Happy New Year!
As you head into a new season brimming with opportunity and possibility, it’s time to hone your game. Last month we talked about some marketing myths and some foundational marketing concepts. You may recall the basic four “P’s” of marketing being, Product, Price, Placement, and Promotion. Let’s address the first one,
PRODUCT
As a venue, you may think this is obvious – and perhaps from your point of view, it is obvious. You’re not selling flowers, suits or transportation, you’re selling a place – hopefully, the place. But from a bride and groom’s point of view – their venue is so much more than just a place. It’s the backdrop for their “forever memories”, it’s their beginning, it’s a gathering place for those closest to them, it’s where they’ll celebrate, it’s where they’ll spend their first night perhaps. There are many emotional buttons that your venue may or may not push for your couples. The key to your success is understanding what their emotional values are. How? Ask and then LISTEN – they’re happy to tell you. Once you know what motivates them emotionally, you can share the pertinent information that will most meet their needs.
For example, when you meet with a couple, ask them what they are looking for in a venue. You’ll be blown away by the answers that have very little to do with a “place” and often have to do with the emotional reaction or experience they are looking for. We’re looking for a great celebration, we want our families to connect, we want our friends to have a great time, we love nature, we want everything to be convenient, or I want my family to stay together on the property. Your venue now represents connection, celebration, convenience, nature, closeness – THOSE are the things you sell – your product! Once you know this, your website, social media, print advertising should all consistently reflect that message.
As a marketer, I would encourage you to refine this much further by defining your unique offerings, or your unique selling opportunity. What attributes differentiate you from the venue down the road from you? How do you do business different from those around you? How do you create a personalized experience for your couples? These attributes are what your unique product is. This is often a time to define the core values of your operation. This product information should be replicated in everything you do.
Stay tuned for next months article, where we delve into the second “P’, Price!
Email: MKTGsmith@icloud.com
IG: @MKTGsmith Cell: 805/459-5635
Web: MKTGsmith.com