Keep It Moving

Between the two of them, Alison & Melissa have combined 27 years in photography, 10 years in IT and have lived through 9 business relocations. Four moves ago Alison was frustrated watching peers grow their businesses in one place while she was starting from over again. She knew she couldn't be the only one relocating and wanting more financial stability. Despite Googling, all she could find were vague blog posts, moderately interesting podcasts but not one truly helpful resource on how to relaunch a business in a new city. Since then, Alison has streamlined a process to relocate and restart my business faster - booking clients within a month of arriving in a her newest location. It is possible to have clients waiting for you on the other side! Alison can help get you there. Melissa pivoted after 10 years as a wedding photographer to lifestyle newborns and then moved her photography business twice in 2 years. Each time she used SEO to get found on Google. As a former IT nerd, Melissa has a knack for taking technical things and making them simple and relatable. She's using that superpower for good and helping photographers tackle their website SEO and get booked by their ideal clients! We’ve coached each other through all this via Marco Polo and now we're bringing our Polos public! On this podcast we’ll give you actionable steps to help keep you and your business moving.

039: Profit First In Your Business

Another episode on money, Profit First is a financial framework both Alison & Melissa use in their businesses.  Weather you're new in business, struggling to make a profit or a seasoned pro, Profit First is bound to have some insight on organizing, saving, and creating profit in your business.  And, if you're making  any of the money mistakes from last episode, this book will help you straighten it out!  Buy the book!    Links: Leave a review in Apple Move Your Business Checklist Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

12-11
19:03

69: Mini Mentoring with Melanie near Tulsa, OK

Mini Mentoring is a series where we get the low down on a real life business owner in need of more something.  Whether that’s because they’ve relocated, or pivoted niches we’re walking through their business can giving them our recommendations to keep it moving. We’re talking to Melanie of Melanie Foster Photography who as switched this year to IPS model. We’re discussing her: Follow-up SOP gaps Email list nurturing Tulsa mom groups   We’re looking for another photographer willing to jump on the podcast for another episode Mini Mentoring! Complete this form to apply.   Links: Braden Drake’s Contract Club Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download Move Your Business Checklist Download Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

09-29
27:54

68: Hotels & Hustle - Get away to Get It Done

We're spilling the tea on our secret weapon for actually getting sh*t done! You know those massive projects collecting dust while you're playing taxi driver and snack distributor? Time to ditch the chaos and get strategic about your productivity game. Key Takeaways: Escape artist mode activated  Hotel lobby > home office  Baby steps, big wins    Think you're ready to finally tackle that project you've been avoiding? Melissa's SEO coaching programs help ambitious photographers create systems that actually work with mom life (not against it). Ready to stop making excuses and start making moves? Let's figure out how to carve out focused work time in your beautifully chaotic life. Grab a free 15 minute discovery call and let's plot your productivity takeover! Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa’s Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

09-22
14:33

67: Q3 Check In: The Good, The Bad, & The Chaotic

We're back after our summer break! Today I'm sharing our quarterly review process and the wins, challenges, and lessons learned from Q2 while juggling business and kids. Key Takeaways: Do quarterly reviews Finding the right associate takes time Plan ahead for time off Melissa's SEO services and Blogging Club help photographers build sustainable online traffic for long-term growth. Book your free 15 minute discovery call with Alison for personalized business mentoring.   Links: Braden Drake’s Contract Club Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Download Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

09-15
33:24

66: Stop Marketing Like a Hot Mess

We're talking about getting your marketing calendar planned out so you stop throwing together last-minute events and hating life. Master Calendar Strategy  Long Marketing Runways  VIP Lists & Testing   Ready to level up your marketing? Get Melissa's free guide for where to reshare you blog posts.  Book Alison's free 15 minute discovery call to explore how she can help you create a business that moves with you. Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa’s Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

