How can I launch my wedding invitation side-business better?

Question

On the side, I make invitations from my home. They are "message in a bottle" invitations. I am proud of my work and I do them quite well! I know that I have the best prices, too. I can't seem to get my name out there, though. How can I get more business? I already advertise on Craigslist.
Thanks!

Answer 1

There are a few things you can do. You can try networking. Read your newspapers and find when there will be bridal trunk shows in the area. Most of the time, there are wedding planners there, caterers, bands, and florists. So I would attend and give out your business cards to everyone in sight. Also, I would have some set you up with your own website on the internet. It may cost you a little for his work, but to have a domain which is what they call it costs nothing or next to nothing. Then give it a snazzy name and show photos of your work, pricing etc. Drop some business cards at wedding centers, bridal stores. Also continue to advertise on Craig's List and if you can get one bride to be who uses your services, and raves about your work to other people, you will get more business than you can handle. But it takes time. I would say, it would take at least two years to be successful. So don;t give up..just keep plugging along Good Luck

Answer 2

I agree with the kenz_spenz, starting a website is the best way to get noticed. I started a wedding website 6 months ago at it has been great.

There are many website developers that will charge you thousands of dollars to set up a site and then give you little or
no support.

Go to http://www.wedding-savings-for-bride-groom.com/site-build-it.html to get information about the site builder I use. It is inexpensive and the support is fantastic.

Once you build the site let me know and I will link to it from mine.

Also, I would like to see some of your work. I'm always looking to promote good products.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

This may sound cheesy, but it can work.
Take photos of both the invitation and one of the invite in the bottle. Make sure they are good quality.
Find boards, such as in grocery stores, and post them.
When I first started my wedding planning business, someone suggested it to me, and it worked!!!!!!! Got business, was able to come up with better advertising, etc.

Answer 4

Craigslist is not the best place. Get a yellow pages ad, set up a website, network bridal businesses.

Answer 5

Networking, networking, networking!!! You definitely need a website! I would also suggest to visit your local wedding shows and you can leave your business card with other wedding professionals or hand them to out to brides.

I think once you have a website, you will see a big increase. I am sn event planner myself and would be happy to refer you if you had a website that people could view your portfolio!!

Good luck!

Answer 6

I am a entreprenuer and own a small company myself..I would ask you not to list in in craiglist..but get a website for yourself..that shows the real intrest in business.
The investment would be a bit high..and it takes about 6-8 months for a good website to gain popularity..but after than you earn really well.

Answer 7

I agree with the previous comments. try homestead.com to develope and maintain your web-site for as little as $10.00 per month. I have the same business as you and this is where I am going to build my site after I put together a great portfolio

Answer 8

Leave samples at local bridal dress shops,along with business cards,and offer a commission to the owner...let them do the work for you...

Answer 9

Ask local bridal shops if you can leave business cards or advertisements with them.

Answer 10

Try ebay and include your web info in the auction.