Sr. Marketing

[DeLeon]

What do you guys think about promotions like this?

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...f-e31a3f9055a9

I am getting ready for the class of '08 and looking for more marketing ideas. Myspace actually did pretty good for us this year with the seniors (along with our regular web site) and I think I will look into stepping it up a little this year. Any thoughts?

[Outlaw]

Kind of similar to the referral system we will be implementing this year, based off of Ellie Vayo's senior ambassador program. Ours will be judged on straight referrals, not a contest; so if you refer X number of seniors, you get X.

Referral marketing is smart marketing; it's like word of mouth with a twist. Ever buy candy from a fifth-grader's catalog just so they can win a pizza party for their class? Me too.

[DeLeon]

What time of year do you think is good to start pushing the sr. market?

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by DeLeon

What time of year do you think is good to start pushing the sr. market?

I'd start around Thanksgiving with the Christmas season in mind, and push through graduation.

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I'd start around Thanksgiving with the Christmas season in mind, and push through graduation.

You are severly limiting yourself. Depending upon the are in which you live, weather wise, I start marketing to Seniors in July and end up shooting seniors through the end of May. Christmas time isn't a good time for Seniors as there is too many other things (and ways to spend $$) rather than worry about senior photos. There is a big push right after the holidays thou.

CJ

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by CobyPhoto

You are severely limiting yourself. Depending upon the are in which you live, weather wise, I start marketing to Seniors in July and end up shooting seniors through the end of May. Christmas time isn't a good time for Seniors as there is too many other things (and ways to spend $$) rather than worry about senior photos. There is a big push right after the holidays thou.

CJ

Good point. Thanks.

[bondarnes]

I photographed my last (so far) 2007 senior on May 28th. I photographed my first 2008 senior on May 23 and have photographed 85 sessions so far. I have six sessions tomorrow and nine on Friday. We give free wallets to the senior that refers a friend and also to the friend that comes in from a referral.