09-08
23:10

Summer Replay : Marketing Mondays: How to Stop Working IN Your Business

If you're tired of feeling like you're always working IN your business instead of ON your business, this episode is for you. We're breaking down the concept of Marketing Mondays – dedicating at least one day a week to focus on marketing tasks that actually move the needle. The truth is, we've all been there: busy season hits in the fall, we get caught up in client work, and suddenly we stop marketing. Then January rolls around and our calendars are empty because we weren't nurturing our pipeline. Sound familiar? Today we're sharing our real marketing systems – not the pretty Instagram version, but what actually works when you have limited time, kids at home, or a full-time job on top of your photography business. From Melissa's recording days where she batches 10 SEO tips at once, to Alison's Google Tasks system that keeps her accountable, we're pulling back the curtain on how we execute consistent marketing. What you'll learn in this episode: How to identify your "minimum required effort" for marketing each week The tools and systems we actually use to stay consistent (Google Tasks, Meta's native scheduler, and more) Why you don't need to be on every platform – and how to choose the right ones for your business How to batch content creation to save time and mental energy Real examples of how we repurpose one piece of content across multiple platforms Resources Mentioned: Episode 27: Taking One Blog Post and Turning It into a Week of Marketing Episode 46: Time Blocking Your Calendar The Blogging Club: https://thebloggingclub.com (use code KEEPITMOVING for 50% off first month) Google Tasks for recurring marketing reminders Meta's native scheduler for Instagram and Facebook posts Trello for organizing evergreen content Your Next Steps: Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog  

08-25
19:46

Summer Replay : Evergreen Content That Works While You Sleep

What if we told you that a blog post you wrote almost ten years ago could still be driving traffic and booking clients today? That's the magic of evergreen content, and today we're pulling back the curtain on our best-performing blog posts that keep on giving. We're talking about content that literally works while you sleep – posts that continue to attract your ideal clients months or even years after you hit publish. From Alison's Virginia Beach restaurant guide that still ranks nationally to Melissa's DIY newborn photo tutorial that gets 10,000 clicks in three months, we're sharing the real numbers behind our evergreen strategies. This isn't just about writing blog posts that perform well once. It's about creating content that compounds over time, establishing you as a local expert, and getting in front of your ideal clients before they even know they need a photographer. What you'll learn in this episode: The exact blog posts that drove thousands of clicks and real client bookings Why some evergreen posts outrank your main photography pages (and why that's actually good) How to turn seasonal content into evergreen traffic magnets year after year The difference between awareness content and client education content Why a golf-themed nursery post and a staircase gallery tutorial are still driving inquiries Resources Mentioned: The Blogging Club membership (use code KEEPITMOVING for 50% off first month) Google Search Console for tracking your blog performance Previous episode on turning blog posts into a week of marketing Episode on local expert strategies Your Next Steps: Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

08-18
23:58

Summer Replay : Our Favorite Keyword Research Tool + How We Use It Daily

Ever feel like you're writing blog posts into the void? Like you're creating all this content but nobody's actually searching for it? We've been there, and we have the solution. Today we're diving deep into our absolute favorite keyword research tool that has completely transformed how we approach SEO and content creation. This isn't just another "SEO is important" conversation – this is the actual tool we use every single day to figure out what our ideal clients are typing into Google. You know how we're always telling you to blog consistently and target specific keywords? Well, this one browser plugin is literally the linchpin that makes all of that strategy work. It's how we know what's actually worth writing about versus what sounds good in theory but gets zero searches. What you'll learn in this episode: The $27/year tool that tells you exactly what people are searching for in your area How to spot trending keywords and seasonal opportunities (hello, Santa photos!) Why your competitor's backlinks are pure gold for your SEO strategy The difference between keywords worth a full blog post vs. secondary keywords How to research an entire year's worth of content in just one hour This tool has saved us countless hours of guessing what to write about and helped us focus our efforts on content that actually drives traffic and bookings. Resources Mentioned: Keywords Everywhere Browser Plugin: https://keywordseverywhere.com Melissa's Keyword Research 101 Course: https://pictureperfectrankings.com Google Search Console (free SEO tracking) Moz backlink database Your Next Steps: Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

08-11
16:10

65: The Truth About AI Search (Spoiler: It's Still Just SEO)

