River Ridge Golf Club is a semi-private golf club and event venue located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The agency hosts golf tournaments, golf outings, weddings, charity events, and membership events. The organizational structure includes an owner, general manager, management staff, and employees. As an intern, Taylor Berry and Miranda Day assisted the Sales and Events Director with planning and executing events. Their internship included creating an internship manual, analyzing membership events and marketing strategies, and weekly reflections.
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Agency Analysis
Community Description Pg #5
Marketing Plan Pg #5
Organizational Structure & Culture Pg #7
Personnel Practices Pg #8
Financial Management Strategy Pg #9
Facilities & Areas Pg #10
Programs & Events Pg #11
Job Description Pg #18
Community Description
River Ridge Golf Club is Raleigh’s only 4.5star course. It is nestled into quiet hills surrounded
by a neighborhood in East Raleigh. The course is semiprivate, therefore it has members, but is
also open to the public. None of the club’s revenue is earned through Homeowner's Association
fees. The course mainly attracts upper middle class white males who are over the age of 30. The
neighborhood surrounding the course is comprised of large family homes owned by upper
middle class North Carolinians. The golf course itself typically attracts males, whereas the pool
and tennis membership attracts women and families. We draw in recreators from all over the
Triangle and surrounding areas.
Marketing Plan
River Ridge Golf Club makes sure to market in any way they can. There is a use of all social
media outlets, the internet in terms of websites as well as email blast. This agency also uses the
radio which is also a great way to reach a large population. In terms of competition there are
many golf clubs surrounding the area, but none are competitive in terms of granting the public
the ability to use the facility for events without being a golf club member, which is something
that is typical for other clubs. In terms of the event side of things River Ridge targets future
brides in hopes for them to book their wedding ceremony and/or reception. River Ridge has the
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● Rental Fees:
$3200.00 ~ Wedding Ceremony and Reception
$2800.00 ~ Wedding Reception Only
$1200.00 ~ Wedding Ceremony Only
● What is included in your rental fee?
○ Use of our outdoor pavilion and ballroom
○ Use of our club house
○ Tables and Chairs for reception (150)
○ 10 hours maximum use of all of our amenities
○ Personal wedding planner
○ Meet with you to discuss your visions of your wedding day
○ Create a timeline of ceremony and reception
○ Available anytime to answer any River Ridge related questions
○ Presence for your entire wedding day (from the time you arrive, throughout the
day to oversee the setup, until you make your grand exit)
○ Flexibility to decorate our neutral space to reflect your personal taste.
○ Use of River Ridge Golf Club for your Bridal Portrait before your event. This
must be scheduled with Jamie.
Terms
A 25% nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a date Remaining balance due 30 days prior
to the scheduled event. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased through RRGC Event must
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● Well run, informative member tournaments organized by staff are a staple of the club.
● A limitless amount of range balls awaits you on the driving range – this is a huge benefit
that only the most private clubs offer.
● The Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Associations plays every Saturday morning and invite you
to be a part of it.
At River Ridge everything is cheaper for members!
● Discounts in the pro shop
● Discounts in the grill
● Discounts for your guests.
● Discounts on venue rentals
● Charging account with no minimums
● Purchase clubs at cost plus 10%.
