Why You Need a Photography Business Coach When Relocating Your Business
You’ve just gotten the news—you’re moving. Again. As a photographer, that pit in your stomach isn’t just about packing up your house; it’s about uprooting your entire business. Trust me, I get it. As someone who has relocated my photography business 7 times across 5 states and 2 overseas locations, I know exactly what you’re feeling right now.
That overwhelming mix of emotions: “Do I have to start from scratch? Will I lose all my clients? How long will it take to build up in a new location?”
Here’s the truth—you don’t have to figure this out alone. Working with a photography business coach who understands the unique challenges of relocation can make all the difference between struggling for years or thriving within months.
In this article:
How a Photography Business Coach Saves You Time During Relocation
When you’re relocating, time becomes your most precious resource. Between finding a new home, getting kids settled in schools, and the actual physical move, your business often takes a backseat. This is where having a photography business coach becomes invaluable.
Instead of spending months researching your new market through trial and error, a coach who specializes in business relocation can help you:
- Research target demographics in your new location
- Identify the most profitable photography niches for that market
- Create a pre-move marketing strategy to hit the ground running
- Develop a timeline for transitioning clients and rebuilding
I’ve learned through my 7 relocations that what worked in one market might completely flop in another. In Hawaii, I focused on family beach sessions, but in Northern Virginia, I had to completely pivot my strategy. Having a photography business coach to guide these transitions would have saved me months of guesswork.
The Financial Impact of Relocation Without a Photography Business Coach
Let’s talk money—because that’s often the biggest concern when relocating. How long can you afford to go without income? How quickly can you rebuild your client base?
Without guidance, photographers typically experience a 6-12 month drought after relocation. That’s potentially thousands in lost revenue. Working with a photography business coach can dramatically shorten this timeline by:
- Creating a financial transition plan before your move
- Helping you properly price for your new market
- Developing lead generation strategies specific to your new location
- Establishing systems to convert inquiries to bookings faster
During my third business relocation, I refused to accept a full year of income loss (which is what many photographers experience). I dug deep to refine my processes and profitability, creating systems that allowed me to become profitable within just 18 months—far faster than the industry average of 3-5 years.
SEO Strategies a Photography Business Coach Will Help You Implement
One of the biggest assets you’ll need to rebuild is your SEO presence. When you move to a new location, your existing SEO work becomes practically irrelevant overnight.
A knowledgeable photography business coach will help you:
- Research location-specific keywords for your new market
- Create a targeted blogging plan to build local authority quickly
- Update your website and online presence strategically
- Leverage existing content while pivoting to new location terms
SEO was my secret weapon during my most recent relocation. By focusing on location-specific long-tail keywords, I was able to rank on the first page of Google within just 4-6 months—bringing in inquiries before I even had many local connections.
Client Communication Strategies From an Experienced Photography Business Coach
How and when do you tell your current clients you’re moving? How do you leverage those relationships even after relocating?
These questions plague relocating photographers, and a photography business coach can provide clear guidance on:
- Creating a timeline for client communication
- Developing referral strategies that work across distances
- Maintaining relationships with past clients (who may refer you!)
- Building a new network in your destination market
The “Semper Gumby” philosophy I learned from military life applies perfectly here—always flexible, always adapting. During every move, I’ve refined my client communication process to ensure I maintained those valuable relationships while establishing new ones.
I’m Alison, the “Wild Card”
On the phone with a business coach, he validated all my frustrations saying, “The good news is you’re doing everything right. The bad news is you’re already doing everything. You’re a bit of a wild card.”
I’ve relaunched my photography business 7 times over 5 states and 2 overseas. From being all-inclusive photographer charging just $150 to running a six-figure business where clients happily invest thousands per session, I’ve experience the full spectrum of this industry.
Each move is a masterclass in adapting. Use my experience to stop guesswork and start growing.
My Journey: From Relocating Photographer to Photography Business Coach
Each of my seven relocations taught me something new. From pricing strategies to marketing approaches, from client management to workflow efficiency—I’ve learned it all through firsthand experience.
I started at all-inclusive for $150 and built my way to a six-figure business where clients happily invest thousands per session. That journey included every stumble and mistake possible, but it also created a blueprint for success that I now share through my photography business coaching.
On my Keep It Moving podcast, I regularly tackle topics specific to relocating photographers because I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. Episode 27 specifically walks through the importance of blogging for SEO when relocating your photography business—a strategy that has been crucial to my success. This bonus episode is deep dive on Alison’s real life history moving 7 times.
Why Choose a Photography Business Coach Who Understands Relocation
Not all business advice works for relocating photographers. Generic photography business coaching often assumes a stable location and gradual business growth—luxuries relocating photographers simply don’t have.
When selecting a photography business coach, look for someone who:
- Has personal experience with business relocation
- Understands the emotional and practical challenges
- Offers customized strategies, not one-size-fits-all approaches
- Provides a clear roadmap for before, during, and after your move
Through my one-on-one mentoring, I create customized relocation plans for photographers that address their specific genre, target market, and location challenges. This tailored approach has helped photographers cut their “rebuilding time” in half.
Take Action Now: Don’t Wait Until After Your Move
The biggest mistake I see relocating photographers make is waiting until after they’ve moved to start planning their business transition. By then, you’re already behind.
A photography business coach can help you start preparing 3-6 months before your move:
- Researching your new market
- Building a marketing strategy
- Creating location-specific content
- Setting up systems that will work in your new location
Don’t struggle through another relocation alone. Whether through my one-on-one mentoring program, my podcast episodes on relocation, or my “How to Relocate Your Photography Business” guide, I’ve created resources specifically for photographers in your position.
Remember, every photographer and every move is different. Your approach to the craft, your client experience, and the new demographic you’ll serve will all uniquely impact your relocation strategy. Working with the right photography business coach means getting personalized guidance—not just generic advice that might not apply to your situation.
Having relocated my business seven times now, I’m passionate about helping other photographers navigate this challenging transition. Because with the right strategy, relocating doesn’t have to mean starting over—it can be an opportunity to build an even stronger, more profitable photography business.
More Resources from a Photography Business Coach
- 5 Reasons Why You Need a Photography Business Coach When Relocating Your Business
- How to Start a Photography Blog And Boost SEO
- 39 Proven Ways: How to Get More Photography Clients Without Burning Out
- Mastering SEO Keywords For Photographers: A Step-By-Step Guide
- 6 Game-Changing Benefits of Photography Mentoring
- The Ultimate Relocating a Business Checklist for Photographers in 9 Steps
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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