Marketing/Advertising Suggestions Requested

[pressp]

I know that "word of mouth" is an effective tool when it comes to getting your name out there, but what other successful strategies have you used?

In that I plan to gear myself toward wedding photography, I had contemplated going with The Knot, but after reading other photog's experiences have decided to pass.

Thanks in advance for your input

Regards

Press

[BenE]

Originally Posted by pressp

I know that "word of mouth" is an effective tool when it comes to getting your name out there, but what other successful strategies have you used?

In that I plan to gear myself toward wedding photography, I had contemplated going with The Knot, but after reading other photog's experiences have decided to pass.

Thanks in advance for your input

Regards

Press

Displays at bridal shops, tux rentals, anyone who provides wedding cakes.

[kayumangi]

I think the key is identifying who your ideal brides are, knowing their nocturnal habits such as where do they shop, what clothes do they wear and so on.

From there you'll know what is the best marketing strategy to reach your ideal audience.

Dismissing one marketing strategy from another based solely on other photographers opinion is not a solid marketing strategy IMO.

[PhotoWiz]

Try different methods and see which has a greater ROI. I'm trying to diversify my marketing myself at the moment. Its best not to have all your eggs in 1 basket.

[Karebear98]

Partner with other businesses. When I do my mobile bartending and someone books with me, they constantly ask..."Do you know a good DJ? How about wedding linen rentals? Know a photographer? ...I get it all the time...so often that at every wedding I bartend at, if I like the staff, we all exchange biz cards and keep in contact through email once in awhile in case they have some biz to throw me or vice versa.

I would suggest you hit up contacts with anyone relating to the wedding industry...caterers, venues, DJ's, photobooth rental guys, linen rentals, cake designers, even delivery drivers and restaurant workers that are setting up at the wedding, they know a lot about what is going on around the area! Margarita machine rental people, bartenders, etc.

I would bring not just a biz card with you but like a postcard sized advertisement with some of your best photos and a sneak peek into your pricing...just so people know where your prices start. Do a "bird dog" type referral program...tell the workers at the wedding if they refer you and the person books, you will pay them X amount of dollars or offer a trade of services.

[Dex]

Here are a few tips:

• Create a website and blog
• Create content/articles featuring your work
• Add social media bookmarking buttons to each article which will allow you and your users to share you content. Be aware there is a difference between Facebook "share" and "like". Like does not share your content.
• Add a Facebook Fanbox to your site allowing visitors to join your Facebook page
• Become a contributor on various sites to gain credibility
• Create a Linkedin profile
• Tweet about your photography

Your blog will serve as a portfolio, promotional and marketing tool. There is so much more but hopefully this will give you some direction. This works well for me, especially since I have been building my portfolio for over 3 years with a wide variety of content.

[Tom]

Do a "bird dog" type referral program...tell the workers at the wedding if they refer you and the person books, you will pay them X amount of dollars or offer a trade of services.

Paying for referrals is very frowned upon in the wedding industry and a lot of vendors will not refer anyone that offers that.

[Karebear98]

Interesting never heard of that...bird dog fees exist in almost any sales that I have ever come across, be it cars, services, or real estate. Interesting to know. Ok..how about a bird dog discount or portrait service...semantics really.