Episode 021: Paige Griffith - Building a Business in a Small Market

Today's guest is wedding photographer and attorney Paige Griffith of Paige Marie Photography. Paige primarily serves the Missoula, Montana area, which—relative to cities that we're near like Baltimore and Washington DC—is a pretty small market, and that's exactly the reason that I wanted to chat with Paige. We often hear from people in smaller markets that some of the strategies out there just don't work for their smaller, especially more rural areas. Well, I wanted to chat with Paige about how she was able to build a six-figure photography business in a smaller market. She outlines the challenges business owners face in those markets and then gives us steps that business owners can take to market their businesses in those areas.

The highlights:

03:02 How a creative outlet in law school led to a full-time business.

10:40 The three challenges of building a business in a small(er) market.

16:15 How Paige intentionally built her portfolio.

20:43 Advertising in a small market, and the importance of choosing the right publications and platforms.

24:03 How marketing with handouts is still effective for Paige, and the importance of building a personal brand.

31:11 The challenge of pricing services in a smaller market—and understanding what your ideal client is willing to pay.

36:56 What it means to 'find a niche, fill the niche, kill the niche.'

43:05 The importance of going to your audience.

45:56 Getting published in local and regional publications.

48:22 How to get participation from other vendors in styled shoots.

50:55 The importance of investing in a website.

55:45 How Paige manages being both a full time attorney and full time wedding photographer.

Paige's Biography:

Paige Griffith graduated in May 2016 from the University of Montana School of Law with high honors, and also holds a double BA in Economics and Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University. During her time in law school, she was actively involved in the Women's Law Caucus, Montana Law Review, and National Moot Court Team. She started a photography business during law school which became a six-figure business in just 3 years. Paige combined her legal and entrepreneurial passions by helping other entrepreneurs and creatives create successful and legitimate businesses. Her goal is to create a space where all small businesses feel protected and confident. The Legal Paige was founded in 2018 and is an online legal consulting and business consulting firm.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

The Legal Paige
James & Jess Photography

Check out the show notes at Davey & Krista for links, resources, transcripts, and other episode materials.