Should I call the brides

Gavin · #1 02-02-2006, 02:34 AM

Within the last month I've done two wedding shows, and given brochures, and information to hundreds of brides to be.
All this, and the number of calls I've received is in the single digits [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
I have contact information for most of the brides, and I'm wondering if I should give them a call.
I hesitate, because I don't want to be like a telemarketer, but I do want bookings.
What do you think? Should I call or no?
And if so, what approach would you suggest?
Gavin

MarkLawley · #2 02-02-2006, 03:06 AM

You could do that. I think if you thanked them for attending the show, asking if they had yet selected their photographer, and offering to drop them more info it would not come across as a telemarketer.
I usually will drop a card or letter to all the lead list indicating the need for a photographer, and try to drive them to the website.

Mark

jillian · #3 02-02-2006, 04:54 PM

I would like to add that if you are good a "winging it" during a cold call, then go for it. If not, you might want to make up a script to follow. This way, you will be sure to cover all the important points you want to get across and get the responses you want or at least will know whether you need a follow-up call. At the end of the conversation, you can ask, "Can I check back with you in a week or so?"

Either way, if brides have submitted their names at bridal shows, then they ARE requesting contact from vendors. When you make your call, always ask if you are calling at a good time, and you can usually get a good idea if the prospective client wants to talk with you. If they say it's not a good time, you can ask, Is there a good time for me to call you back, that gives the prospective client an "out" if they want one. Otherwise they can let you know if they want you to call again.

RJPhoto · #4 03-24-2006, 04:54 AM

HI there.. We advertise in The Perfect Wedding Guide and work the local bridal shows as well.. and YES you should call the Brides... They signed up BECAUSE THEY WANT INFORMATION... We work our leads daily and I feel if you have paid for a bridal show and the the leads are given to you, but you DON'T work them you are doing your brides AND yourself a disservice as well as wasting your advertising dollars on the show (which run about $900 here). We have the largest Bridal show in the nation here in Houston twice a year (it pulls in over 6500 brides) with well over 100 photographers and other vendors there is NO WAY to talk to all the brides at the show... You HAVE To work the leads...

Thanks about it like this... You are being given a list of brides that NEED a service that YOU provide... If you don't call them... Someone else will...

Good luck

imported_Vaughan · #5 03-24-2006, 06:59 AM

Certainly if they have given you their contact details then a follow up call is both acceptable (with all the considerations mentioned before) and also often necessary because after a wedding show the client will have seen many different suppliers and may well need reminding of your service.

phillips66 · #6 03-24-2006, 11:23 AM

I'm kinda of a "net" person, so I would like to ask of those who do actively follow up what is your "net" results?

Do they result in actual meetings or bookings? Example, I called or mailed to 300 brides and got X meetings or bookings that I can directly attribute to the followup.

I find it really hard to connect the actual bookings to the bridal show. Its kinda like any advertising. Builds name recognition and you meet a lot of potentials that may result in future business, but not current.

I would have to agree with the others, if you spent the money, you may as well call and see if they are interested...Be good to hear back what you discovered or experienced.

patwilphoto · #7 03-24-2006, 12:02 PM

i agree with jillian and the others recommending a follow up approach that is laid back and gives the bride an opt-out opportunity.

my post is aimed to give some feedback on your general concern that the shows may not be worthwhile in immediate bookings.

1. in the last three weeks i have booked two brides from a show i did in march of last year! i booked a couple after the show, but the phone still rings from contacts i made a year ago. Have faith that all the biz from the show won't be immediate.
2. if you need double digit bookings to make up a $900 marketing expense, i would recommend raising your prices just enough to include a marketing expense. if you can turn your 'single digits' into bookings, and you have $200 mktg expense built into each booking, you can still make a bridal event worth your while. every package i offer has a mktg budget included large enough for me to either provide the referrer a generous 'referral gift', or help offset the money i spent on advertising to bring that bride to my door. i plan on sending $125-200 'somewhere' for every bride i book.

also, as far as advertising is concerned, i found a book that has spoken volumes to me: "Marketing without Advertising". Worth a look for sure as it has changed my view on all this money i spend advertising my wedding photography.

GOOD LUCK!!

p-dub