Most of the targeted advertising in my field is very expensive. I have a website, and make a point to pass out my business cards to each of the vendors I visit, but it seems to be difficult to get customers without spending several hundreds of dollars per month on advertising.
2007-02-15 18:36:35 · 6 answers · asked by wedding planner tx 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
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
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!
2007-02-16 02:51:15 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-25 18:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure how possible it is in your specific area, but make sure to attend trade shows, and get booths at whatever bridal fair you hear about. You need exposure, but it doesn't always have to be paid for (or at least expensive anyway). Maybe you can make a deal with some other business for referalls, example, leave your cards at some bridal shops around town, and make a deal with the owner that if you have a bride or bridesmaids with no dress that you will recommend her shop.
I don't know much about your field, but if you don't already have an album, I would start a book showcasing all of your previous work, so the bride/couple can see examples what you can do. If you haven't had any customers yet, just set up photo shoots with stuff you have, like in your back yard or something like that.
What I've learned in small business is that you have to suck some bum for good business, so maybe you could make nicey nice with people who are responsible for bookings at popular venues, bands/dj's, etc. Don't be opposed to being available whenever they might need you, or to giving discounts/freebies. And it might be sneaky, but learn everything you can about your competitors, and don't be afraid to use that information to your advantage!
2007-02-15 18:53:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your business is wedding planning as your ID implies, how about advertising in church bulletins? A lot of churches are doing this to bring in extra income.
Use the newpapers for the engagement listings and then get busy with the phone book for addresses.
Offer referral fees or rewards for former clients.
2007-02-15 18:43:27 · answer #4 · answered by Brian G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PR is free advertising, create some news worthy story around you and your business, charity, technological achievement or excellence, an interesting quirkiness, like a heart warming piece to round off a news segment. Write the news story, video tape it, send it to the editors or news writers as suggestions for stories. You just hand him a complete story, he slaps his name on it and hands it in for his daily submission and you get front page news if your barnum and bailey.
2007-02-15 18:45:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I sent out letters to folks I thought would refer business my way, letting them know I was available, but also my experience. Maybe you could do that. You can make brochures on your own computer & have them copied at Kinkos. Once business starts rolling in, word of mouth will be all it takes, but I know its the "getting started" part that's rough.
Good luck.
2007-02-15 18:46:26 · answer #6 · answered by sweetsinglemom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
word of mouth is the best free advertising ever. Tell EVERYONE you know about your business first and foremost
2007-02-15 18:39:51 · answer #7 · answered by melchuck29 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a business card at laundry mats and at grocery stores.
2007-02-15 18:39:51 · answer #8 · answered by Rachael M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