Ready to up your PR game this year?
Well, change is the only constant - especially in the realm of wedding publicity.
Gone are the days when you could rely solely on wedding submissions, Help a Reporter Out (may it rest in peace), and styled shoots to boost your press portfolio. The media landscape has changed dramatically, and the wedding publicity game is fiercely competitive. So with this in mind, where do we go from here?
Before we dive in, let’s acknowledge this: whether you’re a fresh face in the industry or well-seasoned with many years under your belt, PR strategies are incredibly crucial to your exposure and overall growth. Successful PR wins can mean the difference between establishing yourself as a force within the wedding & events realm or feeling stagnant and unable to level up to reel in new clients.
So, let's start with the following:
It’s imperative to understand the current state of the wedding media.
If you aren’t doing so already, be sure to follow your favorite blogs and publications and commit to spending time revisiting their content often. With staff changes and shifts in priorities, you’ll want to be mindful not only of the type of content the publication is gravitating towards, but how often they are publishing and how they are (and aren’t) crediting.
It's then time to redefine visibility and expand our mindset.
Real wedding features and inspiration shoots are still effective, but the key is being mindful of emerging media platforms and unique opportunities to leverage your expertise. And in this dynamic world, it's crucial to go beyond the tried-and-tested and explore lesser-known avenues for brand awareness.
With this in mind, let's delve into some unique strategies to augment your visibility in the wedding space:
Podcast Pitches:
In this digital age, podcasts have emerged as a game changer. They provide an opportunity to engage with a vast and diverse audience, which showcases both your expertise and personality. Find podcasts that align with your brand, create a persuasive pitch, and make your voice heard. Remember, an engaging podcast episode is the perfect blend of storytelling and showcasing expertise.
Event Industry Awards:
Many overlook the power of industry awards, focusing only on the familiar. The truth is, awards enhance credibility and provide a compelling narrative for your brand. Winning, or even being nominated, increases visibility. So don't shy away from scouting for award opportunities - the recognition gained is worth the effort.
"Best of" Lists:
Let's think outside the wedding world. There's an array of small business awards, "top 40 under 40" lists, and alumni honors available. And while these accolades may not be directly related to weddings, they are valuable third-party endorsements that can instill trust in potential clients. Dedicate time this year to find opportunities relevant to your location, background, and expertise.
Traditional Local Media Strategies:
Never underestimate the power of local media. Even in this digital era, a compelling story featured in your local newspaper or a television segment about your unique offerings can lead to impressive exposure. Craft a press release or pitch that resonates with the local audience and watch as your business earns the recognition it deserves.
The bottom line? Change is inevitable, especially in the wedding industry. By adjusting your approach and remaining open to fresh opportunities, you're not only keeping up with change – you're driving it. As wedding professionals, we must adapt and diversify our wedding PR strategies, ensuring we remain not just visible but relevant and influential in this ever-evolving industry.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding publicity agency OFD Consulting. For over 15 years, she and her team of wedding-obsessed publicists have assisted event pros globally with getting published.