As a small business owner, it can be useful to start seeing sales periods as a time to sell, rather than buy. This is true whether you’re trying to promote your events in a B2B or a B2C environment, after all, other business owners are people too and everyone loves a good bargain. Here are a few ways you can leverage the January sales to promote your event planning skills.
“Book now, pay later”
This is generally standard practice anyway, but highlighting it takes the edge off any commitment. It also utilises language we’re all used to, making the often-larger expense attributed to event services feel like a casual shopping experience. However, by “book now” make sure your future client understands that booking involves signing contracts. You need to protect yourself while also encouraging your businesses growth.
Create urgency
Set a time limit or include “subject to availability” to create a sense of urgency. This works on two levels, they’re more likely to follow the offer up as soon as they hear about it and it will also make the offer feel more exclusive and special. Including a coupon code like “Jan2019” will help people feel like they’ve stumbled onto a great bargain that someone else might be missing out on, again creating the feeling of exclusivity.
Clear, straightforward header
Whether you’re sending an email or writing a blog, make your subject header clear and easy to understand. For example, “January Sales: 15% off event planning services”, will give the reader a clear understanding of why they should give you their attention.
Tell your suppliers and friends
People remember discounts, telling your network that you’re having a sale will help generate referrals. If someone mentions that they’re struggling with event planning, your name is more likely to come up since the person offering your details will feel like they’re doing their friend a favour.
Make the sales work around your schedule
Design your sale offers so that they’re relevant to the type of business you need. If February’s all booked up but June’s looking a little empty, the offer could apply exclusively to any pre-orders for events occurring over summer. Or if it’s the other way around, make your offer “need immediate help on an event? Get 20% off event planning services for any events occurring before March, including day of planning”.