If you’re a milspouse photographer preparing for a PCS, you don’t have to wait until you arrive at your next assignment to start laying the groundwork for your business. In fact, you can begin planning and researching while still at your current location! Today, I’m sharing a few virtual market research strategies to help you get to know your future market before you even pack a box.

1. Research Local Photographers

A quick Google search for photographers in your new area can reveal a wealth of information. By reviewing the websites of other photographers, you can start to get a feel for the local market and identify trends. Here are some key things to look for:

• Style: Take note of the dominant photography styles in the area. This can help you understand how your own style fits in and what clients might expect.
• Pricing: Check for general price ranges. While you shouldn’t set your prices solely based on others, understanding the local market can help you make informed decisions.
• Packages: Look at how packages are structured. Are most photographers offering all-inclusive packages or focusing on prints and digitals? Understanding these preferences can guide your own offerings.
• Locations: If a photographer has an active blog, take note of the locations they highlight. This can give you ideas for where to shoot once you’ve moved.

Spending time researching local photographers can give you valuable insight into your future market and help you feel more prepared when you arrive.

2. Identify Busy Seasons

Understanding the ebb and flow of demand in your new location is crucial for planning. While seasons like fall and spring tend to be busy for family photographers, regional events and local traditions might also drive demand. For example, cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C., or the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta are notoriously busy times for photographers.

One way to uncover these trends is by using tools like ChatGPT. You can ask for information about popular photography seasons or events in your new area and get a starting point for your research. This can help you plan your schedule and marketing efforts around high-demand times.

3. Explore Facebook and Local Groups

Military spouse and local Facebook groups are goldmines of information. Join base-wide groups, mom groups, small business groups, or any other active communities in your new location. Here are some tips for using these groups effectively:

• Observe the types of questions people are asking about photographers. This can help you understand what potential clients are looking for.
• Engage with the community where appropriate. Even if you’re not local yet, interacting in these groups can build name recognition for your business.

These groups can also help you feel more connected to your new community before you even arrive.

4. Check Out the Location Guides on the ETP Blog

Don’t forget to explore the Location Guides for Milspouse Photographers blog series. These guides feature insights from military spouse photographers about running their businesses in different locations. If your future assignment is covered, you might find some great tips for navigating the local market. And if it isn’t, I’d love for you to share your experience once you’re settled!

Final Thoughts

By researching local photographers, identifying busy seasons, engaging in Facebook groups, and exploring Location Guides for Milspouse Photographers, you can hit the ground running in your new location. These strategies will help you minimize downtime and keep your business thriving despite the challenges of frequent moves.

I hope this was helpful! Click below to watch the full video!

Are you a milspouse photographer? Be sure to check out the Location Guides for Milspouse Photographers blog series too! You can find other tips for moving your business on the blog too. Thanks for being here! 🤍