7 Ways to Attract College, University, and School Clients
Are you looking to attract more high-end private event clients to your balloon business? Many business owners struggle with this issue because this audience isn’t as easy to reach as others. In fact, just learning how to connect with a high-end private event client can take you some time. To help with the process, we’ve compiled a list of 7 ways to attract high-end private event clients.
#1 Improve Website and Search Engine Strategy
One of the first things you should do to attract school clients is update your website and search engine strategy. For your site, you’ll want to add a page explaining that your balloon business offers decor for school functions.
Then you will want to begin targeting colleges, universities, and other schools through your search engine optimization and ads. By telling Google or other search engines that you want to rank for those keywords, it will get you awareness from the right audience.
#2 Target the Right Person
The first rule to marketing your balloon business to schools is knowing
who to approach. For example, proms are popular for balloon decorations, so contact the prom committee at the local high school. If you’re not sure who’s putting that together it’s time to do some calling to the school office and ask who is coordinating prom. Thinking about colleges and universities: Graduations often leverage decorations and balloon drops and there are retirement parties and sporting events. Jump on the school website and find the staff members closest to each area and start making phone calls or sending video messages with some example photos of your work.
#3 Monitor RFPs
Among the reasons it’s more challenging to market your balloon business to schools is that they generally send out RFPs or requests for proposals. These requests tell suppliers of specific services or goods that a school is looking to hire. Just keep in mind that with this, you will have to submit a professional proposal and compete against other local businesses.
Generally we recommend building the relationships with whoever is sending or reviewing RFP responses before those come out. So if you see one posted and apply and don’t get the contract, take that as a green light to start building the relationship for that event for its next iteration.
#4 Make Google Adwords Your Friend
As you know, having an online presence is crucial for your balloon business, but just being online isn’t enough in most cases. In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for schools to conduct a general internet search for balloon designers in the local area.
Hence,
your balloon business needs to appear on the first page of search results. One of the easiest ways to appear at the top of the search is to conduct Google Ads Keyword research to find the best and most relevant keywords for the events you want to serve. Then, create some graphics or text for search ads and start experimenting.
Keep in mind that finding advertisements that actually generate profit takes time and you’ll create and throw away a lot of ads that don’t bring profits for every one that does. Those winners are gems. This is an area where many businesses hire expertise so they don’t waste as much money finding ads that don’t work. If you hire, look for a person or company that approaches ads this way.
We already have a list of over
400 search phrases relevant to balloon decor and the various types of events and businesses you want to target. It’s one way we help you get going on the right track from the first day with your ads.
#5 Become an Approved Supplier
Many schools and universities have approved supplier lists that they use to find and hire services. The best thing you can do is determine who you need to talk with about getting on the list as an approved supplier. Doing so allows you to rest easy knowing that the school will come to your balloon business with all future needs.
#6 Diversify Your Marketing Mix
As the saying goes, ‘don’t put all of your eggs into one basket,’ the same goes for marketing your balloon business. It’s best to come up with a wide range of strategies at first and then hone in on those that work overtime while ignoring the ones that don’t. This can be hard for small business owners on their own, so we always recommend seeking the help of a professional marketing firm.
Here’s a quick look at marketing methods you should include:
- Social Media Marketing
- Google Ads
- Press Releases
- Cold calls and networking
#7 Publish a Press Release
While publishing press releases in the past may have been nearly impossible for most, anyone can do it in today’s world. Simply create a noteworthy spin on your balloon business and how it relates to colleges, universities, and school clients.
Ultimately, the ease with which you can attract educational clients to your balloon business depends on many things, including location. If you live in an area that’s more close-knit and rural, it will be easier to target this audience than if you live in a large city where there is lots of competition.
Publish the release with local media if you’re doing this DIY or consider a publishing service which will show the release to subsidiaries all across the state or country for consideration.
During events like One Million Bubbles, for example, the businesses that get the most press are the ones that push out the news rather than just invite reporters to cover their news.
At the end of the day, if you want to attract school clients to your balloon business but don’t know how, contact us - we’re experts in the industry and have assisted countless others with this same problem!
Disclaimer: This publication and the information included in it are not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation with business consultants and professionals. Specific business, financial, legal issues, concerns and conditions always require the advice of appropriate professionals. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the participant and do not represent the views or opinions of Balloon Suite.
