Capitalise on Valentine’s Day proposals 

We know there’s a spike in proposals at this time of year, and you need to make sure you’re ready for them! Here’s three things you can do in your marketing to make you THE wedding supplier that catches their eye straight after their engagement. 

 

✨ In-store experience Don’t miss the opportunity to capture those newly engaged brides by updating your window display. BUT remember it needs to keep in line with your brand guidelines. That way it will feel authentically yours, and not just a marketing tactic.

 
✨ Content You need to be ready with content that talks directly to your newly engaged audience. Your brides are going to be heading to social media for inspiration and you need content that connects with them. Here’s a few hook ideas – ‘You’ve just got engaged which means you can start sending your bestie videos like this with inspo for your wedding’ / ‘Newly engaged? We’ve got you / ‘You finally get to celebrate the month of love as a fiancée / Happy Tears – engagement YES, telling your family YES, finding your wedding dress PENDING.

 

✨ Celebrate with them (If they send you a picture of their engagement and tell you their story via DM, they’ll get a special code for [insert freebie – could be a discount code / free appointment upgrade / accessory voucher]. Even if they aren’t ready to start shopping yet, you’ll be the boutique that will stick in their minds as the one who wanted to share the joy/give back in those initial few weeks.

 

Ask for testimonials 

For many bridal boutiques, Feb & March means lots of new brides. 
Picture this… You’ve given them an incredible experience, you’ve helped them find their dream dress, you ask for the testimonial/review within the first 24 hours after their appointment. YES, within 24 hours! 
Their experience will be fresh in their mind and you’re most likely to get them to convert due to the emotional connection they have to your request. 
And remember, some people aren’t great with coming up with reviews on their own, so here are a few prompts:

‘We’re so pleased you found your dress with us. We’d love to know what you thought of your experience’
‘Let us know one thing you LOVED about your time at [insert boutique name] 
‘Tell us about your stylist’
And once you’ve got your reviews, make sure you use them. I’ve got some fantastic review templates for social media that Bridal Buyer readers can access free of charge. Drop me a message on Instagram @eokstudios and I’ll send them over.

 

Shout about your new dresses 

If you ordered new dresses in September/October last year, your samples have probably just arrived or will be with you very soon. This month, create a mini marketing plan that you can implement now, but also refer to in the future. 
Here’s some steps to get you started: 

Put them on your website as soon as you can (BONUS if you have a NEW IN section as this creates urgency and a sense of excitement for your website users)

Have 3 – 5 content ideas that you can use to showcase your new dresses 
If you market to your audience via email, send a ‘JUST ARRIVED’ email to your database of brides with a wedding date 8 – 12 months away with imagery of the new dresses to peak their excitement and book in. Or send a follow-up email to a bride who couldn’t quite find the right look when they visited previously to show them what new dresses you have in. 

Today’s consumer is used to fast fashion, with new in notifications and collection drops. By using similar language, we can spark that sense of urgency and desire to take action.

I normally give you THREE Marketing Must-dos each month, but I’m giving you one extra for FEB. 
This month, I’m giving bridal boutiques the opportunity to book in for a FREE Instagram Audit & Advice session with me. I’ll review your Instagram and give you a feedback and recommendations on your account. Plus, you’ll be able to ask me your burning social media questions. 
If you’re interested in this complimentary session, send me a DM (@eokstudios) and I’ll get you booked in.
So, you’re extra must do, is book your FREE session to make sure you’ve got your Instagram strategy.