Turn Your Next Bridal Show into a Ca$h Cow
by Natalie Bradley(6)Natalie Bradley Events
Unfortunately, bridal shows usually get a bad reputation of attracting low-end couples and as a result many businesses shy away from taking advantage of this major marketing opportunity. The interesting thing is that there are actually quite a number of very high-end brides and grooms who attend bridal shows. You just have to know how to get them to come to your booth and market to them following the show.
You see, most people who do not have good experiences at bridal shows think that you just show up, put your information out on your table, and dozens of brides will just pick up your materials and call you, begging you to work with them. Well, it doesn't work this way .. at all.
FIRST, when you go to a bridal show, make sure to have eye-catching elements for brides to see so that you stand out from the crowd. Luxurious pictures blown up on foam board or framed beautifully, for instance, will definitely get their attention. I also always suggest having a beautiful live arrangement at your booth would be lovely and get a lot of attention!
Then you absolutely must have a follow up system in place so that you can market to brides after the show. Only about 10% of the marketing is done at the show itself, while 90% happens AFTER the show is over. When preparing for your show, go ahead and have your marketing materials ready to go to email, mail and call the day after the show. This is very important!
And, at your booth, make sure to offer a really juicy offer for brides i f they sign up with their information - Name, email, address & phone is ideal - even though you'll get a lead list following the show. This is important for a few reasons. First, this will enable you to follow up immediately after the show before all the other vendors start overwhelming them with their marketing materials. Also, this list will be comprised of HOT, HOT, HOT leads for you. If they came by your booth and were excited enough to give you their information, that is HUGE! These are the cream of the crop from the show to target more than any others.
It also helps to network with wedding vendors who will also help to promote your company while at the show. I always suggest bringing cookies in the shape of your logo, a wedding cake or something bridal, wrapped beautifully, with a business card attached that says something like "Good luck with the show today!" You could also do breath mints, or really anything thoughtful and personalized.
This way, you won't annoy vendors trying to setup their booths in time, but you will stand out by offering something to them, even though it's small. You are now in the category of a generous team player as opposed to a desperate vendor at the show. You'll be the most popular one there!! : ) Your Bride Attraction Assignment: These are just a few how-tos in turning your next bridal show into a CA $H cow. For more, we've actually created an entire product to walk you through the system. Click here to get your own copy today and turn your next bridal show into a huge success! ( link this to the 2 step check out for the bridal show ca$h cow product please )
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Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Natalie Bradley publishes the "Bride Attraction" weekly e-zine. Get your F*REE audio course: "5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Wedding Business...Starting Today!l" at www.BrideAttraction.com
Many of our events illustrating fantastic event design and well-orchestrated weddings have been published in reputable magazines including Inside Weddings, Modern Bride Atlanta, The Knot Georgia, Lake Oconee Living, Weddings with Style, Brides.com Blog and Southern Distinction. From 2003-2007, Natalie penned the entertaining column for Southern Distinction magazine and has been the "lifestyle expert" on Georgia Living TV and Holiday Home. In addition, Natalie has been a special guest on BB Webb's Living Life with Style TV show as well as being featured on Elizabeth Dalton's and Barbara Dooley's radio shows! Natalie has planned, designed and most recently chaired the very successful Girls and Guys' Night Out Hope Haven fundraiser for the last three years, and is the President Emeritus for Athens Wedding Professionals.
We have worked with dozens and dozens of brides, grooms, hosts and families to create their dream weddings and other extraordinary events. Now, let me help you become a fabulous wedding professional too!
Article submitted Tuesday, February 09, 2010 & read 163 times.
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