Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Acquiring Leads For Private Events.

Posted by timberboxes on 8/1/2024 at 9:17 PM ET 500 Points
I've had success from websites which aggregate bands and clients...Gigsalad,com, Thebash.com and Thumbtack.com where anyone can search for bands. We've gotten retirement parties, birthdays, no particular reason parties, and corporate events. Venues: a mix of back yards, rented restaurant and hotel spaces. But leads have dwindled in the last 3 months. This may be a season effect but no sure because I'm relatively new at this.

I've avoided platforms which are very, very time-intensive especially to start up: ppc ads, Reddit, Youtube, Linkedin, Facebook. (Yelp and Theknot.com didn't work).

What's everyone's guess on direct mail... either solo postcards using the USPS' Saturation Mailings or in Mult-packs (forget what they call this) with other companies...?

I'm guessing display ads in local newspapers will be too expensive...?

(I've found strategic efforts fail.. such as trying to get on preferred band lists at hotels, country clubs and with event planners and such. My take is they don't care if you're alive or dead).

Any ideas about other marketing channels appreciated. I bill out at $400 - $700 and the need is for background music. Not dance music.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 8/2/2024 at 4:58 PM Member
    Start by analyzing where you've successfully gotten leads from: people, venues, related businesses. If your leads have started drying up, you'll need to also figure out if: there's more competition, less need, increasing using of DJs, too expensive, people didn't love your services, or something else.

    Spending money in a scattershot approach is likely to frustrate you even more (and empty your bank account quickly).

    Start by reconnecting with your past clients and if possible, ask a few high-value questions to understand their past experiences with you and their future needs of your services. These questions should be carefully scripted by a professional to help ensure you're not leading them to answer in a way that makes you happy but doesn't have them share key insights.

    YouTube, SoundCloud, etc. would make sense to help people find you. You'll need to learn how to use SEO so people looking for your services can quickly find you. That's a combination of a region/location, key benefits of what you offer, etc.

    And don't forget to occasionally donate your services to a local nonprofit event in exchange for free marketing.
  • Posted by timberboxes on 8/3/2024 at 2:56 PM Author
    My conviction is that with largely general solicitation (such as direct mail using external data) there will be minimal options to qualify prospects.

    Therefore, the offer has to be potent. Anyone got any ideas?
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