Have you been seeing those "SEO is dead" headlines all over your feed lately? Yeah, me too. And honestly? I'm getting a little fired up about it. So here's the deal – everyone's trying to tell you that AI has killed SEO and now you need to learn some fancy new "AIO" (AI optimization) strategy. They're launching courses, hosting webinars, and basically trying to convince you that everything you've learned about getting found online is now useless. But I'm here to tell you the truth: it's all BS. I literally tested this myself. I hopped on ChatGPT (not even logged in) and asked it to recommend photographers for a casual, at-home newborn session near Charlottesville. Want to know who came up first? Me. And I haven't done a single "AI optimization" on my website – just good old-fashioned SEO that I've been doing for 15 years. The reality is that AI platforms are pulling their information from the same places they always have: search engines like Google. So if you're not showing up on Google, you're probably not showing up in AI searches either. The secret to being found on AI platforms? It's literally just SEO, guys. What You'll Learn: Why AI searches are actually just pulling from Google (and what that means for you) The real-world test that proved SEO still works for AI platforms How to optimize your website copy for the conversational nature of AI searches Why your social media posts now have a longer lifespan than ever before The four SEO pillars that will get you found in both Google AND AI searches How to beef up your homepage copy to capture those detailed AI conversations Resources Mentioned: Picture Perfect Rankings Done-For-You SEO Services: https://pictureperfectrankings.com Group SEO Coaching Program: https://pictureperfectrankings.com The Blogging Club with AI Tools: https://pictureperfectrankings.com Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

08-04
18:53

Summer Bonus : The SEO Strategy That Saved My Photography Business

Hey there! While Alison and I are soaking up those summer vibes until September, I'm not leaving you hanging. I'm sharing some of my favorite guest appearances from this past year – the ones that had you frantically taking notes and diving into implementation mode. This week, I'm bringing you my conversation with Colie James from the Business First Creatives podcast. We dive deep into something that literally transformed my photography business from struggling to fully booked: SEO. And before you roll your eyes and think "SEO is too complicated" or "my Instagram is doing just fine, thank you very much," hear me out. I came from a corporate IT background, so when I started my photography business fifteen years ago, I knew I needed more than just a pretty portfolio. I needed people to actually find me. Fast forward to today, and SEO has been the backbone of every successful move I've made – from wedding photography to newborns and families, through multiple relocations as a military spouse. What you'll learn in this episode: Why most photographers are making the same SEO mistakes that are actually hurting their rankings The simple keyword strategy that transformed my business from crickets to constant inquiries How to research blog post topics that your ideal clients are actually searching for (hint: it's not just "what to wear") The truth about SEO timelines – and why 18 months isn't as scary as it sounds How to leverage your local business connections to boost your Google rankings The AI tools I'm using to streamline content creation without losing my authentic voice Why image naming and alt text are make-or-break for photographer SEO Resources Mentioned: Google Search Console (free SEO tracking tool) Keywords Everywhere tool for keyword research Melissa's Keyword Research 101 Course: https://pictureperfectrankings.com The Blogging Club membership: https://thebloggingclub.com ChatGPT for content brainstorming and meta descriptions Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

07-28
41:38

Summer Replay : Blog Better Than A Bot, How to Stand Out in an AI World

AI-generated content is everywhere, flooding the internet with bland, forgettable posts that all sound exactly the same. So how do we make our blog content stand out to both Google and our dream clients in 2025? Here's the thing - we're not anti-AI. Both Alison and I use it regularly in our businesses, and we think you should too. But we're seeing a huge problem with how photographers are using it for their blogs. They're letting AI completely replace their voice, their stories, and their personality - the exact things that make content memorable and convert readers into clients. The result? Blog posts that cover all the right information but fall completely flat. They're thorough, they hit all the SEO marks, but there's nothing that makes you remember the photographer who wrote them. And in a world where we're all competing for the same keywords and topics, memorable is everything. What You'll Learn: How to use AI as your work bestie (not your replacement) to save time on content creation Why Google's E-A-T guidelines favor human-driven content with personal stories and expertise The biggest mistake photographers make when outsourcing or using AI for blog content How to inject personality and stories into your posts even if you "hate storytelling" Why "what to wear" posts don't have to be boring (and how Alison owns her hatred of them) The difference between using AI to create original content vs. repurposing your existing voice How to make your blog posts more memorable than your competitors who are all covering the same topics Why human connection will always win, even in our AI-dominated world Key Takeaways: "I want you guys to use AI to repurpose your content, especially when you write your blog post and repurpose it out. But the biggest thing is I want you to use AI to save you time, but not replace you entirely." "There's no replacement for human understanding, connection, and voice." "You're not producing memorable content. Like, it's just kind of falling flat... There's no stories anymore. There's no personal stories." "If there's nothing that's telling a story... and they all spit out the same information, and there's nothing memorable about it... They're all using AI saying the same thing." "Google may start prioritizing content that with human signals and expertise... success and SEO will come from blending AI with authentic human driven content, offering valuable personal stories and expert opinions." Resources Mentioned: ChatGPT for content assistance and brainstorming Shannon McKinstry's Instagram expertise and storytelling approach Jen Olmstead from Tonic Site Shop (Friday emails) Creative Moms Focus podcast Google's E-A-T guidelines (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) The Blogging Club membership with 50% off first month (code: KEEPITMOVING) Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

