Girl Means Business

Hosted by Kendra Swalls

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308

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Girl Means Business podcast, the ultimate destination for creative female entrepreneurs looking to elevate their small businesses to new heights! Join your host Kendra Swalls, a former teacher turned photographer and marketing expert, as she, and her guests, share invaluable insights and actionable strategies every week. Whether you're just starting out or already on your entrepreneurial journey, this podcast is your go-to resource for inspiration, guidance, and practical tips. Kendra's laid-back and fun approach will make you feel like you're chatting with a close friend over a cup of coffee (or wine...no judgment here). Get ready to dive into engaging conversations with successful female entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who have mastered the art of building and growing businesses. They'll share their stories, triumphs, challenges, and insider secrets, giving you the tools you need to navigate your own entrepreneurial path. From marketing hacks and social media strategies to productivity tips and personal development, the Girl Means Business podcast covers it all. Each episode is packed with actionable takeaways that you can implement right away, helping you level up your business game while having a blast along the way. Join the growing community of fierce and fabulous female entrepreneurs who are taking the business world by storm. Tune in to the Girl Means Business podcast every week, and together, let's turn your dreams into reality!

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June 3, 202624 min

Photography Business Mistakes to Avoid

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode Photography Business Mistakes to Avoid Every photographer makes mistakes when starting and growing a business — the key is learning from them before they cost you time, money, or burnout. In this episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , I’m sharing some of the biggest photography business mistakes I’ve made over the years (and the lessons I learned the hard way) so you can avoid falling into the same traps. From underpricing and overcomplicating my marketing to trying to do business like everyone else, we’re talking honestly about the things that held me back — and what actually helped me build a more sustainable photography business. In this episode, we cover: Why charging too little can hurt your business long-term The problem with trying to market like everyone else Common photography marketing mistakes photographers make Why simplifying your booking process matters more than you think The hidden cost of constantly comparing yourself to other photographers Why relying only on social media is risky How saying yes to everything can quickly lead to burnout We’re also talking about the importance of creating a photography business that works for you instead of trying to fit yourself into every trend, strategy, or expectation online. Because sometimes the best business lessons come from the mistakes we’d never repeat. 🎧 Tune in for honest advice, relatable stories, and practical reminders that you don’t have to build your business the hard way. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

May 27, 202624 min

What Clients Really Notice About Your Photography Business

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode What Clients Really Notice About Your Photography Business Spoiler alert: it’s probably not your camera. Photographers spend a LOT of time worrying about gear, editing styles, presets, and whether they need the newest lens to stay competitive. Meanwhile, most clients are focused on something completely different. They’re wondering: “Will my kids behave during photos?” “Is this going to feel awkward?” “Will this photographer make the process easy?” “Can I trust them?” In this episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , we’re talking about what clients actually notice about your photography business — and why connection, trust, and experience matter far more than technical perfection. In this episode, we cover: Why photographers often market to other photographers instead of potential clients The real things clients pay attention to before booking How trust and communication impact booking decisions Why your client experience matters more than expensive gear The role simplicity plays in attracting more inquiries How to make your business feel more approachable and trustworthy We’re also talking about the hidden marketing mistake many photographers make: focusing too much on features instead of focusing on how they make people feel. Because clients aren’t booking you for your camera settings. They’re booking you because they trust you to guide the experience. 🎧 Tune in for a refreshing reminder that building a successful photography business isn’t about having the fanciest gear — it’s about creating an experience people feel excited and confident about. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

May 20, 202620 min

How to Get Your Photography Business Found in AI Searches

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode How Photographers Can Show Up in AI & ChatGPT Searches Search is changing fast - and photographers need to pay attention. People are no longer just Googling “family photographer near me.” They’re starting to ask AI tools like ChatGPT for recommendations, advice, and business suggestions in a more conversational way. So what does that mean for photographers and small business owners? In this episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , we’re talking about the future of search, how AI tools like ChatGPT gather information, and how photographers can position themselves to show up in AI-generated search results. In this episode, you’ll learn: How AI and ChatGPT searches are changing online marketing Why searchable content matters more than ever What photographers can do to improve visibility online Why blogs, FAQs, and website clarity are becoming increasingly important How to create content AI tools can actually understand and recommend The difference between social media visibility and search visibility Why helpful, human content is outperforming “perfect” marketing We’re also talking about why this shift is actually good news for photographers who are tired of constantly chasing social media algorithms and short-lived content trends. Because the future of marketing isn’t about being the loudest online. It’s about being the clearest and most helpful. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to future-proof your photography marketing strategy and make your business easier to find in the age of AI search. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

