You’ve got the creative flair and the practical skills needed for event planning, but do you know the best ways to market yourself as an event planner?

It’s not enough to simply do a great job and rely on word of mouth to do the rest, in order to gain that competitive advantage you need to know what marketing is about and what it is not about.

Marketing is not about getting people to remember you. It’s about letting your clients know you have what they need and getting them to take action and buy your event services.

So many event planners waste a lot of money trying to create a cute ‘marketing plan’ to get people to remember them, but you’ll have more success (faster) if you focus on meeting clients one-on-one.

It’s important to talk to your (prospective) clients to know what they’re thinking, to discover their needs and understand them.

Think of marketing like dating. You’re not going to go up to the first cute guy on the street and beg him to marry you, are you?

Treat marketing the same way.

First, have a conversation with a prospective client over a caramel macchiato or a glass of pinot noir.

Then, invite them to an event you’re planning or an educational seminar you’re hosting about event planning.

After that, offer to introduce them to previous clients you’ve worked with or references (give them value).

By doing this you’re building a relationship!

It’s key to give your client everything they need to know to make a decision. Unlike you, clients don’t see your service as the best so show them how your event services work and they’ll be more likely to make a decision to invest in your services.

Once you’ve built relationships with your clients, how do you stay in front of them without being too pushy?…

Market Yourself as an Event Planner

With these marketing tips in mind, here are 4 ways to promote your event coordinator services.

Use Your Event Planning Social Media Profile To Advertise

Just having a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page is a great start. You should always keep you profiles up to date, make regular (and relevant!) posts and engage with your users. Social media shouldn’t just be to advertise your upcoming events, your aim is to make users want to check in regularly because this means that you’ll be top of mind when they need your event planning services. Share value added content with them, and they’ll feel involved rather than just advertised to. Tip: engage your users by asking questions.

Keep Existing Clients Updated

Marketing yourself as an event planner isn’t just about gaining new clients, it’s also important to maintain relationships with existing clients and turn them into repeat clients. Keep in touch and keep them updated with what you’re doing by sending regular emails or newsletters, and add that personal touch by sending cards on holidays and at birthdays. Even better, why not take them out for lunch occasionally? You’re not only reminding them of your existence, you’re also making them feel valued, and I’ve built many amazing client relationships this way.

Network, Network, Network!

If you’re looking for ways to market yourself as an event planner, networking should be something you do without even thinking. If you can forge great relationships with other businesses that relate to the industry, you can turn them into trusted partners who’ll recommend your services to their clients. Don’t forget that this should work both ways, so only form these types of business connections with businesses that you’re happy to recommend to other people.

Don’t Forget Offline Marketing

The online world opens up a whole wealth of opportunities to connect with potential clients, but you shouldn’t forget your offline presence. As well as sending email newsletters, have you ever considered postcards? They’re a great way to reach out to new and existing clients, just make sure that your message is short, snappy and to the point. You should carry your business cards at all times, even if you’re just going to the dentist or the local store, because you never know where and when you might come into contact with someone that needs your services.

The best marketing tool is to provide value every time because happy clients give you repeat business and referrals.

I’d love to know…

How often do you go to networking events?

Let me know by commenting below.

Have a great day!