photo by Hayley Williamson Photography
It’s hard to believe 2018 is coming to an end, but here we are with 2019 just on the horizon! With a new year comes reflecting over the past year’s highs and lows and setting new goals and aspirations, both personal and work-related. If you haven’t thought of any resolutions just yet, don’t worry – there’s still time. So before 2019 is officially here, take some time to dream up what you want 2019 to look like for your biz. Need some ideas? We came up with our own list of New Year’s resolutions that you can use for your photography business so that you can put your best foot forward in the new year!
photo by Gina & Ryan Photography
#1 Branding
New year, new you – and what better way to have a New Year’s transformation than by focusing on your business’ brand! Whether you need to freshen things up or complete an entire branding overhaul, you can hire a graphic designer to rebrand your biz. Their expertise and your ideas will create a one-of-a-kind logo and branding elements that are unique to you and your business.
#2 Advertising
Once you have a new logo, then it’s time to put it to the test through advertising! Think about ordering new business cards, participating in a wedding show, or becoming a member of your favorite wedding blog *ahem* Junebug *ahem.* Whatever you choose to do, look into various avenues that will help promote and boost your business in your local market and new areas you’re hoping to break into the near future.
photo by Linda Lauva Photography
#3 Education
A great resolution for your business to invest through education. Whether you attend a workshop surrounded by other photographers or you prefer something online from the comfort of your home, there are options that can please just about anyone!
#4 Incorporate In-Person Sales
If you’ve been thinking of incorporating in-person sales into your business plan, then what better time to take the plunge then the start of a new year. IPS is a great way to grow your client experience and scale your business a higher revenue. By providing prints, albums, and additional heirlooms, you will be giving clients more of what they want while building your business. So hop on the IPS train and get started with selling more to your clients. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with our new e-course Building A Scalable Business with In-Person Sales.
photo by Adventure Instead
#5 Outsource
The editing whirlwind from wedding season has just come to an end – or maybe you’re still in it – but imagine a place where you don’t have a never-ending queue of weddings and sessions to edit. Sounds glorious, doesn’t it? We both know the pros of outsourcing your work so why not just do it. Refer to this post to find the best photo editing company for your needs and start the new year with more time and flexibility in your schedule.
#6 Blog
You didn’t think we’d go an entire blog post without going over the importance of blogging, did you? If you aren’t blogging, you are doing a huge disservice to your business and future clients. Blogging not only helps boost your SEO, but it gives clients an idea of your current work. So the next time you finish up editing a wedding, think of what images you can use for a blog post. Better yet? We already came up with 7 blog post intro ideas that will make editing a breeze.
photo by Brooke Shannon Photography
#7 Hire an Intern
If you have too much on your plate, then it’s time to delegate and hire an intern for your business! Start this new year more organized and less stressed than years past by scaling your business one step at a time. The first step? Hire an intern! Second step? Give your intern these 4 tasks to take care of for you.
#8 Update Your Pricing
Another year has come and gone so it’s time to go over your current pricing structure. If you’re adding more expenses to your business (hello, outsourcing) and have gained more experience under your belt, then don’t be afraid to raise those prices! If you’re needing a little help with how to price your biz, then take a look at this ultimate guide to pricing your wedding photography.
photo by Christy Kendall Photography
#9 Search Engine Optimization
Speaking of SEO, take the time into the next year to improve your Google ranking by working on your website’s SEO. This can be done by blogging – like mentioned above – but you can also hire an SEO consultant to work on your website one-on-one with you. SEO is crucial for securing the longevity of your photography business. Remember, you don’t own your Instagram account but you do own your website! If you need more convincing, enroll in our SEO for Wedding Photographers e-course.
#10 Create a Healthy Work/Life Balance
All of the resolutions mentioned above are great ways to focus on your photography business, but they end up being useless if you aren’t taking care of the number one thing: you! Self-care isn’t just a trendy buzzword, but it is a healthy way to take care of yourself and your basic needs to be a happy and healthy human. Before heading into 2019, take a look at these self-care tips that you can easily incorporate into your business. You’ll be happy you did, trust us!
photo by Rachel Rowland Photography
Wishing you the very best in the new year and hope these resolutions ring true for you and your business!
Did you attend a workshop this past year that you loved? Tell us about it here!