May 13, 202621 min

Blogging for Photographers (part THREE)

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode Blogging for Photographers Part 3: How to Turn Blog Readers Into Paying Clients Getting people to your blog is only half the strategy. In Part 3 of the Blogging for Photographers series, we’re talking about what actually matters: how to turn blog readers into real inquiries and paying clients . Because traffic is great… but bookings are better. If you’ve been blogging but not seeing results, chances are you’re missing one key piece — guiding your reader to the next step. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why blog traffic alone doesn’t lead to bookings The biggest mistake photographers make after writing a blog post How to naturally introduce your services without sounding salesy Where and how to add clear calls to action (CTAs) How internal linking keeps readers engaged and moving through your content How your blog builds trust before a client ever reaches out Your blog isn’t just content — it’s part of your marketing system. When done well, it helps move potential clients from searching → reading → trusting → booking . 🎧 Tune in to learn how to turn your blog into a tool that not only gets found on Google, but actually helps grow your photography business. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

May 6, 202626 min

Blogging For Photographers (Part TWO}

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode Blogging for Photographers Part 2: How to Write Blog Posts That Actually Get Found (Simple SEO) You don’t need to be an SEO expert to write blog posts that bring in clients. In Part 2 of the Blogging for Photographers series, we’re breaking down how to create blog content that actually gets found on Google...without overcomplicating the process or sounding like a robot. If you’ve ever wondered why your blog posts aren’t getting traffic (or if you’ve avoided blogging altogether because SEO feels overwhelming), this episode will give you a simple, practical approach you can actually use. In this episode, you’ll learn: What SEO really means (in normal, non-techy language) How to choose blog topics your ideal clients are already searching for Why your blog title matters more than anything else How to write in a way that’s both SEO-friendly and natural The simple structure every blog post should follow How to use your location to show up in local searches Blogging doesn’t have to be complicated. When you focus on being clear, helpful, and intentional, your content can start working for you long after you hit publish. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to write blog posts that help your photography business get found — and set the foundation for turning readers into paying clients. 👉 Next Episode: In Part 3, we’re diving into how to turn blog readers into actual bookings so your content doesn’t just get traffic - it gets results. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

April 29, 202633 min

Blogging for Photographers {Part ONE}

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode Blogging for Photographers Part 1: Why Blogging Still Works + What to Write About Think blogging is outdated? Think again. In this first episode of the Blogging for Photographers series, we’re breaking down why blogging is still one of the most powerful marketing strategies for photographers — especially if you want to book more clients without relying on social media. While social media posts disappear in hours, blog content works for you long-term, helping potential clients find you through Google searches when they’re actively looking for a photographer. In this episode, we cover: Why blogging for photographers still works in 2026 The difference between social media marketing and search-based marketing How blogging helps photographers get found on Google Why blogging is a long-term strategy that continues working over time How to stop guessing what to write and start creating content your clients are actually searching for You’ll also learn how to come up with blog post ideas that attract your ideal clients, including: Location-based blog topics (like the best places for photos in your area) Educational content that answers client questions Planning guides for sessions, weddings, and milestones How to turn frequently asked questions into blog posts that rank on Google If you’ve ever wondered how to get more photography clients without constantly posting on social media, this episode will show you how blogging can become a key part of your marketing strategy. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to use blogging to grow your photography business and create content that works for you long after you hit publish. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

April 22, 202623 min

Will AI Replace Photographers? The Truth About AI in Photography

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode Will AI Replace Photographers? The Truth About AI in Photography AI is everywhere right now — from editing tools to image generation to content creation — and it’s raising a big question for photographers: Is AI going to replace photographers? In this episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , we’re having an honest, grounded conversation about the role of AI in the photography industry, what’s actually changing, and what photographers should (and shouldn’t) be worried about. This isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity. In this episode, we’ll cover: What AI is currently capable of in photography and editing The biggest concerns photographers have about AI replacing their work What AI does well — and where it falls short Why client experience, connection, and trust still matter more than ever The real risk photographers should be paying attention to How to use AI as a tool to simplify your workflow and save time Technology is always evolving, but the heart of photography hasn’t changed. Clients aren’t just hiring someone to create images — they’re hiring someone to guide them, connect with them, and capture real moments. 🎧 Tune in to learn how AI is impacting the photography industry and how you can adapt, stay relevant, and use these tools to your advantage. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