Additional Member benefits at River Ridge
● Unlimited greens fees
● Unlimited use of practice facilities and practice balls
● Monthly member events
● Use of 10,000 square foot club house and event pavilion
● Men’s and Ladies Clinics
● Fulltime starters and rangers
● Junior Golf League and Camps
● Lessons given by our PGA Professionals
● Optional and exclusive use of:
o Handicap program
o Club Storage
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Created by Taylor Berry & Miranda Day, 2016
Table of Contents
Preface……………………………………………… Pg #2
Important contact information…………………………… Pg #2
Who’s who? Get to know management………………… Pg #3
Expectations & Dress code…………………………… Pg #4-5
Day 1 of your internship……………………………… Pg #6
Where things are…………………………………… Pg #7
How to make an Event using IBS………………………
Booking with River Ridge 〜 “What we’ve got!”……………
Pg #8-14
Pg #15
General Event Checklist✓(personal and event-related!) … Pg #16
Tournaments ………………………………………… Pg #17
Wedding Rehearsals (and lingo) ……………………… Pg #17-18
Weddings……………………………………………… Pg #19
Tips for success …………………………………… Pg #20
Dealing with sticky situations ………………………… Pg #21
Closing statements …………………………………… Pg #21
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Preface
River Ridge Golf Club, a 4 1⁄2 star 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Event
Venue where anyone can host a tournament, special event, as well as a wedding. The
purpose of this manual is to help anyone whom has received the Events Internship at
River RIdge Golf Club. This manual includes some of the necessary information to help
understand what is to be done as well as expected during this internship.
River Ridge’s Mission Statement
River Ridge’s mission is to provide a high quality of service and hospitality to
members and the daily fee guests paying to enjoy our golf course and clubhouse
facilities. All services provided by our staff must be accomplished as a coordinated team…
in a professional manner… and provide a sufficient operating profit to enhance and
maintain the facilities and provide a reasonable return to the ownership.
Important Contact Information
Jamie Notarainni’s mobile: (919) 413-8176 - you can call or text
Jamie’s Office: (919) 661-8374 ext 4
River Ridge: (919) 661-8374
* If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to call 911
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Who’s who? Get to know Management
Listed below are the members of the staff you will see often during your internship
at River Ridge. These people hold management positions and more often than not have
staff who work under them. Those individuals aren't listed but are very important and
should you see other employees you don’t know, politely introduce yourself.
Management Staff
Dr. Johnny Bagwell- Owner of River Ridge
Craig Hooks- General Manager
Sarah Ward- Business Manager
Jamie Notarainni- Sales and Events Director
Assistant- Miranda Day
John Partin- Head Golf Professional
Assistant Golf Pro- Brandon Molson
Rodney Moss- Course Superintendent
Carol- Grille Manager
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Expectations & Dress code
Responsibilities of Internship
Intern's tasks would consist of (but not limited to):
o Assisting in events such as:
-Weddings
-Golf tournaments and outings
-Club membership events
-Special Events
o Learn and assist in the development and execution of sales tactics (and marketing) to
bring in:
-Future events
-Outings
-Memberships
o Event calendar management
o Assist in maintenance of social media and marketing
o Participate in normal day to day functions of the club
Expectations
Working in events punctuality, professionalism, and politeness are absolutely crucial.
Punctuality
o Show up to work 5 minutes early
o Come prepared, have your day planner, clothes, computer, etc
o Keep track of your work schedule in a day planner/agenda or in google
calendar
o If something comes up, communicate it to Jamie & the events team
Professionalism
o Follow the dress code (see section entitled “Dress Code” for more information)
o Be respectful of all guests and staff
o Don’t use your cell phone around clients
o Avoid inappropriate language and behavior
Politeness
o This should go without saying; be nice to everyone at River Ridge
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o Welcome everyone; introduce yourself!
o Go out of your way to make guests feel at home
o Lend a helping hand whenever possible
o Keep a smile on your face!
Dress Code
Dress code at River Ridge is an important way to show your professionalism and keep
the atmosphere classy.
Dress code at River Ridge, is, however, flexible depending on what you’re doing that day.
For example,
Weddings: show up in appropriate-length shorts, and full-coverage tee shirt to set up.
Bring a dress/skirt/slacks (or man’s equivalent) to change into for the reception.
Beverage cart: (weather depending) appropriate length shorts and a polo (in general,
more casual than events)
Tournaments: khakis and a nice top with flats (women), khaki shorts and polo with boat
shoes (men)
These are just a few examples, but you have lots of options. Don’t be afraid to run
outfit ideas by Jamie ahead of timeif you aren’t sure.
