Operating a successful photo booth business requires more than just having the latest booth technology and props. You need a steady stream of bookings and events to keep your business thriving. Here are 10 proven techniques to generate more leads and fill up your calendar with photo booth events:
1. Optimize Your Website for SEO
Ensure your website targets relevant keyword phrases like “photo booth rental [your city]” so it ranks high in local search results. Feature those keywords appropriately throughout your content so search engines can easily determine your relevance. Include client testimonials, plenty of booth photos, and a booking form to convert visitors into leads.
2. Promote Your Business on Social Media
Social platforms like Facebook and Instagram lend themselves perfectly to the visual nature of a photo booth business. Post often to showcase your iPad photo booth set-ups, props, and prints from past events. Use targeted paid ads to get more eyes on your content. Offer promotions for bookings generated through social media.
3. Network with Event Professionals
Connect with event planners, caterers, DJs, florists, photographers and other vendors in your area. Attend bridal shows and vendor fairs to introduce your booth services in-person. Ask vendors to refer you whenever photo booths come up for their clients. Offer referral rewards to incentivize further recommendations.
4. Distribute Printed Marketing Materials
Business cards, flyers, and brochures still have their place, despite the proliferation of digital marketing. Place these materials at venues, vendors, and small businesses frequented by your target demographic. Use a strong call-to-action driving people to your website or social channels.
5. Leverage Email Marketing
Collect customer email addresses and send occasional email blasts showcasing new booth props, features, promotions, or special seasonal offers. Send reminders of open dates to previous clients approaching the anniversary of their last event. Email past brides and grooms around 6 months prior to the date of their wedding.
6. Run Local PPC Ads
Pay-per-click platforms like Google Ads allow you to promote your site to people actively searching for photo booth rentals in your area. Craft your ads to mirror the search queries of your potential customers. Geographic and service-based targeting ensures ads display for the most relevant searches.
7. Partner with Local Businesses
Approach complementary businesses like party supply companies, event venues, bowling alleys, restaurants, etc. to propose a revenue share partnership. Offer to place your iOS or Android Photo Booth at their venue at no cost for a percent of each booking. This fills your calendar while providing a unique experience their customers will enjoy.
8. Offer Client Incentives
Encourage customer referrals by providing rewards for any bookings driven by existing clients. Offer a discount on their next booking for every new client they send your way. This capitalizes on the power of word-of-mouth promotion from happy customers.
9. Attend Local Events
Set up your booth at community events, town festivals, arts shows, etc. to give prospective clients a first-hand photo booth experience. Hand out discount vouchers for future bookings that can only be redeemed on your website, driving valuable leads back to your site.
10. Prioritize Customer Service
During and after events, focus on delivering a top-notch experience so clients enthusiastically promote you to their network. Follow up promptly by emails, calls and inquiries. Make it abundantly clear you appreciate any business sent your way. The goodwill generated by happy customers is a photo booth owner’s best marketing asset.
Implementing even a handful of these strategies can pay dividends through expanded reach and greater brand visibility. As you build awareness and fill your calendar, word-of-mouth referrals will increasingly sustain and grow your photo booth company.