Moving your photography business to a new location can feel like starting from scratch. I want to chat about the mistakes to avoid when moving your photography business. You’re in unfamiliar territory, and the thought of rebuilding your client base, reestablishing your brand, and navigating an entirely new market can be overwhelming. But trust me, I’ve been there. As a military spouse, I’ve moved my photography business three times. Each time, I’ve learned valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t.

One thing I’ve discovered is that there are a few common mistakes that many photographers make when transitioning to a new market. These missteps can slow down the process and leave you feeling stuck or discouraged. Today, I’m sharing the top mistakes to avoid when moving your photography business. As well as, how you can avoid them so that your business thrives in your new location.

1. Underestimating the Importance of Research

When you move your photography business to a new location, it’s tempting to think that the strategies that worked in your old market will automatically work in the new one. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Every market has its own unique characteristics. If you fail to research your new location thoroughly, you might find yourself struggling to connect with the right clients or pricing your services incorrectly.

Mistake: Assuming that your pricing, services, and marketing approach will transfer seamlessly to your new market without doing the research.

Solution: Take the time to research your new location, from understanding the local demographics to studying your competition. This means looking into things like the types of families that live in the area, what other photographers are offering, and how much clients are willing to spend. Don’t rely solely on your previous experience—this is a fresh start, and what worked before may not apply.

By dedicating some time to research, you can make informed decisions about your offerings, ensuring that they’re in line with what clients in your new market want and are willing to pay. This step might take a little time upfront, but it will pay off in the long run by setting you up for success.

2. Waiting Too Long to Start Networking

One of the biggest mistakes photographers make when moving to a new market is waiting too long to start networking. It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics of the move—finding a new home or setting up your studio (if you have one). But networking should be at the top of your priority list. The sooner you start connecting with local people, the faster you’ll build your reputation and start bringing in clients.

Mistake: Thinking you can delay networking until after you’re fully settled in your new home or have everything “perfectly” set up.

Solution: Start networking as soon as possible. Your best source of clients is often word-of-mouth and referrals, and that starts with people getting to know you. Whether it’s through community events, local photographers, or partnerships with nearby businesses, the sooner you reach out, the sooner you’ll start creating a local presence.

Starting your networking efforts early will not only help you build brand recognition but will also set the foundation for long-term relationships within your community. Remember, in the photography world, who you know can be just as important as what you know.

3. Not Updating Online Presence Immediately

In today’s digital world, your online presence is often the first impression potential clients will have of you. When you move to a new market, it’s critical that your website, social media profiles, and online listings are updated to reflect your new location and services. Many photographers make the mistake of assuming they can keep their old information up, hoping clients won’t notice. But a mismatch between your online presence and your actual location can confuse potential clients and slow down the momentum you’re trying to build.

Mistake: Failing to update your online presence with your new location, services, and contact details right away.

Solution: Make sure all your online platforms reflect your move as soon as possible. This includes updating your website, social media profiles, and business listings (like Google My Business, Yelp, etc.). This is especially important for local SEO. If people in your new area are searching for a photographer, you want them to find you easily, not be directed to a business that seems to have vanished or is still associated with your old location.

Additionally, keep your social media platforms up-to-date with location tags, as this can help your profile show up in local searches. Consistent, accurate updates will help your potential clients feel confident in your services and reassure them that you’re established in their area.

4. Skipping Market-Specific Promotions

When moving to a new market, it can be tempting to stick with the promotions or pricing strategies that worked in your previous location. However, what worked before might not be what clients in your new area are looking for. Failing to tailor your promotions to your new market can leave you missing out on key opportunities to attract the right clients.

Mistake: Relying on generic promotions or pricing strategies that don’t reflect the unique preferences and needs of your new market.

Solution: Take a moment to think about your new community—what do they value? Are there specific events, holidays, or traditions in the area that you can tap into? Customize your promotions to meet the expectations of your new clientele, and you’ll see more engagement.

Tailoring your offers not only helps you stand out but also shows your new community that you’re invested in their values and traditions. It helps you build rapport and trust while attracting clients who resonate with your approach.

5. Not Leveraging Past Client Testimonials and Work

Many photographers feel the pressure to completely reinvent themselves when they move—perhaps out of a desire to feel “fresh” or “local.” However, one of the biggest missed opportunities is not using your past work and client testimonials to your advantage. Even though you’re starting in a new area, your experience, reputation, and past client satisfaction can still play a huge role in attracting new business.

Mistake: Thinking that your previous client testimonials and work are irrelevant or unhelpful in your new market.

Solution: Don’t hesitate to use your past testimonials and portfolio to build trust with new clients. In fact, showcasing the work you’ve done and the positive feedback you’ve received in other locations can reassure potential clients that you’re an experienced professional who can deliver excellent results—no matter where you’re based.

One of the best ways to highlight your past work is through case studies or blog posts. Share stories from your previous sessions—why the session was special, what the family loved about it, and how it captured a key moment in their life. These stories not only engage potential clients but also help show the emotional and personal side of your work.

By leveraging your past testimonials and portfolio, you can reassure your new clients that you bring both the talent and the experience they need.

To wrap it up…

Moving your photography business to a new market is an exciting challenge, but it’s important to approach the transition strategically. This series of my top 5 mistakes to avoid when moving your photography business is a great starting point. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you navigate the move with confidence and start building your new client base right away.

Remember, the foundation for a successful transition starts with understanding your new community, adapting your strategies, and leveraging your past work to establish credibility quickly. While it may take time to fully settle into your new location, being proactive in these key areas will set you up for success and help you grow your business faster.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the process of relocating your photography business and want a comprehensive guide on how to make the transition as smooth as possible, be sure to check out my Moving Markets Course: The Essential Guide for Photographers Relocating or Restarting. It’s packed with actionable steps, templates, and resources to help photographers like you thrive no matter what phase you are in your move.

Embrace the journey and know that every step, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity to grow and build a thriving business in your new home. I hope you enjoyed this post about my top 5 mistakes to avoid when moving your photography business and that you can start taking action to successfully move your business.