What are effective ways to market a floral business?

Question

What are some methods and costs of marketing my new floral business? I have some thoughts, but I want other thoughts as well. I am open minded.

Answer 1

Direct mail is easy and relatively inexpensive.

Introduce yourself to people who could refer customers to you.... i.e. wedding planners, (also anyone in the wedding industry...bakers, dress stores, preachers, etc.) Funeral Homes, Churches. Basically anytime people use flowers.

I'd have a good web site.

Join networking clubs.

Answer 2

A few free resources – check out the sources box for links:

1) Create a blog pertaining to your field

2) Use Yahoo! Local & Yahoo! Groups – Be sure to read the TOS for each one!

3) Write articles pertaining to your field and/or expertise.

4) Advertise on Craiglist

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Also, consider signing up for an affiliate program. These programs enable you to advertise on other's sites (your affiliates) and once a sale is made to you, your affiliates & the program are paid a commission.

I listed a few handy sites & articles relating to marketing, promotion & advertising. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 301 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas: From America's Most Innovative Small Companies by Sam Decker
* Off The Wall Marketing Ideas: Jumpstart Your Sales without Busting Your Budget by Nancy Michaels, Debbi J. Karpowicz
* Guerrilla Marketing for Free: Dozens of No-Cost Tactics to Promote Your Business and Energize Your Profits by Jay Conrad Levinson
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

So many ways - some would be original and that will only depend upon your own thoughts and inclinations ...The ones I can think of are :-
1. Prepare a Flowers of the Season Chart and arrange to book them for delivery well in advance - the early worm catches the bird here - 'twill keep the price low.
2 Prepare Seasonal Display Posters and stick them in front of your business place - that will attract customers at the relevant time
3. Prepare pamphlets - low cost ones will do - have them delivered by the newspaper boys in your neighbourhood at least once a week throughout the year.
4. Get a Credit Card reader machine for the major credit cards in your area - slap a big poster - "Pay by Credit Card"
5. Advertise with a ticker on the private TV Channels in your area
6. Prepare brochures of the Floral Displays and show them to the customers who come there and book for later events - only a daily list with names and phone numbers will do - AND remind them of the event in the morning before they leave for office or work. I f you can then book for home delivery with a minimum delivery.
7. Tie up with hotels for daily flowral arrangements in their rooms.
8. Tie up the same way with others
9. Always keep the flowers fresh if possible with a proper air environment.
... and so on .. Go ahead and take the plunge - All the best

Answer 4

Go to bridal shows. Put your product out there with businsess cards all through it. Also, deliver small bouquets to neighboring businesses, announcing yourself. Then, there's the usual, phone book, etc. Good luck.

Answer 5

BECOME FRIENDS WITH THE STAFF AT YOUR LOCAL TACO BELL!