Today we are diving into a topic and question that comes up a lot: how to move your business to a new location. Whether you’re a military family, your spouse is getting relocated at his or her job, or you’re just moving to a new city for kicks and gigs, the practical side of moving a business (especially for you service providers out there) can be difficult. It can feel like ALL the work you’ve put into building up a clientele is thrown out the window and you’re back to ground zero. You might not know this, but we both started our photography businesses originally in Ohio and Kansas. We both have experience navigating the challenging waters of how to successfully transition your business to a completely new location.

Today we’re diving into HOW to practically transition your business to a completely new market, the strategies we did, and what we learned along the way. If you’re finding yourself in the season of preparing for an upcoming move and nervous about HOW to go about it for your businesses’ sake, this episode is for YOU!

 

1. Change everything online to reflect your new location before you move

This is key! Don’t wait until you have arrived in your new location to suddenly shift your information and bio. Adjust this the minute you know you are going to be moving to a new location. On your website, update your who, what, and where to shift to your new location.

Relook and restructure the SEO on your website to strategically target your new location. When you put your photos on your website, make sure you are very strategic in your naming, and don’t be afraid to include the name of the location you are moving to in the file name.

Be sure to change your social media locations when you post as well as hashtags and geotags.

You can also work on paid advertising in your new location such as Facebook and Instagram ads that allow you to target based on location. 

 

2. Aggressively pursue community and clients in your new location

Follow local businesses online before you move there to start networking. Immediately plug into the community there. This can be a church, gym or yoga classes, Tuesdays Together with The Rising Tide Society, local photography Facebook groups, etc. 

Intentionally network and build a community around you before you even get there and especially once you do get there. You need friends, but it can also be a smart business move. 

Don’t be afraid to follow local businesses and DM them. Offer to take them out to coffee or lunch and tell them that you are looking to build connections! Be honest, and people will respect it. 

Set up shoots or services for free in your new location (especially for wedding vendors).  

Reach out to second shoot or shadow a wedding if you are a wedding photographer or vendor! Or, just offer to help them in any way! You can also reach out to someone that is in your industry and offer to be a free intern or apprentice and help them in any way, shape, or form. If you send this email in the right way and are gracious and kind, it will be well received. 

 

3. TALK ABOUT IT! (A lot!!)

Talk about it every way you possibly can! Write blog posts about why you are moving, what you love about the location, or blog your work that is based in that new location!

Put it all over your social media captions and create Youtube or IGTV videos about the move! 

Integrate it into any and everything you are talking about! Share your experience and journey to bring people along! Share the excitement that welcomes people into the celebration, the nervousness, and the journey. It’s a great way to be open and honest and invite people into your life. 

Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family if they know anyone in the new location you can connect with! 

Make sure to post several times because you have to remember that not everyone that follows you sees each post and story. 

 

Episode Links

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www.theheartuniversity.com/content

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