How to Relocate Your Wedding Photography Business
*disclaimer* I’m not saying that my way is the only way, or even the right way, just what I did and what worked for me. We also have no children, and were going to rely solely on photography for income (-:
For those who don’t know, I decided on our very first trip to Charleston (which lasted less than 24 hours) that we were going to move here. As soon as we got home from our road trip, Jay agreed to the move, and we put our plan into action. We had 7 months before our big move and its really scary to move away from all of your friends and family to a new state where you don’t know anyone and where you’ll be relying on your business income to survive.
Did I mention that we didn’t know ANYONE in South Carolina?
1. Change up your websites SEO
As soon as we made the decision final, I began to change up the SEO on my blog for Charleston. It took me 3 weeks to start ranking on page 1 for the search term I wanted so that helped me tremendously (I’ve since changed it and as of this writing, I fluctuate between page 4-5). I won’t lie though, it was TOUGH to get couples to book me since I wasn’t living in the area yet to meet up with them, but changing my SEO early was a lifesaver.
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2. Change your location on all Social Media
After we informed all important parties that we were moving (parents, siblings, best friends) we announced our move on our Instagram and Facebook business page. This let people know that we were moving away and we even got some connections from friends because THEY knew people in our new area! Awesome!
3. Use #hastags for your new city on Instagram when posting a photo
I started hashtagging Charleston in some of my photos which lead to a few local photographers, and even a wedding planner, following me and contacting me! This was 5 months before I even moved to the area and I was making industry connections. Use Instagram to search things like #yournewcity #yournewcityphotography #yournewcityweddings etc
4. Start researching the market
Find out who the awesome vendors are in the area and keep a list. When you arrive in town, find a unique way to ask them out for coffee or for a meeting…don’t just e-mail them like everyone else does. Send them a box with your info and a giftcard, or mail them some Starbucks gift cards and a handwritten note saying you’re new to town and that you love their work and would love to meet them to see if y’all are a good fit. I did this and met with one of the best planning teams in town and from them, I booked a wedding at a venue I love AND got it published on Southern Weddings, which has been a goal of mine. Score! If you’re moving to London, you have to check out HR consultancy firms London.
*NOTE* Do NOT just take these people out and talk about business. Get to actually know them as a person before jumping into the nitty gritty (I do feel its important to touch base on business stuff). First, you wouldn’t want to work with someone you dont like, right? Second, YOU need to pay for their lunch or coffee as a thank you for their time! (-;
5. Join a local meetup group and Facebook groups to make friends
Meetup.com is a great place to find local industry groups, networking groups, couples groups, and ladies groups! Expand your network and make some friends (-: I also found some local photography and wedding vendor groups on Facebook and even started my own.
6. Find out the business laws in your state, county, and city
I failed at this one. It wasn’t until we moved here that we found out practically EVERY city & popular photo spot in Charleston County requires some sort of fee or license. Ouch. For instance, I live in Mount Pleasant so I need a Mount Pleasant business license, but since I shoot in Charleston…I need a Charleston license too. If I want to photograph on Isle of Palms, I need one for that city as well. Want your engagement session done at Magnolia Plantation? Its $150 per session. Boone Hall requires a $500 photographers pass. For Queensland business registration, you can visit acclime.com
7. Meet up with other photographers
I was spoiled back in Tampa with my network of photographers. All of my close friends were other photographers and I NEED to be surrounded by them to bounce ideas off of and just go out and shoot with. My first week here I met up with a photographer for coffee (hi Karmen!!), and then attended a local photographers group meeting. The same night as that meeting, I met with ANOTHER photographer, one who I really look up to so I was a bit star struck! (-;
I hope these tips were helpful for at least one person! If you’ve relocated your wedding photograph business and have a great tip, leave a comment below!
