Geting your name out
 

How did you guys start picking up your first clients before you had a great wedding demo reel, etc?

Word of mouth.

Honestly - I'd say within 2 months with my XL2, people were asking to hire me because of the camera, not the operator+skills. It's amazing what kind of opportunities I got right away just from having the camera.

On the other hand, see if there is a Wedding Guide for your state - there more than likely is one. Find out when they republish it each year, and try to be one of the first ones to get your name in it to advertise. Don't list your price; have the client call you so you can change your rates. Workly cheaply for your first couple of gigs, than price yourself competitively. Most people want to see your work, so stay cheap at first so you can gain that experience - but don't under-sell yourself.

I did a few weddings really cheap for people I knew and now I am getting a ton of referals. I also would give my info to photogs and dj's. You would be supprised but I am actualling getting good referals from dj's.

Thanks for the quick replies. You are pretty much telling me what I hoped to hear, as this was the path I had chosen. Thanks!



Anyone had any luck leaving cards at bridal galleries?

Hey Kevin,
I've had good success of leaving my cards at bridal galleries. There are always the few planning an event that don't book a videographer from the getgo
Usually they book within 1 week to 2months before their event. These type of people are everywhere. If you get 2 jobs by doing this, I'd say it's worth it. This year alone I've gotten 6 this way from May till now.

Good advice and I'll add, make 100% sure you have business cards with you EVERYWHERE you go and make sure you talk to EVERYONE you meet and let them know what you do and give them a card at least. Network with a couple of photogs and DJs as well as banquet facilities/caterers.
People won't hire you if they don't know you exsist.

Don

Thanks guys, I was fortunate to find a database of planners, dj's, etc in the area and sent out a ton of personalized emails. I'll follow up as needed to keep me in the minds.....without being a pest ;)

There are also the Guerilla style tactics we used at SurfGuru.com. We would hit all types of events like Expos in full force- all of us in the official logo button down shirts, and passing out business cards to everyone. We weren't tied down to a booth, and could spend more time talking to people for free.

Check out a few bridal shows in your area, leave cards everywhere.

What Keith and other said...........but be aware that some bridal shops won't allow you to put out cards or if they do, they'll charge you some rediculous amount of money.

I REALLY like Keith's idea.

Another option/method is to "seed" wedding discussion forums with your business name. You can find online forums where prospective brides/parents even grooms look for advice. And you don't have to "advertise" per se...just include a post something like this: "I know clients of XYZ company were satisfied with their videographer. You can contact them at 123-456-7890."

Good luck.

Pretending to be a third party to advertise your own business is deceptive trade practice in my book. I'm sure people do it and I have in fact seen it done in other industries and other forums, but that doesn't make it ethical. I would hope our members wouldn't stoop that low to make a buck.

-gb-

Would sticking my bumper stickers on my competitions cars be too low. :} Just kidding.

I feel the same as Greg. It is a rather sleazy tactic. Instead, try a different approach- "I do wedding video production, and would be happy to answer any questions you might have, regarding your big day. Feel free to call or email me at..."

People love free shtuff, even if it is just some answers. Play it straight and honest, and don't be surprised if they ask you to do the shoot. They may not, but you will stand out as a helpful type, somebody they will refer to others.

Just another form of viral SPAM, in my opinion. I wasn't going ot take that advice ;)

That's my approach, and so far it has worked well. I haven't done anything like that in online forums, but in real life I always just try to be helpful and to assist them in preparing for their wedding, whether they utilize my services or not. If I can help someone be more informed about a new situation they are involved in then I feel like I've done something good.

Dennis,

Brides on the knot are fast to distinguish a "real" bride from a vendor. This is a bad way of drumming up business.

Once these brides find out that YOU are a vendor, they will flame you hard on these sites.

You must realize women are much different that men, as much as you try to "act" like a bride or someone giving advice.....these brides can tell.

A very bad idea. I have seen many videogs get caught along with photogs on the knot.....and the brides bash these companies telling other brides "THIS IS A VENDOR!!!!"....and "DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICES!!!!"

To anyone trying to get more business....DONT DO IT!!!! THe backlash of what could happen is not worth your name.

Bribe Shops.... er I mean bridal Shops
 

I found that the local Bridal shops are all controlled by some marketing conglomerate that has cornered the market on business card boxes. Somehow they agreed that they would be the only company allowed to hold business cards at wedding related businesses. Now you have to pay them a fee to get your cards stocked in their card holders. Nice racket they have going.

jason

tip
 

Kevin,

The best advice I received on the forum regrading getting my name out there and generating business was:

"Do as much as you can to start, even if it's for free and if you're good
work will find you."

works up to a point
 

That worked for me up to a point. I am starting to need to advertise in order to get more than one client every 3 months. The problem is figuring out what advertising is worth it.

jason

Totally agree with that comment. Word of mouth is the best form of getting your name out there, but If your starting out it's going to be a slow process. To really have a good start you do need to look at some form of advertising that will pay off in the end.

I say word of mouth is the best advertising, and get this- It's almost always FREE! You just need to hang out with the right circles, i.e., those that need videos done, or those that know someone that does. Florists, DJs, Caterers... anybody that can drop your name to the Bride.

Skip the strippers for the Bachelor party though. As much fun as they may sound, the Groom is usually too hammered to remember your name, and there isn't much time to get ready if he does.