* Invest in comfortable shoes that go with most outfits!
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Day 1 of your internship- yay!
Thank you for being here 〜 we are sohappy to have you!
It can be overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help. Ask questions, and don’t be
afraid to speak up! You’ll learn the lay of the land in no time, so leave your anxieties at
the door.
On your first day, you will fill out and sign a tax form and employee information contract.
Now you might be wondering, why am I filling out these forms for an unpaid
internship?
Because, there are opportunities to get paid!!
Paid Opportunities
o Beverage cart
o Bartending
o Gratuity from food service
Then, tour the facilities and meet some of the staff!
This is a great opportunity to learn where things are, and to make a great first
impression!
Tour
o Take mental notes of where things are
o The better you memorize locations of items, the smoother events will run
o Know where grille, pro shop, bathrooms, & offices are so you can help guests
find their way around (see section titled, “Where things are” pg.7)
o Learn: How many chairs/tables/people we can host (see section titled “Booking
with River Ridge - What we got!” pg.8)
o Goal:Be able to give tours to prospective clients!
Meeting the staff
o Get to know your co-workers
o Greet everyone with a smile and warm handshake
o Learn: Learn as many names/faces as possible!
o Goal: Make a great first impression!
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Where Things Are
When interning here at River Ridge, it is important to learn where things are so that
you are able to help in the most efficient way possible. On your tour during your first
day, take mental notes of where these rooms are, and what they have in them.
Catering Room
- This room is located upstairs to the left of the stairs. This is where you will find the
partitions used to close off the bridal suite.This room also has vases, silverware, and
other normal kitchen items.
Pavilion Storage
- This room is located at the very back of the pavilion where you see two sets of double
doors. This room has two sides that are connected in the inside. This room is vital to
River Ridge because this is where you find all the tables, chairs, the bar, laundry room,
linens, as well as beer normally used to stock for up and coming events. This storage
area houses alcohol so there is a key you need to get inside that you can get from
Jamie.
Cart Barn
- The cart barn is where the golf carts are stored and there are also storage closets.
This is located outside across from the pro shop downstairs.
Grille
- This area will be used a lot for your own personal use for when you want drinks and
snacks, as well as when you need to get ice to fill the coolers for beverages carts.
The grille is located downstairs and to the right when you walk in the main entrance.
Beer Barn
- You will find the beer barn in the back of the cart barn. This is where all the
excess beverages are stored. The keys for this barn are kept in the safe deposit
closet inside the tray in the safe.
Safety Deposit Closet
- Where the Beer Barn key is and money in green envelope. This closet it located in
the proshop in the corner to the left when you first walk in.
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How to make an Event using system IBS through the
console!
Step 1:
● Locate IBS.
● Click Event Management.
● Click Accounts and Events.
Step 2:
● Click add (+).
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Step 3:
● To create an account number use a portion of the event name and the system will add
numbers on it’s own.
● In the next blank space type out the full event name.
Step 4:
● To attach and event associated, click the attach button.
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Step 5:
● Select the event date.
● For event type click the search button and select fitting option.
● Once selected, image 3 will be your event interface.
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Step 6:
● To add pricing, hit the pricing tab and then hit the attach button.
Step 7:
● Under department, click the search button and choose the appropriate selection.
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Step 8:
● For weddings or special events, adding venue pricing is under golf shop, then search for
clubhouse rental.
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Step 9:
● To add pricing for rental, highlight the whole pricing section and type in appropriate amount.
● After pricing has been created, the following image should look as such.
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Step 10:
● To view how much money has been paid on the account or billed, click invoices to view.
*Throughout this process, remember to hit save!
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Booking with River Ridge 〜“What we’ve got!”
It is important to know the following information because you will be giving tours
to prospective clients soon. This information is what helps us close the deal and book
the event!
