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Barrie and Bev Downie Racing to success! - part 3 of 1 2 3

by Barrie Downie Published 01/08/2009

Investing in people not paper is the main backbone of the marketing plan for the business. Barrie and Bev believe there is no better form of promotion than a happy customer or supplier spreading the word and exceeding the customers' expectations is the best way of encouraging this. 'We work closely with venues and make sure that we help them as much as possible on the day. We hear many stories of photographers making the meal run late, which seems a sure-fire way to never get referred another wedding, yet ensuring the day runs smoothly is something that we can do - it just requires planning and communication with the couple and the venue staff.'

The couple do not have a printed brochure to send out instead preferring to pick up the phone and speak to enquirers. 'By having that first phone call you have the advantage of an instant bond with the couple however small, while several brochures may have very little between them to set them apart. We make sure everything is on the website, other than the prices, as we like to discuss this in person'

As a break from tradition this year BD Wedding Photography will had a stand at the Designer Wedding Show in Battersea Park, in October and February. This will be the first ever wedding show that Barrie and Bev have attended as exhibitors but it is a response to the current economic situation. 'Everyone will have to make more effort to catch the available business early in the next couple of years and we feel face-to-face meetings with potential customers are the best selling opportunity. Other people will have different strengths and will need to identify new marketing opportunities that play to those strengths, there will never be a one size fits all marketing plan' says Bev.

Looking forward

Despite all the pessimism regarding the long-term future of wedding photography with the sudden influx of new photographers, advances in video cameras and downturn in the economic climate, Barrie and Bev are positive about the future. 'By staying ahead of the game it is possible to maintain a healthy business regardless of what is going on around us. Photographers who rely on past performance and not giving the customer the respect they deserve may find they are in for a bumpy ride, however'. Barrie and Bev gave a frank yet light-hearted talk at the Convention last year, sharing their thoughts on business, marketing and the world in general! They also be showed some before and after shots of their signature images during their presentation. They have accepted an invitation to speak again in 2010.

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1st Published 01/08/2009
last update 09/12/2022 14:51:31

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