Rex Photography

Any Creative ideas on how to advertise wedding photography?

Does anyone have any creative ideas on how to advertise a new business (wedding photography/videography)? I'm just starting out and I don't have a huge advertising/marketing budget to work with. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. print up a few brochures with some of your best photos. list prices, contact info, etc. then, bring the brochures to wedding dress stores and ask if you can leave a few on their counter. this is how i found my wedding photographer.
2. try doing your own website! Or fliers in local wedding boutiques!
3. Make cute business cards with a wedding photo on it and put them on bulletin boards around town. I would say the most important thing is to get a website...if anything, use myspace to showcase some of your work. I would not have picked my photographer without seeing his work online first.
4. I found my wedding photographer on Craigslist! I also found that many local photographers had gone to places like barnes and noble and borders and put postcards in wedding magazines and books that were for sale.
5. Go to one of those bridal shows and raffle off your services for free to 1 couple. (Check the gambling laws in the town of the bridal show, also make sure the winning couple understands that their photos will be used for advertising.) Then use the pictures from that wedding to make postcards or business cards.
6. I don't know if you've been in the wedding industry for long, but you'll notice that the best marketing is word of mouth. People are touchy when it comes to their weddings, so they're more likely to go with someone that a friend or family member has recommended. Print some business cards, get your photos online (Flickr, Photobucket, your own website, etc) and start shooting. You could also submit photos to bridal magazines and websites for those contests for best photos. You could also try to develop a working relationship with wedding suppliers in your area. Try going to bakeries, dress shops, caterers, florists. Many brides ask the suppliers they're dealing with if they can recommend other suppliers for different needs. Even try getting the contacts for suppliers from the weddings you shoot.
7. Put an ad in your local business Pennysaver magazine. Also, if you can find out where there are bridal trunk shows being held in your area, you can attend and give out your business card. Networking is very important. If you can get one job and the bride and groom and satisfied, then you will be on your way.
8. Get a great website together and then post your services anywhere that will allow such things for free. I found my photog on Craigslist. I actually interviewed 3 from there.