I was just handed a folder with over 1k future brides emails...

[LeesaB]

WOW...this came from the bride show...NOW...should I contact them by email and if so, how and what should I say?

when these ladies registered they gave emails and I got the list from the mall that sponsered the Bridal Expo..

I figured I could send them all some kind of email with some kind of something...

HA

any ideas....

[_Jo_]

Hello,

First, let me congratulate you on your engagement and up-coming wedding!

At the recent Bridal Expo you left your email address for contact.

I realise this time is a busy and exciting one and that you have many important decisions to make so let me take the oppurtunity to introduce myself and let you know how I can help make your wedding day even more memorable.

sell yourself!

[LeesaB]

thanks for the start...I was trying to think..how can invade their email...some saw me..so that is good, Isent mail flyers to about 300 but when the mall contacted me last week with these I about went nuts...I thought...what can I do here...

Thanks...

[_Jo_]

I think the key here is to not let it look like "spam".
In the heading also put something like "re Bridal expo" or else your emails may get deleted without being read.

Keep it simple - make it interesting...

Ensure you state you will offer a special tailor made package quote obligation free.

[mizuno]

I think the key here is to not let it look like "spam".[/B]

No, the key is for it not to be spam.

Not sure what the laws are over there, but unless the people on that list have given explicit permission to receive unsolicited emails, then any advertising you send them could be considered spam, and therefore fall into the illegal marketing category.

I would make sure the list is legitimate before I used it, if at all.

[coreypolis]

remember that you aren't the only one that was handed that list. I would concentrate on the ones that gave you personally their info, that way they atleast stopped by and might be intrested and for sure are intrested in a photographer.

[_Jo_]

I assume, brides-to-be have left their emails specifically to be contacted with further wedding info - why else would they leave their email at a Bridal Expo?

[coreypolis]

I assume, brides-to-be have left their emails specifically to be contacted with further wedding info - why else would they leave their email at a Bridal Expo?
they are asked when they come in the door for all their info

[LeesaB]

well..just to be sure I contacted the mall marketing office to make totally sure, but I think when they signup, somewhere it says they are giving their information and it will be shared..I don't think a hugh corp. would send me their info without being allowed to, they have more to loose then I do, for sure, but it never hurts to make sure...Till I hear from them, Iwill just draft up a letter...

[_Jo_]

oh - well in that case I would not contact them unless they spoke with you in person. I mis-understood and assumed there was paper left for people who chose to leave their details for more info...sorry my mistake.

[Jim7226]

Use a trusted e-mail marketing service such as www.constantcontact.com which gives folks a chance to opt-out of future e-mails. This is such a powerful service and makes marketing with e-mail a breeze. I started using it last year for my business marketing efforts (non-photography oriented) and had very few complaints. Plus, it's pretty cost effective as compared to printing and mailing out literature. Explain to the folks at CC how you obtained the list and they will tell you if it works with their service or not.

[LeesaB]

OK..last page..small print

Vendor acknowledges that at all times any information contained herein has been solicited by and remians the sole poperty of the Mall,,,Mall does not grant Vendor permission to disclose this information to any other person or entity to use foa ny commercialpurpose, unless prior written authorization has been obtained from Mall"

Hmmmmmmmmmm...ok..so I cannnot sell or give the list out, but can I use it?

I will have to wait to hear from them..I wonder why they sent the list if we cannot use it, but again, better to wait for clairification then to screw up.

[LeesaB]

The mall just contacted me and said..Sure, fine, contact them...Good Luck

SO..off I go into emailing heaven...

[mackb]

Good luck!....and if ....you uhmm...have too many weddings I know a guy in Columbus that would drive up there.......oh shameless plug!.....good luck..looks like the hard work of the expo pays off! hope you get tons of work!

[oldshooter]

Rakefet,
Use the list, that is what it was designed for. People that go to these shows expect to be contacted, or helped with their bridal decisions. Make sure you include your web address, and also include a Special Offer with a time limit if they contact and book you. so they have an incentive to contact you right away.
In the old days we would get lists with the phone numbers of every one that attended the show and it was very time consuming and frustrating to deal with.

BTW it is not Spam, they provided their email addresses for this exact purpose!
Best of Luck.
Joe

[LeesaB]

thanks...I did contact the mall just to make sure, and it was like GO ahead...dahhh ahahha..so I am..

I wrote a nice letter, and a special coupon good for booking until 3/29

The coupon is for a 200-300 page proof book
free enagement session
and a 20 page coffee table book

I hope it draws them in...not a big package and a low price...under 1k

So...after my partner proof reads the email..I will start to send...and I will also allow them to remove themself or stay and I will try to create bi yearly newsletters with specials...gotta keep yourself out there

HEY columbus photographer..I will keep you in mind...

Thanks

[mackb]

Thanks!

Do you ever get negative reactions from the term "cofee table book"?...I do

[LeesaB]

no, in fact that is what they ask me for...what do you call it? maybe I should change mine?

In fact, I got a booking at the bridal show, because she wanted that and saw it in our flyer and hired us on spot.

we consult with her on Saturday, I am anxious to mee them both...

[oldshooter]

Rakefet,
Why not offer them a choice of a 200-300 page proof book,
or a Free engagement session,
or a 20 page coffee table book.

People love to make choices, and not every one wants any one particular thing. Also by offering them too much it devalues the offer! Any one of the above is enough to get an interested party to call or come over.
warm regards,
Joe

[LeesaB]

Good idea, and then I can lower the price of the package to make it even more appealing yes?

[oldshooter]

I assumed that you were in a show with other vendors and have collected their brochures from the show. (A Sneaky but a necessary move.) It is important to position and price you self according to both your market and skill level. The idea is to create in the customer's mind that you are the best value for the packages you offer. This does not mean you are the cheapest priced photographer at all, but that you provide the best coffee table book in addition to your skills as a photographer for example.

Also I think it is wise to only run one special offer at a time or you might seem desperate.

If your prices are high relative to your competition, you might create demand by cutting prices, but it is better to offer the customer something they want IE and engagment session instead.
Joe

[LeesaB]

Thanks again for the advice..

I am going to do the offer, but not really going to lower the price, but, I have added in the email a little about ourselves, our webpage, phonenumber and such..at the bottom is the coupon

[tim]

You're giving away a heck of a lot, that implies to me they're not worth much. A 300 page proof book sounds huge.

[LeesaB]

I still have a traditional package which includes a 200 page, so I am only giving away 100 proofs.

Since then I heard some sage wisdom from a special person who suggested I just offer an item to include in the package and not a package itself...

Such as free 11 x 14 or something..

I have done that...but will offer like 50 4x6 or equivalents...1 8x10=2 5x7=4 4x6.

The area I live in is dying economically...plants closing all the time...blah blah blah...I am going to start to promote myself outside this area once I get more under my belt and better at what I do. Till then, I have to stay priced at what people can afford, yet make money...I can't tell you the calls I get for

"What is your cheapest Package?"

Like they don't care if I shoot with a throw away, or on my head, they just want cheap. I dont' do cheap. I won't shoot a wedding for 500. like some around here...

I also shoot sport events and schools. That is where people here spend their money...It's amazing. But, it is what it is.