April 15, 202620 min

What To Do When Your Business Feels Overwhelming

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode What to Do When Your Business Feels Overwhelming Feeling overwhelmed in your business? Like no matter how much you do, there’s always more on your plate? In this episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , we’re talking about what to do when your business feels overwhelming — and why the solution isn’t doing more, but simplifying what you’re already doing. After taking a short break from the podcast, I’m sharing what led me to step back, what I realized about burnout and business overwhelm, and how choosing a “word of the year” helped me refocus my time, energy, and priorities. We’ll cover: Why business overwhelm isn’t a time problem — it’s a complexity problem How to simplify your business without sacrificing growth What to focus on when you feel behind or stuck If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, stuck in comparison, or unsure what to focus on next, this episode will help you take a step back, clear the noise, and get back to what actually matters. 🎧 Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about simplifying your business and creating a marketing strategy that supports your life — not overwhelms it. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

March 4, 202627 min

Photography Marketing Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode You can be incredibly talented behind the camera… and still unknowingly make your business look unprofessional. In this episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , I’m sharing 8 common mistakes photographers make that quietly hurt their credibility, confidence, and bookings. These aren’t dramatic red flags — they’re small habits that feel harmless but can change how potential clients perceive your brand. We’re talking about things like: Posting your editing queue online (and why it may make clients feel like a number) Being vague about what you actually do (“I capture moments” isn’t a marketing strategy) Hiding who you are instead of building a personal brand Only posting photos instead of building connection Failing to follow up with inquiries (hint: people are busy, not uninterested) Making your booking process overly complicated Only marketing when you’re slow Minimizing your business instead of owning your expertise Professionalism isn’t about being stiff or corporate. It’s about being clear, confident, and consistent. If you want to book more clients and build a photography brand that feels trustworthy and established, this episode will help you identify what might be holding you back — and how to fix it. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to elevate your photography business and avoid the small mistakes that could be costing you big opportunities. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness

February 25, 202628 min

Automations Every Photographer Needs (To Save Time & Book More Clients)

Send Me A Message or Question About This Episode If you feel like you’re constantly answering the same emails, sending the same information, and following up manually with every inquiry… this episode is for you. In today’s episode of the Girl Means Business Podcast , we’re talking about the essential automations every photographer should have in place to save time, reduce stress, and increase bookings — without losing the personal touch. Automations aren’t about being robotic. They’re about being consistent. And consistency builds trust. In this episode, you’ll learn: The must-have inquiry response automation that builds instant professionalism Why follow-up emails are critical (and how to automate them) How to create a simple nurture sequence that turns subscribers into clients Editing workflow and automation tips Tips for creating and scheduling content in a way that feels authentic but still give you more time If you’ve ever felt like you’re the bottleneck in your own photography business, these simple systems can change everything. Marketing doesn’t have to depend on your energy, your mood, or your schedule. With the right automations in place, your business can keep moving forward — even when life gets busy. ✨ Watch All the GMB Episodes on my YouTube Channel ✨ https://www.youtube.com/@girlmeansbusiness _______________________________________ ✨ Got a burning biz question? ✨ I’m all ears! Drop your question here, and I might just answer it in an upcoming episode! ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0DmOLEQ8xjWf98Xcf7K9YBhhaXRiIkuoOTqirVHlRk/prefill _______________________________________ 💡 Let’s Grow Your Business (The Easy Way!): Done-For-You Monthly Content: Skip the stress & get content that converts ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/resources 1:1 Coaching With Me: Personalized strategy to take your biz to the next level ➡️: www.girlmeansbusiness.com/contact _______________________________________ 🎁 Freebies (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?!) Email Marketing Starter Kit – Get clients sliding into your inbox ➡️ - www.girlmeansbusiness.com/emailkit Know Your Niche Workbook – Find your focus & attract dream clients ➡️ - https://spring-feather-348.myflodesk.com/ ______________________________________ Let’s Be Business Besties! Instagram : www.instagram.com/girlmeansbusiness Facebook : www.facebook.com/girlmeansbusiness