Struggling bridal busines

[Jenny Robins]

hi I posted here back in May re my new bridal business not getting any customers through the doors even though I have done a lot of hard work, firstly I would like to thank people for their advice and support it was greatly appreciated.
I would like to say that the business has picked up however it has gone even quieter, maybe due to school holidays, as I have paid a company to get me on first page of google( this I was conned into ) I thought I would at least get some more enquirers but not so, where am I going wrong?

 

[ethical PR]

Have you done research to identify your target audience (not just people getting married) what communications channels they use and their influencers?

What do you offer/how are you different/better than your competitors

Do you have a funded marketing plan to help your reach customers and influencers

No company can guarantee to get you on the first page of google.

 

[Jenny Robins]

Hi yes I have researched my target market, I have a website, on Twitter, Facebook Instagram etc, we offer a one to one personal service, with a room and changing room to the customer and her friends we offer drinks etc, The customers who have come in have given very positive feedback, stating it was a very pleasant relaxing experience for them. I just can't get people through the door, I have done small bridal shows, advertising in the local magazine posted flyers in local restaurants, pubs etc and we are in a busy high street.

 

[ethical PR]

Hi Jenny

If you have researched your market does it show you that Twitter, FB and Instagram are they communications channels they most commonly use.

Do they not read bridal magazines, go to bridal shows, read bridal blogs?

Are you the only bridal shop that offers a one to one personal service?

Have you put together a costed marketing plan to reach customers and their influencers...if not this should be your starting point.

 

[Jenny Robins]

Hi ethical PR I have but finances have ran out, I am a small business and only have a certain amount to budget for marketing, which I have exhausted,

 

[altwebdesign]

Hi,

If you paid to be on the first page of Google - And this is PPC and not organic SEO - Then you might want to take a look at the keywords that you are paying for and analysing the data behind it to see if you are wasting money on the wrong keywords or getting high bounce rates etc....

If this is the case, drop me a PM, happy to help.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

You need to create marketing partnerships with suppliers of other wedding-related essentials.

For example, you should have flyers in every function room, catering shop, cake shop, florist, salon and rental business in the area. In exchange, you can include their flyers in your own shop for mutually beneficial cross-promotion.

You can also go one step further to agree that you will openly recommend these businesses to your clients in exchange for them recommending your business to their clients. You can even offer a finder's fee if the referring business's name is mentioned.

Also don't forget wedding planners. Call them and ask what you have to do so they recommend your shop to their clients.

You need to build relationships with all of these suppliers. Impress them, incentivise them and convince them to work together with you so you can cross-promote each others' businesses.

Weddings are particularly effective when it comes to this approach, as there are dozens of businesses all selling to the same client, but also selling distinctly different things. Out of all of them, bridal shops probably benefit the most as there's rarely any overlap. A function room might offer catering as well, for example, but you're unlikely to find any florists with a bridal shop tucked away as a side business.

 

[The Byre]

Scott's nailed it - particularly about finder's fee!

 

[Jenny Robins]

Hi thanks everyone for your advice, Scott I have done some networking with other shops, florist cake shops, but will extend my field a bit more the wedding planners are a good idea. Alt web design it is an advert I have paid for and they are soppose to check to see what are the most used keywords and use them for my ad, thanks again eveyone

 

[Deleted member 226268]

Maybe you need to try something a little different from all the other bridal shops
out there.
Here is some inspiration to think about >>>> https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2013/dec/13/lesbian-bridal-wear-fashion-designer-germany