I can’t believe it’s almost November! 2016 has flown right by. Do you agree? Before we know it, the new year will be here. And, so will the madness of engagement and booking season. Before the holidays hit and we all ease into relaxation mode, here are some wedding public relations items to add to your to-do list. To get you on the right track toward ensuring a successful 2017 filled with wedding PR placements and increased leads, bookings and sales, Something New for I Do is sharing the following business advice!

Increase Wedding Public Relations Success in 2017

• Set your marketing budget. In last year’s post, I challenged you to get to know where your brides were coming from. So, did you update your website’s contact form to ask where potential clients found you? I hope you now have a clear understanding of what marketing initiatives worked and what didn’t work. You might want to ramp up your advertising dollars and renew that wedding vendor listing on your favorite wedding blog. Or, perhaps working with a publicist to plan your styled shoots and get you wedding public relations placements are what’s driving the most sales. Set a plan now, but do give yourself a little flexibility for awesome opportunities that come up throughout the year!
• Fill your calendar to avoid slow seasons. Bookings looking a little slim? Consider planning a styled shoot for that month, attending a workshop or retreat, or focusing on networking with fellow creatives, wedding vendors and venues. You don’t have to have a wedding every weekend to appear to be in-demand and active in the wedding industry. We already have multiple Pinterest boards in the works for 2017 styled shoots with our wedding public relations clients!
• Research editorial calendars for opportunities to pitch your business. Editors are currently getting their wedding/lifestyle magazine or blog’s content lined up for the next year. Most will have a media kit on their website that includes an editorial calendar. This lists what topics, even specific articles, they will be covering during certain times of the year. Do your research and find how far in advance you need to pitch your ideas or insight. For print, they’ll have a longer lead time. Create a media list with the correct contact (specific writer, editor, etc.). Also, include the topic, due date, and your insight. This way, when the time comes, you’re ready to capitalize on this wedding PR opportunity.

Girl bosses, it’s going to be a great year!

Need help creating a wedding public relations, marketing or social media strategy? We would love to help brainstorm or create a plan for you! Contact us for more information.