UK Wedding Photographers - Sales Leads??

[paf_uk]

Hi

Where do you UK wedding photographers get your leads from? I am signed up to weddingquotes2u and photographers.co.uk and get emailed enquiries, but my conversion rate is incredibly small.

When I get sent an email I send the enquirer an email detailing the features I offer and then send another email 1 week later if I haven't heard anything. 90% of the people I email never respond. Is this the best way to work these? if there is a phone number should I call them?

Any thoughts or suggestions to generate more leads would be appreciated. I know most of you get referrals from word of mouth, but think back to how you started before you had any word of mouth.

I have also just opened an Adwords account and I am going to see how that goes for a while.

Thanks

Tony

[WMS]

The first merchant in the long line of merchants who want to make money in the wedding process is the Jeweler. I would think that allying oneself with a few of the better jewelers in your area might be an interesting idea. Perhaps you could negotiate giving a promotion for couples who buy engagement rings at X jewelery? How about promotions with other wedding related merchants, The Dress Shop, the Caterer, Travel agencies there are so many, but It all seems to start with the engagement ring.

The ultimate would seem to be operating as your own Wedding planer, Help coordinate all of those decisions which need to be made for a wedding, Of course WE all know who the recommended Photographer would be :)

Wayne

[Gary_Evans]

I am signed up to weddingquotes2u and photographers.co.uk and get emailed enquiries, but my conversion rate is incredibly small.

Both of these sources have reputations for being used by prospective brides who are looking for the cheapest price.

I disagree with WMS, yes to some degree the path to a wedding does begin with the engagement and purchase of a ring but it can be months if not years before the wedding actually takes place. Becoming a recomended supplier to wedding venues is a better route as in the UK you can get married without a ring, a suit and even a wedding dress - but you must get married in an approved venue. Your local council will have details of these.

[WMS]

Perhaps my being a jeweler has something to do with my train of thought. And Gary you are correct in that many engagements last for a significant amount of time.

Wayne

[carshop]

wedding trade shows work here

[PMCphotography]

I find it's best to ally yourself with florists and bridal shops. I have a few that are more than happy to not only stock my business cards, brochures and flyers but proactively recommend me to clients. In exchange, I do one or two product shots for them throughout the year. I also recommend them to my clients when it comes up.

easily75% of my wedding business comes from direct recommendation from them.