When clients book at River Ridge, they are booking knowing the following:
-The Pavilion holds over 200 people
-The Indoor ballroom holds on Average 100-150 (100 seated)
-They’re also booking the events team to help them execute their event
What amenities come with booking at River Ridge:
O Day-of Coordinators: clients get Jamie, her assistant, and an intern (you!) for an
hour-long rehearsal, and for 10hours the day of the wedding
O 150 White Resin Chairs
O 15 72” Rounds (seats 10)
O 5 Cocktail Tables
O 10 8ft longs
O 2 6ft rectangle tables
O 1 Sweetheart Table
O 1 Cake Table
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Event Checklists✓
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning and executing an event:
Personal Checklist
✓ Appropriate clothes for the event
✓ Change of clothes (if necessary)
✓ Extra pair of socks?
✓ Comfortable shoes
✓ Deodorant
✓ Perfume/Cologne
✓ Grooming supplies (hair, makeup, scrunchies, etc)
✓ Computer & charger
✓ Phone & charger
✓ Day planner/agenda or access to personal calendar
✓ Snack & beverage (always stay hydrated!)
Professional Event Checklist
✓ Set up all venue spaces in accordance to the layout
✓ Set out trash cans & liners
✓ Check event areas for trash
✓ Check bathrooms
✓ Make sure we have enough chairs
✓ Prepare drinks & plan for the food
✓ Ask Jamie and clients what you can do to help (always check Jamie’s “to-do”
list)
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Tournaments
Tournaments happen throughout the week and are hosted by different
members or companies. Some key words when working a tournament are shotgun and
tee time. A shotgun is the start of a golf tournament where different groups of
players tee off at the same time but at different holes along the course. (i.e group 1
starts at hole 1 group 9 at hole 9 et.c ). A tee time is a reservation at the golf course
for when the golfer begins the course.In regards to a shotgun, the event staff
arrives a few hours before to help set up and give help if necessary.
We understand that this is an unpaid internship where a lot of hours are
spent here at the club. During tournaments there are different opportunities to make
money which include doing beverage cart, bartending, as well as doing clean up where
you have the ability to make gratuity. If you have questions on how and when you can
make money you can talk with Jamie about it in more detail.
Wedding Rehearsals
Wedding rehearsals are typically done the day/night before the wedding. They
typically last one hour. The bridal party meets in the indoor ballroom and after everyone
has arrived the rehearsal begins. Below is the typical outline for the wedding
rehearsals here at River Ridge.
Rehearsal How To
· Bridal Party Arrives
· Bring participants downstairs in front of staircase outside to do introductions, etc.
· Show participants aisle marker and standing cues on grass area where ceremony will
be held.
· Distinguish any ushers and whom they would like to seat (ie.grandparents, parents,
etc.)
· Line up bridal party:
o Line up Bridesmaids in proshop area (coming through doors, to center)
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o Line up Groomsmen in grille area (coming through doors, to center)
· Day of, our coordinators will open doors and help with cues.
· Bridal party separates (girls left, guys right) at front (near where Officiant stands)
· Make sure bridal party meets at the end of staircase in the middle and walks down
together at a slow pace (unless otherwise stated)
· Start the next set of pairs once the pair ahead meets at the grass (this will
spread out the procession)
o Make sure to provide enough space for all to fit
· If necessary, have Officiant run through ceremony outline with bride and group, etc.
· Have bridal party exit
· Practice as many times as needed
· Discuss introduction for reception, if similar to ceremony lineup, no need to practice,
but can if you all would like
· Wrap up!
