Marketing is the #1 way to grow your event company, but so many event professionals believe they don’t have enough time to spend on strategy. So, we’ve listed three fantastic actionable steps you can take today to bolster the marketing for your event business.
Hold a Stylized Shoot
Stylized shoots are the best ways to showcase your inventory (and they help out fellow event professionals— it’s a win/win!).
When potential clients see beautiful photos of your inventory, they’ll be able to better envision their own event. Photos can be used for a bunch of creative marketing efforts, such as:
- Your website
- Social media
- In emails: as marketing content, and in your email signature
- Facebook Ads
- Google Ads
Photos tell a story— if you can gather models, such as a bride, that’s even better. And, photos can be recycled year after year, especially classic inventory (as opposed to simply what’s trendy in the moment).
Ask for Reviews from Previous Clients
Reviews are powerful because they invoke social proof, which is an important marketing strategy used by all types of companies.
A good review essentially tells potential clients that they should follow in their footsteps: “I chose this event business for my event and had the best experience! So, you should do the same.” A review is a testament to the value of your business.
To ask for reviews, make it easy for your clients by including a link to the website you want them to leave the review on. There are tons out there, but some popular ones include Google, Wedding Wire, The Knot, Yelp, and Angie’s List.
You should add reviews to many of the same places as your photos:
- Every page of your website
- Social media channels (bios, posts, cover photos)
- Marketing emails
- Facebook Ads
- Google Ads
Create or Update Your Email Marketing Strategy
Now is also a great time to revamp your email marketing strategy. Do you already have a newsletter or other marketing emails that you send out? If not, you can easily start one now.
There are many services you can use, such as Mailchimp and HubSpot. When choosing the audience for your emails, you can use a signup form on your website, or even pull your customers from the past year or last holiday season straight from Goodshuffle Pro.
Email marketing is more important than ever right now because it keeps current and potential clients engaged with your brand.
You want to stay top of mind so your event business is the first one potential clients think of when planning their future events.
Some great content ideas for your email campaigns are:
- Create a PDF lookbook (you can use the gorgeous photos from your stylized shoot)
- Share helpful event industry insights
- Host a contest (you can partner with other event businesses too)
- Give personal updates from your event business, such as hour changes, etc.
- Shout out previous clients (use photos and reviews that you’ve been given)
- Show a behind-the-scenes look at your event business
Event Business Marketing Strategies to Boost Sales
Growth is inevitable when you hold stylized shoots, ask for and receive reviews, and focus on your email marketing strategy.
Once you’ve taken these steps, your event company will be in an even more profitable position than before. Driving new business can be a challenge, but you’re now well-prepared with these tips— time to get started!
Carmen Bodziak is the Marketing Associate for Goodshuffle Pro, a party and event rental software company dedicated to empowering those in the events and decor industry. She also currently oversees the Goodshuffle Blog.