The reason I ask is because in my hometown several photography business's do mass mailings to the current years seniors and I was wondering how they got that info. There were a few of the studios from Arkansas sending them as well. I didn't think the schools were allowed to give that out either, but how are they doing this?
The cost is $97 per thousand students plus shipping. And that will get you all the names printed on mailing labels.
ETA - I looked into the school papers and around here most of them don't take ads from outside sources because the comapny who prints them will only print for free for non profit organizations. So, if they have to have someone pay for ads, the printing company figures... why print their papers for free?
From what I hear the mailing lists you buy average 60% accurate - the other 40% you mail to have no HS seniors. It may work if you don't mind wasting 40% of your mailing, and probably not getting all the kids in teh school.
The way most studios do it is with Ambassador programs. Names vary (model is another one) - you give 1 or 2 seniors free packages in exchange for them being sales man for you - and one thing they must do is get you a lost of all the soon to be seniors. Some photogs pay per name, some insist on all the names or no deal. ALWAYS have more than one kid getting the lists so you can cross check them. Some kids have to get every kid to sign their names and addresses, while other schools have directories available to the parents or kids.
I had a list of every kid/parent at my son's preschool last year and again now he's in kindergarten - just his class, not all 8 sections of K though. But then I got a list of those on the T-ball team, BB team, cub scouts, etc. - Unfortunately they aren't HS seniors!
I am doing ads in teh newspaper this month and next, got an inquiry from the web, got one senior from a mother at a bridal show. Last year I got one and she sent 4 friends and got 2 from former co workers.
I will be doing a post card mailing to those in my database - any customer i've had.
And a local outfit can do billboards pretty cheaply so I think I may do that. I want to call the local movie theatre and ask what it costs to advertise there.
Malls are popular places, but it's EXPENSIVE. $800/month for a 6 month deal. Ouch.
I have considered standing outside the school and handing out flyers/coupons/giftcards too.
Don't suppose you KNOW any of the seniors, do you? My son is about to graduate. I did a bunch of the pictures for his class, and now I'm getting calls from juniors who are already thinking about their senior pictures.
I contacted the high school in the town south of where I live about year book specs. Anyway, they asked me if I wanted to buy an ad in their year book, which they're about to send to the printers. I guess if I buy an ad, I have to get an actual buisness license, right?
Don't suppose you KNOW any of the seniors, do you? My son is about to graduate. I did a bunch of the pictures for his class, and now I'm getting calls from juniors who are already thinking about their senior pictures.
I did most of last years seniors since they were all close friends of my sister-in-law. I don't know anyone this year, but I do know the senior sponser, I'm going to see if there is anything she can do. As for the add in a yearbook you don't need a buisness license to get one. I didn't have one. :D
P.S. Thanks to all who answered! you've helped a great deal!!!!
Folders. Some people print ads on folders that are given to each and every child at the school. You can get a pretty large space on a folder for around 350 and it will be distributed to over 3000 people :) That is what I would ask the school board about :)
how about going to student events where the parents would show up (like plays, sporting events, science fairs, club events, whatever) and either putting fliers in hands (i'd pick parent over students!) or on the cars in the parking lots. just make sure its a nice flier! good luck!
