
Announcement
There is a lot that can be done behind the scenes, but eventually you will have to let your followers know that you are moving. Make sure your tone always stays positive when discuss your move publicly, even if you really don’t feel that way at the moment.
Some things to mention when you make the announcement:
- When you are moving.
- Where you are moving to.
- When you will begin accepting new clientsin your new area.
- Photographer recommendations for clients in the area the you are moving from.
Tip: on Instagram, make sure you pin your post to the top of your wall.
Moving your business is not easy and it takes a lot of work. Take your time and do not feel pressured to have everything done in a week. I hope this guide helps you move your business and I wish you much success on your new adventure!
Happy planning!
Whitney Kilcrease, San Antonio Family Photographer
© Whitney Kilcrease 2023