I know all too well what it’s like to be new in business and unsure how to increase visibility.
On one hand, it’s absolutely thrilling to be chasing your dream and finally have a job you love. On the other hand, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. It’s a lot of late nights and early mornings. A lot of different hats to wear. And a lot of HUSTLE.
And truth bomb – our ideal client’s aren’t just ready and waiting for us at our fingertips.
Instead, we have to continuously put forth the effort to create awareness around our business and service offerings.
And I want to help you create action steps so you can reach even more of your ideal brides, couples, and vendors! Here are the five things you can start doing right now to increase visibility and take your business to the next level as a new wedding planner:
01. Network
Your next ideal, happy client could be just one referral away! Seriously. So, hop online and make a list of 20 local vendors, like venues and photographers (you know, the vendors most brides tend to book first!), who you would love the opportunity to work with. Start by reaching out to 10 of them and invite them to grab coffee (or meet virtually if you’re not comfortable meeting in-person just yet!) Genuinely get to know them and their businesses without worry of pushing your services – think of your time together as time out with a new friend! Some of the best working relationships and friendships can be sparked from these meetings.
02. Plan a styled shoot
If you feel your portfolio needs a boost or you’d like to explore a creative idea with a group of fellow wedding pros, reach out and plan a styled shoot! You can reach out to specific pros via email, or you can post in a local Facebook group and see who responds. If you can, consider scheduling your shoot for the off season when more of your fellow wedding pros are available and itching to create rather than during the height of wedding season when everyone has more than enough on their plates. Planning a styled shoot can be a great way to work with vendors you’ve never worked with before, gain more exposure and increase visibility as a new wedding planner.
03. Place an emphasis on the client experience
One client can lead to another, and friends LOVE to share their experiences! In order to book that next referral from a past client, make sure your current clients know how much you love and care about them. Hint: It’s not always about gifting. Things like promptly responding to emails, really listening to their excitement as well as their concerns, and going above and beyond leading up to and on their wedding day will allow your clients to walk away from their wedding ready and very willing to sing your praises!
04. Request reviews
Once your couple’s wedding day has come to a close, have a plan in place to request a review of your services. Having the bride (or MOB!) post their review on sites like Google, WeddingWire or The Knot is a great idea to help boost SEO and ensure your business lands on sites couples visit when they’re in the process of researching wedding pros for their big day. Be sure to also create a testimonials section or page on your website to house your top reviews from previous clients!
05. Be active, engage + interact on social media
Social media is key, especially for wedding businesses, because most sites new brides rely on are visual platforms. Commit to posting onto your preferred social platform where you feel you can reach your ideal client (I love Instagram!). Then, post consistently (2-3+ times/week is great) and continue to engage and interact with your followers and local vendors in order to increase visibility!
Xo,
Jess
