As the countdown to the end of 2020 begins, many photographers are looking towards 2021 as a year to recoup and revitalize their businesses. It’s important to realize that simply changing the calendar year doesn’t mean we’re flipping a switch and things will go back to normal. We are not out of the woods yet.
The first few months of 2021 will feel very much like today. Social distancing requirements and limits on large gatherings will have a big impact on the Wedding Expo Season. These events are typically a big marketing piece for professional wedding photographers. Expos will still happen, but they’ll be online. Navigating virtual wedding expos will be a new experience for most. Start planning your strategies now for a successful Wedding Expo Season.
2020’s Silver Lining
Can we say something nice about 2020? On a positive note, 2020 has made people more appreciative of what they have and more grateful for the loved ones in their lives. Love is not canceled. Many couples who have endured this year together are deciding to tie the knot. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, the number of proposals will soar. This is Engagement Season and it’s traditionally followed by the Wedding Expo Season. The 2021 Bridal Show season will be different. How do you go about marketing your business and selling professional wedding albums in the virtual world? Here are some tips for navigating virtual wedding expos.
Find Your Space
Search for your preferred traditional expo online and you’re sure to find its virtual counterpart. In fact, you’ll probably find several options in your area. Research the number of potential attendees, geography, demographics, and the benefits you’ll get as a vendor to make the right decision for your brand. While “Your City’s Largest Virtual Bridal Show” may seem appealing, be open to smaller, more targeted events. These can be found through local business chamber’s Facebook Events and other sites like Event Brite.
Don’t limit yourself to just one event. Fees to participate online will typically be lower than an in-person trade show. Take advantage of the ease of attending virtual shows. There’s no travel, no setup, and you don’t have to spend 12 hours on your feet. Once you get all your marketing together, it’s easy to repurpose your materials in multiple “spaces” from the comfort of home or office.
Expos are the perfect place to show off your album designs to potential clients. Be sure to incorporate sample images in your virtual trade show booth.
Know Your Platform
Virtual Trade shows aren’t new and there are MANY online conferencing and trades show platforms out there. These applications allow for a virtual space for attendees to “visit”. Some “spaces” even give the visitor a 3D experience of walking the trade show floor. Attendees won’t be able to physically hold your flush-mount leather albums so you’ll need to use imagery and videos. Find out early what marketing pieces you’ll need to create your virtual booth.
