How do YOU do it? What sites are you on? Which ones aren't worth it? How many bridal shows do you go to (or have a booth set up)? And so on... I'm just getting started, but I need to know how the experienced ones do it.

Hi Alex,

I advertise on the Bridal Network (pay for click), Google Ads and 2 local Filipino newspapers. I have a developed a partnership with a Flower Shop, they let me put my business cards in their shop ( they suggested leaving an Album as well so they can show it to clients). I also work with a photog who asks me to shoot videos for him.

I find the newspaper & the Flowershop generates more business for me than the Bridal Network. I also scan Craiglist for potential Brides.

it might be slightly different for me living on an island but i started marketing last week. Im going round all the cake shops, hair dressers , beauty places, dress shops and so on and so on, ask them if i can display my business cards and also an A6 perspex display with a larger version of my business card in it to catch the eye. So far none have said no, i have 50 shops that i want to go to.

How do you approach flower shops, cake shops, and the like? I'd imagine it's a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" type of deal. What do you offer them?

1 & 2) I partnered up with my fiancee, who is a great sales person and we do bridal shows together. She has a glowing personality, and is super friendly, and can easily talk to anyone. That's not me, I struggle selling myself at bridal shows. She does 75% of the talking, and I handle all the technical questions. We've done 2 shows so far, each show costs 300-400 dollars, and we've booked 7 weddings from them, and still 6 more who are dragging their feet on signing.

I guess what I'm saying is, if your like me, find a friend/family member who doesn't mind being your spokesperson on the weekend. Especially if your not a people-person like me. And then do bridal shows.

3) Make a nice, readable website that gives out ton of information...and makes it easy for a bride to contact you for more information or booking a wedding.

4) Get yourself on Google, yahoo, and google local business.

5) Hand out your card to every photographer, dj, cake designer, wedding planner, etc. you see and work with.

basically i say ' hello, im launching a new business doing wedding cinematography and i was wondering if there was any chance that i could display my cards and small display unit ( but i show them and dont say that) , i say i have heard that many brides peruse your shop and basically big them up, flirt with them and so on, if there woman. A gay gentleman in a hair salon actually took down some heated curlers that were on display and put my cards up and perspex thing i have.

If they say no thats cool, and i mention that or if i see they have no room on their counter to display, but most will ahppily take your cards

the 7 hair salons i went to all said ok and i passed the other day and all had my displays on the counter

free advertising u cannont beat

i dont offer them anything