9.

What is your target audience in your area? Find out what is in your local area. There are a lot of questions you have to ask your self.

Do you have a lot of portrait photographers and studios in your area?
Do you have a lot of great wedding venues, are there great locations nearby?
How many photographers are listed in your areas yellow pages?
Do you have enough clients to compete with other photographers?
Do you have a comparable portfolio to local photographers?
Are you seeing a lot of people looking for photographers on craigslist?
Are there a lot of ads on craigslist by photographers?

Make sure your in a good market. You have to have the ability to compete with your competition. You have to have enough clients in one area to build your own client list and keep going from there. A saturated market of photographers will reduce your rate significantly just for you to be able to compete.

Research as much as you can about other companies in your area and what their packages are and their hourly rates for the same work you do. Don't undersell your services if your in an area that can handle a higher rate.

Keep an eye on local photographers images, uploads, clients, work, and chit chat to stay connected to the market and industry. Know what your competitors are doing. Check their craigslist posts and what they are currently offering. You can compete through the seasons. Keeping your business close to others who are already being successful can move your business and increase your clients just by a small price reduction or a better or different portfolio.