kio500 Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 I have my first expo coming up and I've never even been to an expo before! I'vebeen reading through the posts and everyone says to bring brochures forinterested clients. I'm just wondering, WHAT exactly do photographers but ontheir brochures (besides photos)? Thanks!Elizabeth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam_ellis Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 The brochure I use has my package descriptions, prices, options, a bit about myself, etc. Essentially, it's my website condensed down to two pages. I spied at a bridal show last year and it was overwhelming trying to get information from everyone. If you don't give them something to remember you by, they will forget you. Postcards with our information on them would probably do just as well. I had the venue stuff postcards in each attendees bags and had brochures available at my booth. Good luck with it. Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_parrott Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 I would not include prices on any handout at a bridal show. I have had brides come back months after the show to meet with me, and I was VERY glad they did not have a price list I would have to honor, especially if I had done some major restructuring with price changes. Plus, by not having prices you can often use the same brochure, cards, or whatever you use for future bridal shows. So by the same token don't mention the location of the show... just think in terms of creating something that can be used at multiple venues and at future dates. I think text is more important than photos. They are going to be seeing your photos at your booth, so your handout needs to appeal to the emotional side of things. Describe how you work to capture the candid emotion of the event, etc.. the usual things. Another "trick". Have a give-a-way at your booth. Maybe a nice 16x20 on display, and a fishbowl for a drawing to receive a free 16x20 bridal portrait. This builds good will, but more important, it gives you a list of names to contact later on. (Some bridal shows will give you a list of all attendees, some do not, but at least you will have plenty of names of your own). Keep a professional appearance. Dress nice and DO NOT be sitting down or eating. Also be prepared for LOTS of people to take your "stuff", but don't begin to expect more than a fraction to lead to paying jobs. I always get some results from bridal shows, enough to make it worthwhile, but don't think you will be covered up with future business because of it. Now for one of the best things you can do, though it is not always possible. If you can have a former bride there with you as a live testamonial it really makes you standout from the other vendors. Oh, and you need to have an album of the photos of this bride's wedding. Keep in mind the main purpose of the show is to get the potential client to meet with you LATER. You cannot do a commited sale at the show, and nothing you give out is going to magically do the trick for you either. Just give them enough to want to pick up the phone or email you later to talk about you doing their wedding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam_ellis Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 I tend to disagree about the prices, but to each his own. The way I look at it, brides are going there to save time. They want to be able to walk away and have a decent understanding of who is at what level, price and ability. It may be a bad analogy, but they are window shopping. Who's work is good, how much are they, who offers what in a package, etc. The number one thing is they have to like your work. If you are on the bubble vs. someone else and they like their price but you didn't give them a price, you are banking that they are going to make an effort and call you. You may be one of a dozen photographers, plus they are looking at djs, florists, caterers, venues..., make it easy for them. Most people don't linger more than a few minutes if they are really interested. They will take your information and digest it later. Give them something, even if it's a ballpark or "packages starting at $" You could always put a disclaimer that prices are subject to change or prices are valid for six months from the show. Make sure whatever you give them has your web address on it. Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpjoell3 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Steve and Sam are both on point. The brochures or postcards are great advertisements for your business. The postcards are less expensive and can give the same effect as a brochure. I suggest you use good quality card stock and try to provide the same information as the brochure. Remember, most people do not like to read unless you give them something interesting to read. I would suggest, whichever you decide to use, have them printed professionally. Do not try to print them on your home computer the night before. Remember, whether or not you make a sale off of the event, and hopefully you do, it is more important to get your business name out there and brand your company. As far as the price is concern, I would have a pricelist or baseline price available for the Bride to see. This is only for the price conscience Bride. The Bride who is aware you your quality and artistic abilities will seek you out and will pay your price. Make sure you have good displays and sample albums. Only your best should be on display. Just remember, your competition will be fierce and if you do not standout, you will be left with a bill for the show and no clients. In addition, the next chance you have to impress clients at this show is next year. Good luck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kio500 Posted January 4, 2008 Author Share Posted January 4, 2008 Thanks for the great answers! I think I will put prices with a disclaimer. I know I would appreciate prices if I was going there trying to find vendors. One more question, last year there were 450 brides, based on that, how many brochures should I have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rannbphoto Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 you should get 300 or so printed. you should also have some sort of exclusive coupon for them as well that expires soon, motivating people to sign up with you right away. that will also give you an indication as to whether the expo is worth the investment or not for next year. good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cardens Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 <p>I love the idea with the free bridal portrait or some type of "giveaway"!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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