Marketing Tips for Event Pros in the Off Season

Whether you’ve been in the event rental business for years or are just getting started, you may be looking at creative ways to get your rental business in front of couples looking for your products and services. Here are a few great marketing tips to promote your rental business that you may not have considered.

Styled Photo Shoots

Styled photo shoots are one of the best marketing tips out there. They have been common for a while, but many still underestimate them as a powerful marketing tool for their party rental business. They take time to plan, but when they come together they give you access to beautiful, professional photos to use. This also helps you to create a more appealing Goodshuffle Shop!

If cross-promoted effectively, styled photo shoots also give you access to a broader audience that you might not have had access to on your own. For example, if you work with a new florist on a photo shoot, and they tag you in blog posts/social media and you do the same for them, you both have access to each others followers. Taking part in a styled shoot can also give you the opportunity to get featured in wedding publications and blogs with huge followings, which helps to showcase your creativity and build your credentials.

Targeted Blog Posts

Another one of the great marketing tips is creating targeted blog posts. This means that you are using keywords in your blog to help search engines direct your ideal client to your website (this is part of building up your SEO, or Search Engine Optimization). For example, say you’ve recently taken part in a wedding/event, or even a photo shoot, that really reflects your style and you now want to attract more clients with a similar taste. You can create a blog post and share photos of the event, (make sure you have permission to do this, and don’t forget to credit the photographer!), and discuss what you loved about the event design, and what you contributed to the event.

Make sure to include keywords that describe the event; for example, if the colors were sage green and gold, make sure you use those words in your blog post. Make sure to also include the city and venue that the event took place in, so that future clients searching for inspiration in that city or at that venue can be directed to your blog. Once they’re on your blog, make sure to include an easy-to-find “Contact Us” button, to help them get in touch with you!

Free Planning Guides for Couples

Creating a free guide for couples to use as they plan their rentals can really make an impression, and also position you as an expert and build their trust in you. Some guide examples include a timeline of when to book and confirm their rental orders, linen and table sizing, and theme/style guides.

Venue or Bridal Shop Display

Setting up a rental display in a venue or bridal shop can be a great way to get some of your items in front of couples! You can start by seeking out venues that you have a great relationship with, or whose style matches your own. Ask them if they would be alright with you displaying a few rental items, and rotating them out on a monthly basis. The benefit to the venue or shop is that they get a unique and attractive display, and you get exposure! Make sure you have a written agreement in place to cover things such as damage to items on display, and what to do if you need to pull an item for an event.

Promotional Listing on Marketplace Websites

Setting up a listing on a site that sends couples your way is a great way to get in front of couples. Some examples of these sites include Goodshuffle, The Knot, and WeddingWire. The benefit of this is that you can display your best photos, write a short and informative blurb about your business, and list your preferred contact method. Of course, with Goodshuffle, clients can actually build a shopping cart and book rentals with you directly through the website! Another benefit of these sites is that they usually have a review feature as well, so if you get former clients to write reviews after their events, this can help you to book future business!

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