Wedding Lingo
(You’ll hear/see these A LOT)
MOB (Mother of Bride)
FOB (Father of Bride)
MOG (Mother of Groom)
FOG (Father of Groom)
GM (Grandmother)
SOB (Sister of Bride)
BOG (Brother of Groom)
MOH (Maid of Honor)
*Note: Matron of Honor is married, Maid of Honor is unmarried
Processional - walk down the aisle for ceremony
Recessional - exit down the aisle, then guests go to cocktail hour
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Introductions - introduce bridal party & walk into reception space
Weddings!!{The main reason we’re here :) }
Tasks on wedding day:
● Arrive 5 mins early
● Set up chairs for ceremony
● Help bridal party in any way necessary
● Begin to line up bridesmaids/groomsmen 10-15 mins before ceremony and cue
them
● Help set up cocktail area while the ceremony takes place
● After ceremony, flip chairs from ceremony chairs to reception area (if
necessary)
● Help with finishing touches for reception
● Once reception begins, help with any errands needed (i.e restocking the bar,
getting ice etc.)
● Help with the clean up afterwards
On wedding days, understand that if the bride is happy your day will go a lot smoother.
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Tips for Success!
Here at River Ridge, Jamie and the staff want you to get the most out of your
experience.
*Please speak up and let us know how we can accommodate your needs! We’re very
flexible and want you to get experience in event management, marketing, customer
service, and hone your skills with focus, attention to detail, and dedication. Let us know if
there’s an area you want to focus on.
o Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty
o The customer is ALWAYS right, no matter how petty/big/small/annoying
- We are here to serve the clients and give them the best
experience possible
o Network with the members and guests
- This is a great opportunity to make connections
- Make business cards & keep them in your bag at all times
o Be friendly and treat everyone with respect!
- Smile!
- Introduce yourself
- Shake hands warmly
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- Politeness goes a longggg way ☺
Dealing with sticky situations
River Ridge is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe space for all
employees and guests. However, if something does arise, we will take it seriously. Never
hesitate to come to Jamie with whatever issue you’re facing. It’s our job to make sure
you’re having the best possible experience.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Of course, if there is an emergency, please call 911.
In this internship, you may have to do things that get your hands dirty. Events aren’t
all lace and bubbles, we’re the ones getting nitty gritty to pull this miracle off. You’ll
move chairs and tables, get sweaty flipping the reception space, and sometimes you’ll
scrub bird poop. As an event planner, this dedication to perfection will carry you far
and teach you a lot about hard work!
Closing statements
Again, we are so happy you’ve joined the events team at River Ridge! We pride
ourselves on making our customers happy while also keeping the work environment as
professional and fun as possible. It’s easy to get flustered and frustrated so remember
to breathe and ask for help when needed. Always remember that creativity is
welcomed and that this experience is what you make of it, and we suggest you make
the most of it.
* If you follow the dress code, arrive on time, and treat everyone with respect, this will
be a positive experience for all.
-Tell us how we can best serve your needs and fill your interest niche.
We all work together really closely, so you are now part of our River Ridge family
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To do:
Decorate golf carts
Hire staff to drive & hand out candy
Decorate the greens
Put “cobwebs” and eyeball lights on the bushes
Need: variety of prepackaged candy
Inside: Adults are greeted and handed their choice of beverage from a creepy bar and bartender.
Fog machines and special lighting set the ambience of the entryway. Guests are ushered up the
stairs into the indoor ballroom for a social.
To do:
Set up bar with beer and wine
Serve seasonal specialty drink
Fog machine
Up lighting
Music
Themed: “Finger” food, eyeball hors d'oeuvres, etc
Familyfriendly punch
Haunted Pavilion: When the kids return from trickortreating, kids and adults will venture onto
the “haunted” pavilion. Creepy decorations and different stations will be set up. Entertainment
provided as well.
To do:
Partition different stations onto the pavilion
Set up ghost decorations
Set up privacy screens to create mazelike feeling (hay bales also an option)
Strobe lights
Fog machine
Coffins
Cart staff can volunteer to act like zombies/vampires/monsters in the corners
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“DiveIn” Movie Night at the Pool
What: Movie night in the pool
Where: Pool at River Ridge
When: Memorial weekend when the pool opens (or anytime during the season)
Who: Members and Public
Logistics:
Rent screen & projector
Screen from Deejay's Event Rentals: $80/day
Plan snacks and drinks
Icecold soda, popcorn, and squeeze popsicles
Beer available for purchase?