07-21
23:23

Summer Replay : Time Blocking, Calm the Calendar Chaos

Feeling like a ping pong ball bouncing between tasks all day? Constantly switching from editing to emails to client calls and ending up mentally exhausted with nothing meaningful accomplished? We've been there. That scattered, overwhelmed feeling where you're busy all day but can't point to what you actually got done. The research backs it up too - every time we switch from task to task, we waste time and mental energy. As military spouses who've moved our photography businesses multiple times, we've learned that protecting our mental energy isn't just nice to have - it's essential for survival. Between client work, family life, and the chaos of military moves, we had to figure out systems that actually work. What You'll Learn: Why task-switching is draining your brain and costing you precious time How to batch similar tasks together for maximum efficiency (like recording 5-6 videos in the same sweater!) The exact scheduling boundaries we use - including "No Meeting Mondays" and "Free Fridays" How limiting client calls to specific days actually improved our client service Why blocking your kids' school days off immediately is non-negotiable The $39 one-time purchase tool that beats Calendly's monthly subscription Military spouse pro tip: How to block an entire year's worth of holidays using your spouse's Liberty schedule The mindset shift that helped us earn full-time income while working part-time hours Key Takeaways: "There's plenty of research to show that we waste a lot of time when we switch from task to task. So if you can time block and do batch create content or batch edit, then you're saving yourself a lot of time and again, mental fatigue." "I only do client calls Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between twelve and two... I was doing them every single day, and I just was like, I cannot waste more time." "Friday and Monday are completely blocked off on my calendar. So I only do meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday." "I am making a very good amount of money for what I am doing - part time work but it is a full time income." "The first thing I do when I get the school calendar is I immediately go into my work calendar and I block off any days the kids are off school. Every single one of them." Resources Mentioned: Calendly (free version available) TidyCal ($39 one-time purchase) Tave scheduling feature HoneyBook Google Calendar Google Calendar tasks for recurring reminders Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

07-14
28:03

Summer Replay : 80/20 Rule Small Efforts, Big Results for Photographers

Ever feel like you're doing ALL the things in your business but somehow still not seeing the results you want? Girl, we've been there. That's exactly why we're diving deep into the 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) and how it can completely transform the way you run your photography business. The 80/20 rule isn't some made-up business guru nonsense – it's a real principle that shows there's always a huge imbalance between your input and your results. And once you understand this, you can stop wasting time on activities that aren't moving the needle and start focusing on the 20% of efforts that produce 80% of your results. We're getting real about our own businesses in this episode – like how Alison discovered that her social media clients were spending way less money than her SEO clients, or how Melissa realized she was spending hours creating custom pricing videos that half her leads weren't even watching all the way through. What You'll Learn: What the 80/20 rule actually is and why it matters for your business How to identify which marketing channels are actually bringing in your best clients Why Alison limited her discovery calls to only 3 days a week (and saw better results) How to use your CRM data to make smarter business decisions The specific reports in Google Search Console and Google Analytics that matter most Why putting pricing on your website can actually increase your booking rate How to prioritize which pages on your website need SEO attention first The power of batching and planning (like how we organized 6 months of podcast content in 2 hours) Resources Mentioned: Tave CRM for tracking inquiry sources and client data Google Search Console for blog performance and keyword insights Google Analytics traffic acquisition report Flodesk for email analytics The Blogging Club membership Your Next Steps: -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa’s Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

