Hey there, horse photographers!
As we head into the new year, it’s the perfect time for a little business planning for horse photographers.
I know, I know — sounds as fun as watching paint dry, right? But hear me out. A little planning now can set you up for an amazing year ahead. So, grab your coffee (or if you’re like me, a 64-ounce tumbler of ice water), and let’s get to it!
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before diving into fresh goals, take a second to reflect on this year. What worked? What didn’t? Think about the highs and lows and assess the progress of your business.
- Did you finally capture that shot you’ve been dreaming about?
- Did you hit your income targets, or did you spend it all on the latest camera gear?
- Were there clients that were, let’s say, less than ideal for your business?
Remember, every experience is a lesson. Celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and mark areas for improvement in your business planning for horse photographers.
Setting New Goals for Your Horse Photography Business
Now that we’ve looked back, it’s time to look forward. Without setting goals, how do you know where you’re headed? When it comes to business planning for horse photographers, setting SMART goals is key. Here’s the drill:
Specific: Increase my income by $5,000.
Measurable: Attract 5 new clients.
Achievable: Use targeted marketing and referrals.
Relevant: Increase income for business growth.
Time-bound: Achieve this in the next 6 months.
Personally, I love setting little goals. Why? Because I get a little dopamine rush when I check them off one by one. I mean, who doesn’t love that feeling?
“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.”
— Fitzhugh Dodson
Refreshing Your Marketing Strategies
Let’s talk marketing. If you’ve been doing the same old thing for a while, it’s time for a refresh. Seriously. How’s that social media working out for you? Are your posts engaging, or are they getting lost in the endless scroll of not your target audience?
If you’re still just posting and hoping someone will magically book a session, it might be time to revise your strategy. Business planning for horse photographers means having a strategic marketing plan, not just posting “Hey, look at this cute pony I photographed last week. Please, please, please, book me!” every week.
Maybe it’s time to branch out. Marketing needs to have a strategy. Consider a mix of online and offline marketing.
Refreshing Your Brand Identity for the New Year
Branding is EVERYTHING. It’s how your clients recognize and remember you. But does your branding still reflect your vibe, or is it in need of a major overhaul? Does your logo look fresh or is it time for a change? And your website—can clients find what they need without throwing their computer out the window?
If you’re like, “Ugh, branding? I barely have time to post on Instagram,” don’t worry, I’ve been there. But trust me, spending some time on business planning for your horse photography business and updating your branding will pay off in the long run.
Getting Your Finances in Order
Ah, money talk.
Did you hit your income goals this year? Or did you overindulge on that shiny new lens you just had to have? A little business planning goes a long way when it comes to managing your finances.
Review your pricing, track your spending, and maybe give yourself a little raise (you deserve it, after all). The new year is a perfect time to set new financial goals and start planning your budget.
Your Year-End Business Planning Checklist
To wrap things up, here’s your year-end checklist for business planning for horse photographers:
- Review your business plan and vision.
- Evaluate your marketing strategies (and make updates as needed).
- Check your licenses, permits, and contracts.
- Backup all important documents (don’t wait until it’s too late!).
- Schedule equipment maintenance.
- Set time aside for continuing education and skill development.
- Organize your calendar for the year ahead.
This isn’t the most glamorous part of running a business, but trust me, it’s worth it. Keep things organized, and you’ll find it’s a smoother ride into the new year!
Ready to take your horse photography business to the next level?
Want to get serious about taking your horse photography business? Book a one-on-one mentor session today and make next year your most successful year yet.
Betsy Bird, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, TPM, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or acting like a total goofball, she’s hanging with Derby—the puppy currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as a legitimate job skill).
Betsy has earned both her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds the CPP, TPM, and TSD designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA).
An award-winning photographer, Betsy is also a published author, national presenter, and frequent podcast guest. Her book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell, has become a resource for photographers, and she’s been featured on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, The Focal Points Podcast, and more.
Through her digital tools, courses, and mentoring programs, Betsy teaches photographers how to build profitable businesses without the overwhelm. She is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field… get it?).