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05/05/2009 03:41:35 PM · #1 |
On what to include..
I received a list from a bridal magazine that I'm listing with for the next year - its got names/dates/addresses for brides in their database. I'm wanting to do a direct mail for brides whose weddings are about 3 months out and further. I have a 5x7 double sided card from WHCC that I print samples of my work on one side and my contact info and a discount.. with a brief "about me" on the back.. with more samples... And I probably need to include my pricing list?? Anything else you can think of?? |
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05/05/2009 03:49:07 PM · #2 |
| I would do a little research and try and narrow it down even more. Direct mailing isn't cheap, so you need to make it as targeted as possible. Since you have addresses, im sure you are familiar with your area, maybe try and target certain economic demographics? |
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05/05/2009 03:53:13 PM · #3 |
| Well, the list doesnt go into that much detail. Like I said it's from a regional bridal magazine (weddingswithstyle.com) that they have signed up with. There's maybe 200 that I'm looking to shoot at.. but I'll do it in waves.. get the ones who's weddings are in August/Sept first.. see if i get any bites.. then try Oct/Nov.. |
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05/05/2009 04:12:31 PM · #4 |
Even if you just take the zipcodes and do something as simple as Google Streetview the area....youll be able to determine the type of area real quick. From my time in sales, I quickly learned that direct mailers have to be as targeted as possible, or else you end up wasting your time with BS leads, or you don't get any responses at all.
In the internet age, you can find out everything there is to know about an area immediately. If you can't find something, call a realtor and ask for a report on a zipcode.
You don't want to send out your wedding mailers for $3k wedding coverage to a place where the average income is 20k a year ya know. (There are plenty of contradictory examples to that im sure, but I would assume that its a safe bet) |
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05/05/2009 04:32:50 PM · #5 |
Why should one of these brides choose you over another photographer? Put that on the card. If it's price, then put it there. If it's albums or files or 23 photographers or 15 hour coverage - whatever it is - put that on the card.
And a call to action "Call now to reserve your date and save $100 andget 2 hour more coverage and a free beer!" or something like that. Give them a deadline - if not a drop dead date then 'this week only' or the like.
And put your website on there of course - let them get more info, prices, packages there if you feel it's important (which it can be - a prequalified call isn't wasting your time)
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05/05/2009 04:44:28 PM · #6 |
Honestly, if I could, I would try to talk you out of direct mail advertising.
I am a Realtor as well as a photographer. The only benefit I've ever seen for direct mail has come from agents who consistantly follow up with previous clients. Even they are going to email whenever possible. Direct mail is expensive and, in my opinion, very ineffective for the price. I would think that the money you spend on it would be more wisely spent elsewhere.
If you do decide to mail out, I would offer one free package to be given away or some such benefit. People today want something for nothing. You would get entries with specific wedding dates, and any other information you want that could be put on the entry. Emails, phone numbers, wedding party size, wedding location etc. Brides love to talk about their upcoming wedding. It really has to be about THEM, not about you.
Can I prove any of that? No, not really. Just my opinion from 10 years in sales for what it's worth. |
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