07-07
28:01

Summer Bonus : Real Talk About Marketing with Colie James

Re-Airing: Our Chat with Colie James About Marketing That Actually Works We had such an amazing conversation with Colie James on her Business First Creatives podcast that we just had to share it with you all! Colie invited us on to talk about marketing strategies, and honestly, we got so real about what's actually working (and what we've totally abandoned) in our businesses. If you don't know Colie, she's a business systems expert who helps creative entrepreneurs streamline their workflows and grow profitable businesses. Her podcast, Business First Creatives, is all about the behind-the-scenes business strategies that actually move the needle – which is exactly why this conversation was so good! We dove deep into our Marketing Monday routines, why we're both considering ditching Instagram for YouTube, and how AI has become our "employee of the month." Plus, Alison shared her genius scouting trip strategy that helped her book clients before she even moved to Hawaii, and Melissa talked about why her five-minute homepage audits are her best lead conversion tool. What You'll Learn: The real reason why getting found is harder than creating beautiful work How to use AI as your "employee of the month" (seriously, best $20/month we spend) Why Alison's rankings dropped when she got "content" with her SEO success The power of five-minute audits for converting leads into paying clients How scouting trips and model calls can skyrocket your business in a new location Why we're both considering ditching Instagram for YouTube The art of batching content when you're feeling motivated (not forcing it on a schedule) Email marketing strategies that actually work for photographers Why sometimes the best marketing happens when you blow dry your hair and change shirts five times About Colie James: Colie is a business systems strategist and the host of Business First Creatives podcast. She helps creative entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses through smart systems and strategic thinking. Her no-nonsense approach to business growth is exactly why we love chatting with her! Resources Mentioned: Colie James' Business First Creatives podcast ChatGPT for content creation and repurposing Flodesk for email marketing Descript for video editing Trello for content planning Google Tasks for marketing organization Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Check out Colie James: Business First Creatives podcast Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

06-30
57:05

64: The Real Reason Photographers Avoid Their Books (It's Not Math)

Y'all, can we talk about the elephant in the room? That pile of receipts sitting on your desk, the QuickBooks notifications you've been ignoring for months, and that sinking feeling every time tax season rolls around? Yeah, we're going there today. This week, we're bringing you Melissa's actual bookkeeper, Jenny Vazquez from Foxtrot Bookkeeping, to spill ALL the tea about why photographers need to stop DIYing their books and start treating their finances like the business asset they are. "I just think putting negative energy towards your money is never good... when you're working on your money or looking at your money, you want it to be positive." - Jenny What You'll Learn: The #1 reason photographers should outsource their bookkeeping (hint: it's not what you think) How often you should actually be updating your books (Jenny's answer might surprise you) The most common bookkeeping mistakes photographers make and how to avoid them Why using your personal Venmo for business expenses isn't the end of the world (but here's how to fix it) The difference between working with an independent bookkeeper vs. your CPA's bookkeeping service When to make the leap from spreadsheets to QuickBooks (and why you probably should have done it already) Smart receipt organization systems that will save you during an audit How proper bookkeeping can actually help you make better business decisions throughout the year Bonus Gold Nuggets: 💎 The Gmail Receipt Hack: Create a new email folder each January (like "2025 Receipts") and set up automation to tag PayPal receipts. Just drag and drop receipts throughout the year for instant organization. 💎 The B&H Photo Strategy: Buy all your camera gear from one retailer so you can log into your account years later and pull all purchase history for depreciation tracking. 💎 The Weekly 10-Minute Rule: Jenny's ideal schedule is just 10-15 minutes weekly to review transactions while they're fresh in your memory. 💎 The Venmo Mix-Up Fix: Accidentally paid a contractor from personal Venmo instead of business? Just email your bookkeeper the receipt - they'll handle the reconciliation magic. 💎 The Subscription Audit: Ask your bookkeeper for a list of all your monthly subscriptions. You might be shocked at what you're paying for and forgot to cancel. Connect with our Guest: Jenny Vazquez - Foxtrot Bookkeeping Instagram: @foxtrotbookkeeping Website: foxtrotbookkeeping.com Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa’s Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

