Listen, we love a good golden hour headshot as much as the next girl. Sun flares, fresh blowout, branded coffee mug in hand – yes please. But if you’re a brand new business trying to get your feet under you?

That brand photoshoot can wait.

We said what we said.

Here’s the deal:

Too many new business owners blow their budget on a photoshoot before they have the essentials in place. And then? They’re left with a folder of stunning pics but no real strategy to put them to work.

Pretty doesn’t equal profitable.
Let’s get you both.

So, what should you be spending your money on as a new business?

1. A Brand With Backbone

Your brand isn’t just your logo or a color palette. It’s the heartbeat of your business – the voice, values, visuals, and vibe that people connect with.

Before you pose for a camera, get clear on:

• Who you’re here for
• What you offer, why it matters, and what it costs
• How you want people to feel when they interact with you
  

A solid brand strategy gives your biz direction. It’s your north star – and your best shot at standing out in a scroll-heavy world.

Bonus: when you do book that shoot (with our team, because of course) down the line, you’ll actually know what you’re trying to say with those images.

2. A Website That Works (Hard)

You don’t need ten pages or fancy animations (yet). But you do need a customer-focused site that speaks directly to your people and makes it easy for them to buy, book, or get in touch.

Let’s say it louder for the ones in the back:
Your website is not just a digital business card. It’s your best salesperson.

Whether it’s a landing page that converts like crazy or a full site with room to grow, invest in copy and design that gets you results – not just compliments.

3. Email Marketing With a Plan

Don’t sleep on the inbox. Unlike social media, you own your email list – and that kind of control is everything when you’re building a brand.

Set up the basics:

• A welcome sequence
• A lead magnet (a freebie your audience actually wants)
• A simple monthly newsletter
  

Even with a tiny list, this builds trust and keeps you top of mind – and when you’re ready to launch, those emails will be your best friend.

4. An Organic Social Strategy (Built for Connection, Not Just Aesthetics)

Posting pretty pictures won’t cut it. You need a plan – one that centers your ideal customer, shares your story, and builds a brand that people care about (and come back to).

Start small:

• Show up consistently (without burning out)
• Repurpose your content like it’s your job
• Focus on value over vanity metrics

Social is your playground. Get scrappy, get smart, and get your name out there – no curated feed required.

TL;DR?

That dreamy photoshoot can wait. (And when the time comes, we’ll be first in line to hype you up from behind the camera.) But if you’re just getting started? Focus your time, energy, and cash on the stuff that actually moves the needle.

+ Your brand
+ Your website
+ Your email list
+ Your organic social game

We’ll help you build it – and build it right.