For Photographers: 25 Goals For Your First Year In Business
Make It Happen! 25 Goals for your First Year in Business + A Bonus Goal + A Free Checklist
Hello There!
I assume you’re here because you’re thinking of starting a creative business or have a business and are looking to spice things up. Either way, welcome!
My business story goes like this…
My name is Kayla Ivey and 3 years ago I decided to turn my photography hobby into a full fledged business.
I currently work a “9-5” job as a chemist in Akron, OH. When I tell people that, they become shocked and confused. So let me explain!
In this life I have 2 main passions: Chemistry and Photography. I consider myself quite the lucky lady to be able to happily pursue them both. I have no interest in choosing one life over the other, so I’ve found a way to successfully live with both.
In my photography business, I took the leap 3 years ago to go from hobby photographer to professional photographer. I decided to make the leap mainly because I came across my high school senior photos and cringed. I cringed so hard it hurt. The photos make me upset at how much money my family spent on them. I vowed to be the portrait photographer that I wished I had back then.
When starting a business it’s important to set achievable goals. Below are some goals that I believe are totally achievable in the first or second year of anyone starting a creative business.
Business & Marketing
Write a business plan
Create a mission statement
Become a LLC in your state
Get business insurance
Get a business license with a tax ID
Start a business checking account
Create full portrait contracts
Create workflow checklist for sessions
Create pre-shoot survey about likes, dislikes, props, etc.
Create 3 email templates for frequent responses
Create photo print release
Create a portrait magazine with all offerings (lifestyle, senior, professional, engagement, etc)
Have a Groupon deal
Enter photography contests
Blog & Social Media
Blog at least once a week OR at least 52 posts in a calendar year
Post session sneak peeks on FB business page and tag clients
Create and implement an Instagram strategy
Create and keep a blog content calendar
Release at least 2 opt-in products
Join 5 group boards in your niche on Pinterest (like this one)
Reinvestments
Attend at least 2 classes
Buy 1 new lens
Buy new laptop
Buy 1 new hard drive for photo backups
Get new professional headshots
Bonus Goal!
Write an end-of-year roundup blog post with your checklist, what you achieved, and how you achieved them. You’ll be able to inspire other creative embarking on their first year in business. And just like that you have another blog post!