06-23
28:05

63: IT Girl to SEO Queen - How Melissa Turned Tech Skills into Photography Gold

Alison is interviewing Melissa, who literally went from fixing computers in corporate suits to building photography empires with killer SEO strategies. If you've ever wanted to throw your laptop out the window because of alt text and header tags (while simultaneously trying to feed your kids lunch), this episode will save your sanity. What You'll Learn: • Why your keywords are having an identity crisis -  Spoiler: Google doesn't know what you do either when you try to be everything to everyone. • The brutal truth about SEO timelines -  Real talk: 6-9 months to see decent progress, 18 months to consistently book clients. It's a marathon, not a sprint. • Group coaching vs. done-for-you decoded - Melissa breaks down why both paths work, depending on whether you have more time or money to burn. Bonus Gold Nuggets: • Blog post templates are secretly broken everywhere - Melissa finds websites with EIGHT H1 headers on every single blog post. That's like wearing eight different hats to one event - confusing and not cute. • The blogging club that doesn't make you cry - Because apparently everyone hates blogging (shame on you!), Melissa created outlines so easy that even your overwhelmed mom brain can handle them. • AI prompts that don't sound like robots - She's teaching photographers how to use Claude for personal stories via voice messages, so your blog posts actually sound like you instead of a corporate manual. • The moving photographer's secret weapon - Start your SEO work 6 months before you PCS. Your future self will thank you when you're not scrambling to book clients in a new location while unpacking boxes.   Ready to stop letting SEO be the monster under your business bed? Melissa's approach strips away all the overwhelm and gives you a clear path forward - whether you want to DIY it or hand it off completely.   Feeling stuck? Get a Book free 15 minute discovery call with Alison to talk through your biggest business challenges and map out a strategy that actually fits your chaotic, beautiful life.   Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa’s Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Use #keepitmovingpod on socials!

06-16
24:07

62: Frustrated to Fearless: How Alison Turned 7 Business Moves Into A Superpower

Melissa is putting  Alison in the hot seat because honestly, she's been way too humble about moving her photography business SEVEN times. Time to spill the tea on how she turned military-spouse chaos into her coaching superpower. 3 Key Takeaways: • "Too Early" Doesn't Exist - Start prepping your business move yesterday. SEO takes 12-18 months to work its magic, and everyone underestimates how time-consuming this whole thing is. • Stalk Your New Market (Legally) - Research everything: traffic patterns, permit costs, whether you can actually shoot on Fridays without losing your mind on I-95. Your business model depends on it. • Embrace the Post-Move Cricket Sounds - After running two businesses simultaneously, you'll hit radio silence. Use it to unpack, find a dentist, and become the local expert instead of panicking at your computer. Ready to level up your photography business? Whether you're moving or staying put, I've got the goods to help you rank higher and book better. Check out my offerings for ambitious photographers who are done playing small. Moving your business and feeling overwhelmed? Alison's done this dance seven times and lived to tell about it. Book your free 15 minute discovery call and let her guide you through the chaos with actual sanity intact.   Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa’s Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Use #keepitmovingpod on socials!

