It’s hard to believe when I started my wedding planning business in 2002 very few businesses had websites, and social media didn’t exist. In fact the only way to interact with couples online was via chat forums like Hitched.
Now however social media is a big part of a marketing strategy for businesses, especially those in the creative industry like weddings. But it can suck the time out of your day if you do not properly manage your tasks. I see so many wedding businesses spending so much time curating beautiful feeds, but no time on an actual marketing strategy.
When I surveyed planners on instagram recently, asking if they had received bookings via the platform only 46% said they had. And when I analysed those accounts, I noticed they were primarily the luxury market whose clients want to see consistent proof of their creativity.
I’ve always believed a beautiful curated feed doesn’t automatically mean you will have consistent bookings. So what do I feel you should be doing on social media?
- Create a strategy, what message do you want to portray for the coming weeks? Don’t just post randomly. What is it you want to promote? A service? A real wedding or styled shoot? Always think of how this will benefit you with potential clients.
- Spend at least 20 minutes a day liking and commenting on accounts, make the comments worthy and interesting, do not simply say “great post”
- If someone leaves a comment on your platforms then ensure you respond and ideally leave a question. This encourages conversation which all the social media platforms love.
- Start prioritising pinterest. Pin your blog posts and real weddings to one of your boards with a link back to your website. Dedicate 5 minutes a day to pinning your own content AND re-pinning from other accounts that reflect your style.
- Start using video on your feeds. Record behind the scenes on instagram stories and give advice, on facebook give a little tour of a wedding or show part of the first dance.
- Check your direct messages. The number of direct messages I receive on both facebook and instagram has increased dramatically. And many of these turn into confirmed bookings. Millennials are time short and don’t always want to open up their email, if they have been on your social media accounts its quicker for them to send you a message. So when they do, respond promptly.
Need further support?
If you are unsure how to create a marketing strategy for your wedding business then why not book a Business Booster with me? In just 1 hour we can discuss your key priorities and create a strategy that will work for your business. Over skype or in person this costs just ยฃ200. Message me for more details
And if you are not confident with instagram then my instagram strategy training and workbook is perfect for you. This video tuition and interactive workbook is just ยฃ58 and can be purchased via the UKAWP online platform