Image: Creative Commons

When trying to determine where to advertise, one of the key questions to ask yourself is “Where does my target market go for information?  What are my clients reading?”  You can make some assumptions based on their style and personality.  But, to get more precise, simply ASK them when you meet with them.  In my relationship with my clients I make sure to ask the following questions:

  • How did you find me?
    I typically ask this when they first call or email.
  • Have you seen anything in a site or magazine that inspires you?
    I’ll ask them to bring this to the consult not only so that I can understand their wedding style, but also so that I can see what publications are guiding their decisions.
  • Have you seen the website XYZweddings.com?  What do you think of it?
    I’ll ask this question this question when I’m conversing with them about their wedding planning.  If I’m trying to get a feel for a new site or magazine and whether I want to advertise, I’ll ask them specifically their thoughts on the publication.  It’s “on the spot” marketing research.

If you haven’t done this in the past and you want to get a feel for what your favorite clients are reading, consider emailing a few of your past clients to ask them what sort of magazines, websites, blogs, and books they read to help them in their wedding planning.  Keep in mind that trends change and a website that was popular 5 years ago may not be so today.  I would recommend asking brides and grooms who’ve been married in the last year what they read while planning their wedding.

Do you do this?  Has this given you a better feel for where to advertise?