06-09
25:45

061: Mrs. Vondy The Email Queen On Making Money with Email

On this episode, we sat down with Shannon Vondy (aka Mrs. Vondy, aka The Email Queen) to talk about a topic many photographers struggle with - email marketing. As someone who's been a member of Shannon's email club for over a year and a half, Melissa was excited to bring her expertise to our listeners who are relocating or restructuring their photography businesses. Shannon went from burnt out wedding photographer to email obsessed when she sent ONE email and earned $2,600. After earning an additional $13k that year from email marketing alone, she created The Email Club. Through her Email Club Membership, she's helped hundreds of business owners make thousands of dollars using email all in the time it takes to bake a batch of cookies! She's on a mission to make email the easiest and most fun part of your business. Key Takeaways: Starting an email list is simpler than you think - You don't need freebies or complex welcome sequences to begin. Choose an email provider, create a simple opt-in page, and start emailing consistently. Shannon made $2,600 from her very first strategic email! Email weekly for best results - Consistency is key. You can batch-write four emails at the beginning of the month (they don't need to be long) and schedule them. Unsubscribes are normal and shouldn't discourage you - focus on serving those who want to hear from you. Location changes don't mean abandoning your list - When relocating, segment your lists by location and continue providing value to past clients. Share a mix of location-specific content and universal photography tips to stay top-of-mind, even with clients you may never photograph again. Ready to improve your photography business SEO? SEO doesn't have to be complicated! With 15 years in photography and 10 years in IT, I've cracked the SEO code so you don't have to. Whether you want to learn or have someone handle it for you, my coaching and done-for-you services will help you get noticed online and attract your ideal clients. Visit pictureperfectrankings.com to make SEO simple and effective for your photography business. Need help with your photography business strategy? As a military spouse photographer who has moved my business seven times, I know what it takes to adapt and thrive! I've gone from hobby income to consistent 6-figure sales through strategic business practices. If you're ready to break through roadblocks, attract dream clients, and finally see the profits you've longed for, let's work together! Book a free 15 minute discovery call and let's get your business moving in the right direction.    Links: Special gift for listeners from Shannon:Free eBox Keep It Moving Podcast — The Email Club Co theemailclub.co Instagram (@mrs.vondy) Get half off your first year of Flodesk: Design emails people love to get. Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Download Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

06-02
41:03

60: Mini Mentoring with Caroline Eidson in Tulsa, Oklahoma

In this week's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Caroline Eidson for our mini mentoring series where we help photography entrepreneurs navigate business transitions. Caroline's journey from wedding photographer to mom of four to relaunching her photography business specifically for families and newborns offers valuable insights for photographers at any stage of business restructuring. Key Takeaways: SEO Strategy for Photography Websites: Focus your SEO efforts on creating dedicated landing pages for each service, not portfolio pages. Landing pages should combine portfolio images, details, investment information, and FAQs all in one scrollable page for better user experience and stronger search ranking. Target Smaller Markets First: When relaunching in a competitive area, consider targeting smaller suburban markets with dedicated landing pages to build domain authority faster while your main city keywords gain traction. Content Marketing That Serves: Create local-focused blog content that helps your ideal clients (like best baby boutiques or family-friendly restaurants) and repurpose these into lead magnets and social media content to maximize your marketing efforts. Looking for help with your photography business? If you're struggling with SEO, keyword research, or creating effective content for your photography business, Melissa offers customized marketing services to help you attract your ideal clients. Her expertise in keyword research and SEO strategy can help you get found online and book more clients. Learn more at Melissa's website. Want to be featured on a mini mentoring episode like Caroline? DM Alison at @keep.it.moving.podcast on Instagram to apply for your own session! Ready to discuss your photography business challenges? Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alison to explore how mentoring can help you create a business that fits your life. Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Download Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

05-26
32:13

59: Batching Working Smarter, Not Harder

In this episode, we dive into a business strategy that has saved our sanity as photographer entrepreneurs: batching! We explore how focusing on similar tasks for extended timeframes can help you feel more accomplished and less scattered, especially during business relocations or restructuring. Key Takeaways: Start small - Begin with just one repetitive task you can batch for an hour to knock out a couple weeks' worth of work at once. Establish boundaries - Setting specific days and times for certain tasks (like client calls, emails, or ordering) creates structure and helps manage client expectations. Pair with Marketing Mondays - Consider creating a monthly cycle where each Monday focuses on a different marketing task (emails, social media, blog posts) to maintain consistency while avoiding overwhelm. Check out episdoe 51 for more on that! Ready to streamline your photography business? Struggling with profitability? Alison has relocated her photography business seven times as a military spouse and knows what it takes to adapt and thrive. Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alison to learn how you can break through roadblocks and finally see the profits you've been longing for. Feeling overwhelmed by SEO? Melissa has spent fifteen years in photography and ten years in IT cracking the SEO code. Whether you want to learn or have someone handle it for you, visit pictureperfectrankings.com to boost your website visibility and attract your ideal clients. Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

05-19
18:58

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