Setup screen and projector
Rent a movie
Splash off the season with a divein movie night at the pool at River Ridge (this could be done
multiple times during pool season. However, if we do it at the beginning, we will get more pool
memberships). Open to members and families in the nearby neighborhoods.
Movie night:
Hold the movie night at 8pm so it’s dark enough but kids can still come. Show a familyfriendly
flick like “Finding Nemo”, since it’s poolthemed.
We could even have movie night for adults after the familyfriendly flick, like “Jaws”.
Staff will serve cold soda and beer.
Popcorn will be available as well as pushup popsicles.
Need:
Popcorn
Soda & beer
Popsicles
Scissors (to cut the popsicles)
Trash can
Two staff members
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Wine, Nine, & Design
What: Golf nine holes then join us for wine and design in the indoor ballroom
Where: Front or back nine, indoor ballroom
When: 4pm10pm
Who: Members and public
Logistics:
Send invitations
Pick front or back nine
Prepare wine
Cool white wine, aerate the red wine (let it breathe)
Hire someone to lead a design class
Materials for design:
Canvasses
Paint
Paintbrushes
Paintbrush waters
Chairs
Easels
Invite members and interested public to play nine holes then join us indoors for wine and a
design class lead by a local professional. It’s a good way for members to join together and play a
sport they love. It’s also a great way to showcase the course to interested members of the public.
Many golfers would bring their wives as well for the wine and design part of the evening.
Everyone can bond over a dry or fruity beverage while they dip into their creativity and make a
piece to take home with them. We could ask the instructor of the design class to please lead the
class in painting a landscape from River Ridge. This would increase stewardship of the club and
people would think of River Ridge when they see their piece hanging up at home.
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Recommendations to Stimulate ROI on Events at River Ridge
● Install fullservice catering kitchen
○ Golfers must use for tournaments
○ Weddings and special events will use grille to cater preevent food
○ Wedding rehearsal dinners
● Pavilion
○ Fix pillars
○ Resurface and repaint
○ Renovate back rooms
○ Install fans
○ Install sink in back storage
○ Cosmetic fixes increase curb appeal for booking events
● Sales and Events Director’s Office
○ Repaint better color
○ Replace computer
○ Replace chair
● Indoor ballroom
○ Repaint
○ Update fixtures
○ Replace chandelier
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For my special project I decided to do a compilation of small projects:
1. Social Media Upkeep
2. Marketing Analysis of surrounding golf courses and wedding venues
3. Internship Manual
Social Media:
In today’s society, social media is vital to be up to date with anything, whether it be
family, friends and even businesses. With that, I decided to focus on River Ridges social media
with an emphasis on events. At the beginning of my internship I began posting on their
instagram account, which as you can see below was mostly focusing on the golf course more so
than events. The post they made were at random and were sporadic. When I talked to my
supervisor Jamie, she said she wanted the events to be showcased so that the instagram could
give future brides a better visual to what River Ridge is capable of.
In comparison to local event competitors such as, The Stockroom or The Carolina Inn,
their accounts have over 2000+ followers with each photo averaging over 20+ likes. River Ridge
had 191 followers averaging about 48 likes per photo. When it comes to social media, it’s all
about the likes. The more likes you have the more popular the post becomes, and the more
popular the post, the more exposure there is. After I began posting consistently on instagram,
their account now has 213 followers with each photo averaging 16 likes per photo. If River
Ridge keeps up with the instagram posts on a consistent basis, I know they will grow to well
over a thousand follower like other competitive venues. Having that extra exposure to everyone
in surrounding areas will only be helpful to future brides looking for a wedding venue.
This portion of my special project gave me a lot of insight as in how important social
media is to a business that aren’t major corporations with major publicity. Social Media is a
source of free advertising and when used the right way it can bring in unforeseen customers that
would have never known about River Ridge before.
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