Writing a successful wedding photography business plan requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Define your business: Start by clearly stating the purpose of your business and what makes it unique. This might include your photography style, target market, and the specific services you will offer. Think of 3 things that make you different. It could be anything from your style of shooting to the fact that you can charm even the most grumpy mother in law.
2. Check out the local market: Research the wedding photography market in your area to understand the competition and identify any potential opportunities or challenges. If you can see a way to stand out, write that in your plan! It could be something like offering albums to all clients or doing mini highlight films. Don’t compete on price though – charge your worth!
3. Set clear goals: Use the SMART framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to define your goals for the business. These might include financial targets, such as profitability or revenue growth, or operational goals, such as the number of weddings you want to shoot per year.
   For example:
   – Specific: Our goal is to shoot at least 20 weddings per year in the local area
   – Measurable: We will track the number of weddings booked and shot each year to measure progress towards this goal.
   – Achievable: We have the necessary outsourcing abilities, and marketing strategies in place to book and shoot at least 20 weddings per year.
   – Relevant: This goal aligns with our overall business objectives of offering fab photography services to local couples and earning what we need.
   – Time-bound: This goal will be achieved within one year, with the potential for continued growth in subsequent years.
4. Develop a marketing plan: Identify your target market and the best ways to reach them. This might include regular social media posting, email marketing, networking with local vendors, or maintaining a presence on review websites.
5. Outline your service offerings: Clearly define the packages and services you will offer, including the price points and any additional options.
6. Create a financial plan: Estimate your costs and revenue, taking into account expenses such as equipment, marketing, and staff. Set pricing that is competitive but allows for profitability. Use our Wedding Photography Pricing Calculator!
7. Write the business plan: Use the information gathered in the above steps to write a comprehensive business plan that includes a summary, company description, market analysis, marketing strategy, service offerings, and financial plan.

By following these steps, you can create a solid foundation for your wedding photography business and increase your chances of success.

We also have a workbook for self-reflection so you can work out what you need to do to be successful and happy, and use the results in your business plan!