Have you ever attended an outdoor event like a wedding or a big party that was formal or semi-formal dress? Most people have whether it was a corporate outing or something that was just a little out of the ordinary. I think most would agree that events like these can be great except for one thing: the restrooms.
Now, this is not the kind of thing that guests think about at these events unless of course the event host has contracted for port-a-johns that would be better suited for a college football tailgate party in a stadium parking lot. You know the kind. The kind that make most people adopt the “I’ll hold it until I have to be hospitalized” approach to getting some ‘relief’.
Well, if you work with Christine Sweeney of atlanta watercloset (the small letters are intentional) you will not have to worry about ruining your classy event with a classless restroom arrangement. Why? Because Christine has recognized a gap in a market that many wouldn’t think could be a business at all. Here’s how her new website describes her new business
Atlanta watercloset provides exceptionally clean portable restrooms for outdoor special events throughout the metro Atlanta area. Our fresh and clean luxury portable restrooms feature flush toilets, fresh water hand wash sink, interior lights, mirror, coat hook, shelf, brand name toilet paper and much more.
Christine is a classic SMB Internet marketing and general business story that began with an idea and has become a business. So what makes her unique? Well, in her industry she stands out like a sore thumb since she isn’t the typical “port-a-john” type (that’s her to the left). As a result, she works with wedding and event planners as well as complementary service providers like tent rental companies on a truly professional level that allows her to do what she does best: serve the customer with the best result based on their needs and desires.
Her marketing efforts are what every SMB should be considering. She gets out and does the face-to-face networking that is critical for relationships. Always has been and always will be. Where she is differentiating herself, however, is the understanding of how online and offline advertising / promotion / marketing etc all play together to give customers and prospective customers a look at her business from what ever angle they are being introduced to atlanta watercloset.
So what exactly is she doing? Here are Christine’s own words to tell you more.
Networking – I’ve looked into some different advertising but so far the easiest (and cheapest) way for me to spread the word is by going to local chapters of national associations that are related to the events industry. For example: NACE Atlanta (national catering executives), GAMPI (Georgia Meeting Planners International), ISES (International Special Events Society). I’ve also stayed informed that way of other local networking that may be good for my business. So far the response has been very positive. Now that just needs to translate into more bookings.
Advertising – I am doing some advertising on a bridal website, atlantabridal.com. This helps me stay involved in local networking events so I can make sure to meet all the right people who can benefit from my offering.
E-mail marketing – Through mailchimp.com. Super easy to use templates to let me send updates to my contacts so they can see photos and read info about my events and new information/offerings.
Website – My site is very basic as I didn’t want to spend tons of money to complete and didn’t think that was necessary at the moment. Although it’s basic it has the look and feel that I was going for. With your help I incorporated relevant search terms and worked with my web designer to make sure all were included. When I was at an event last week I had an event planner tell me she searched for portable restrooms on yahoo and my site came up. I thought that was great considering it’s been less than 2 months. (Frank’s note: Who knew that actual business searches were still happening on Yahoo?)
Social Media – For now for social media I’m using just facebook. It’s been a great way to post updates and show photos of my events. I’d like to get more fans and am working on that. I wish I did take video to post to YouTube when my trailer came off the driver’s truck and went across a very busy street before my 1st event…
Her latest entry at the top of her Facebok page is from the review section of AtlantaBridal.com. Great use of announcing her success to others who may be interested.
All in all, a real strong effort right out of the gate for a small business competing in a rough industry in one of the largest metro regions in the country. I have suggested to Christine that she carry a FlipMinoHD or Kodak Zi8 or something like it to capture those spur of the moment video moments but other than that I think that any SMB would be smart to follow some, if not all, of Christine’s example.
What are your thoughts? What else can Christine do to get maximum mileage from her SMB budget? I am looking forward to responses, as I know Christine is as well.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great story. First, she thought outside of the box. She is filling a need that everyone actually wishes for. Sounds like she is doing a great job at promoting off the web, I would focus on some on-the-web as well.
Write some articles with good links back to the site. Maybe even some blog commenting in her Niche. Since at the moment she is local, I don’t think it would take too much. Press releases would be good and anyone she knows can get her an interview, Wow!.
Well done.
cd :O)
Thanks for the feedback and suggestions! I will try them.