If you follow experts in any other industry you have most likely heard them PRAISE email marketing to no end. The main reason, because you don't OWN your social platforms, and you have complete control over your email list. While I don't think instagram is going anywhere, we have all notices a decrease in engagement at some point and followers not seeing our content. What we do know, is 99% of email users check their in box everyday and 50% of people buy from marketing emails at least once per month. The average return on investment for emails is $40 for every $1 spent. (In comparison, the ROI of SEO and keyword ads are $22.24 and $17). So if you are wondering where to invest some time - emails might be it. 

Chances are you have a “Join My List” opt in on your site, or maybe you have been *legally* collecting emails straight from your photobooth with plans to market to them later on. And just haven't got around to it.

Below I have 4 great ways to interact and add to your email list. Ideas 1 + 4, are more work up front, but you can set and forget.  Ideas 2 + 3, are a bit more re occuring, but you can set how often that is. Ready to dive in? 

1. General News letter + Welcome Series
   
   First off, on the right hand side you will find a download for a template to build out your welcome series so you can easily plug it into your email service provider (we love flodesk) and get rolling.
   
   If you have an opt in to join your list on your site, you want to apply this workflow first. Post event you can also add people to this list BUT you need to do this LEGALLY - so make sure you have a disclaimer on your booth and/or you send a double opting FIRST reminding them how you got their email and confirming they want to join. And if they don't, no worries. You want engaged users on your site
   
   I recommend 4-5 emails to welcome and warm up your audience. First, your opt in. Second, introducing your business and what you are about. Third, how to book with you and what working with you looks like. Fourth, a little social proof + past reviews and galleries. I recommend really highlighting the experience you offer. Finally, finish off with a what to expect next, which you can decide. Do you want to send quarterly recaps, or maybe you just pop in once a year, or when you add a new product. Let people know when they can hear from you next. Our next email list idea might be exactly what you tell them!!
   
   
   
2. Local Events 
   
   I don't know about you but I love following Reels from local influencers filling me in on the best new restaurants in town, or what activities and events are coming up. Honestly this is how I find places to pitch my services, whether it's a grand opening event or some kind of festival, these things could definitely use a photobooth amiright.
   
   So then it hit me, why couldn't my photobooth essentially be an influencer, and my community could follow me for the best recommendations of events in town? Bonus points if my photobooth would be there, but imagine the impact of an event host knowing YOUR COMPANY sent people to their event. Plus your company is going to become top of mind because you are always providing value to your community.
   
   Imagine you pitching to a large event and letting them know you would mention their event to your email list of… the number could be limitless. This is such a unique value add I guarantee your competition isn't utilizing.
   
   If you are already a go to company for social events in your area, this email list idea should be A NO BRAINER.
   
   I would structure this as a monthly or quarterly email campaign, highlighting what’s happening in your community. For example come holiday season, we have brewfests, holiday bazaars, tree lighting, and so many different experiences to go see lights.
   
   Bonus: Create reels just as often as you send this with a sneak peak of events, add the call to action “Join our email list to see what else is happening in town”
   
   
3. Vendor Email
   
   I need to start this by saying, DO NOT just add every vendor in your area to a list and spam the hell out of them. We all get enough emails, be respectful.
   
   BUT if you run your business with the majority of leads coming through as referrals, adding the top vendors that refer you (WITH THEIR PERMISSION, I recommend emailing them personally and asking if you can add them) to a list would be a great way to send updated on your offerings.
   
   Maybe you just added audio guestbooks, you have a handful of planners in your area who are on your list, and they now know they have a go-to for this service. Again, we all know social posts get lost.
   
   Maybe on Black Friday you run a secret sale to your vendor list, offering an extra hour for any of their couples, or a discount.
   
   I would keep this list SMALL and INTIMATE, and only email when you have something really important to say. If you wouldn't email them personally with the info you are sending, then don't bother sending it as a marketing email.
   
   
4. Upsell Series After Booking 
   
   We offer 5 different photobooth services in out business, I already know that can feel overwhelming to potential clients. Unless its comes up as a questions from them, or they mention something they wish was available, I NEVER mention add ons. Until after they book that is. (note the popular options like guestbooks, idle + additional hours, etc are available on our proposal) Queue an upsell series, like the welcome series, this is made up front, and then automated when guests book with you!
   
   You could start with a "We Are Official - What To Expect Next." Followed by, How To Optimize Your Photobooth Experience email with your best tips and add ons that relate. I would make this as general as possible if you get a mix of social, wedding, and corporate events, but it is possible to categorize per event type depending on how your CRM works.
   
   Add call to actions at the end of the emails to reach out if they want to add these. This could also just be a great blog series on your website.