I am just wondering if any of you use Craigslist to promote your wedding business? If you do, what is the best category to list under? Is there a way to promote throughout the US?
I signed up for Craigs list for my business www.connecticutcalligraphy.com and that was a mistake. It never brough me one client, it only made me target of spam. I thought the list had expired but I still get spam from it. Good reminder I should look into that. I would recommend no anyway....
We use Craigslist. It can be a challenge. You can only use one area but you can post in the slot anywhere you want, so we put all Southern California so if they search in craigslist (which I would do if I were looking on there instead of looking through all the ads). Also, there are many things you can do to make your craigslist ad unique, like posting and image with a hyperlink, so that the searcher than just click on the image to go to your site. Looks a lot more professional and also is easy access for curious clickers.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to put your ad in different categories you will have to change the name and make sure the ad is not the same, otherwise they will view it as spam and not let you post it, or it could get flagged and deleted by users who recognize it.
We also post in creative services, and there seems to be lots of other photographers that do. There is also a spot for events I think so just post where you think best.
Hope that helps and happy free craigslist marketing!
I have posted some ads. Use html to post a graphics ad with copy. Works great to get links to your site. But most I have talked to are pretty low budget and may not be what you are looking for. Curtis Wallis Wedding Photography, Columbus Ohio
Permalink Reply by amy on February 7, 2010 at 6:06am
I didn't realize until your post and the previous one that you can do html code for the graphics....Great idea....I do that on my blog a lot ....I appreciate it....Good luck...Amy
I used c'list for a while but not only did I receive the spam mess, I was getting emails from people in "other countries", who will be coming to the US and while they havent found all their vendors, they were certain I was their photog. And EVERY inquiry ended up as a scam...they wanted to send me a check for more than the amount required and I was to Western Union the excess to another account,....holy moly! The time these people put into scamming others. I think out of 2yrs of posting and answering ads, I got one job from it. Good luck to ya! I'd be interested to hear what works/what doesnt work for ya.
I have to agree with Sandra. Craigslist browsers are looking for a superb deal, almost like an online garage sale. They don't want to pay more than they absolutely have to. If you want the 'high-end' bride, they definitely will NOT be searching for their wedding vendors/needs on Craigslist.
There are lots of other ways to market instead: Facebook & Twitter are great. Also, check out Natalie Bradley ~ she is amazing; she teaches wedding vendors how to market withOUT breaking the bank!!
Also in terms of Craigslist, I have used Craigslist for my business. It has generated leads but never clients. I think Craigslist works for photographers, florists, etc. I don't think it works as well for wedding planners. Another option that helps is blogs. Try to get your product or service featured on a blog. This allows you to reach a number of different brides who may not frequent wedding websites. Try so of these blogs.
Snippet & Ink
Brooklyn Bride
The Bride's Cafe
The Budget Brides Handbook (my blog of course)
Style Me Pretty
Always a Blogsmaid
