How to Start a Wedding Blog

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If you’re just starting out in the wedding industry, one of your first stops is to get your website + your blog up + running.

While it’s an exciting time, it can also be overwhelming.

Fret not, you can do it my wedding-planning friend. All you have to do is start at the beginning + I’m here to walk you through step-by-step exactly how to do it.

Pick a Domain Name

Your first stop is to buy a domain name for your website (the website where you’ll also be building your blog). Usually, wedding pros try to buy the domain name that is their business name.

You can certainly go this route.

If you need to buy your domain name, I suggest NameCheap. I buy all of my domain names from NameCheap. As their name suggests, the domain names tend to be less expensive than other places + I tend to keep my hosting (more about this later) + domain names at separate companies.

This means that I buy my domain names from NameCheap but that I host my WordPress site with Siteground.

Pick a Host

The next step in setting up your website + blog is to pick a hosting company. NameCheap has an option for hosting, so you are certainly welcome to check out what they have to offer.

I use + highly recommend SiteGround. I find them to be affordable (plans start at $3.95 per month) + to offer all the services I need to run my businesses online. You can host a WordPress site without a problem + they offer superior customer service when (+ if) you need it. I highly recommend checking them out if you are starting an online presence or looking to move from your existing host.

In case you didn’t catch it already, I use + recommend you use WordPress to build your website + blog.

Pick a Theme

Next, you want to pick a theme for your WordPress site + blog.

Generally speaking, you want to choose a theme that represents your wedding business. You can hire a designer to create a custom design for you but this is the more expensive route.

You can also buy a theme, use it as it, or customize it as necessary.

If you’re interested in buying a theme, these are the companies I highly recommend you check out:

A Prettier Web: If you’re building a WordPress website for your wedding business or you’re looking to change the theme, but can’t afford to hire a designer to customize it quite yet, check out the WordPress themes from A Prettier Web.

Restored 316: Restored 316 offers a variety of feminine WordPress themes, which is perfect for wedding planners that are trying to attract brides + grooms as clients. All of the themes are pretty affordable. If you’re looking for a custom design. Restored 316 offers custom site-building too.

BluChic: This is one of my fave places to buy feminine website templates. BluChic offers WordPress templates that are perfect for any business + this includes a wedding business. I also find their templates to be super affordable, easy to install + simple to personalize + customize to fit your wedding business. BluChic also offers other types of templates so check them out to help you create your online brand + presence.

StudioPress: StudioPress by Copyblogger Media sells website/blog themes such as Genesis, which allows for full customization. When you choose Startup, Growth or Scale plans for hosting + use coupon code WPE3FREE, you get 3 months of hosting FREE, Genesis Framework FREE + StudioPress Themes FREE. (That’s a lot of FREE).

WPBeaverBuilder: If you have a WordPress site or are starting to build a WordPress site then WPBeaverBuilder is a great tool for taking complete control of your website pages + design. It has WordPress page templates but you can also EASILY modify the page design so your site looks + works EXACTLY how you want it to!

How to Set Up Your Wedding Biz Blog

Now, you’re ready to set up your blog.

So, here you are.

You have a domain.

You have a WordPress site.

You’re ready to set up your blog + start blogging.

Step #1 Login to WordPress

Step #2 Set up Your Blog Page

Once you log in to your account, your Dashboard opens.

From your dashboard, click on the Settings Link on the left + then Reading option in the dropdown menu.

Since you are setting up your blog on an existing website, you want to keep your home page static + be sure that your posts publish to your blog page.

Click on the radio dial button for Front page + select your Home Page from the dropdown menu.

Choose Blog from the dropdown menu next to Posts page.

Congrats! Your blog is now set up on your website.

Woot! Woot!

Now, you’re ready to start blogging.

How to Blog Your Way to Booked Weddings

Now that we have your wedding biz blog up + running, it is time to write blog posts, promote blog posts + turn all of these posts into booked wedding business. Am I right?

Wedding Biz Blogging is my ultimate resource for wedding pros to blog your way to more booked wedding business. 

It covers all the HOW to blog in a very step-by-step process so that you can build your blog, write + promote your content. 

If you answer “Yes!” to any of these, this ebook is for you!

  • You sit down to write your blog post + you end up staring (for hours) at a blank screen.
  • You scour your site analytics, so you can see that brides + grooms are visiting your blog, but they are NOT hiring you.
  • Your calendar for the rest of this year + next year is BLANK — no BOOKED weddings in sight.
  • Your content is FAB (or not so FAB), but (+) it’s definitely not reaching the DREAM brides + grooms you want to work with in your biz.

HERE IS WHAT’S COVERED

BUILD YOUR DREAM WEDDING COUPLE

Start off on the right stylish stiletto by getting to know the wedding couples you want to attract so you can write content that attracts them (like a MAGNET).

FIND TOPICS BRIDES + GROOMS CARE ABOUT

Stop struggling with what to write about. Use my step-by-step tips to uncover topic after topic that brides + grooms want to read–keep them coming back for more until they hire you.

PLAN + SCHEDULE POSTS

Learn the step-by-step process to planning out your blog posts + scheduling your posts, so you stop scrambling to post on your blog + you continue to attract new wedding clients with your content. 

CREATE FABULOUS CONTENT

Discover how to create fabulous blog posts. I walk you through how to write the content, create pinnable images + how to get brides + grooms to hire you after they read your posts.

SEO + GET YOUR CONTENT INTO THE WEDDING UNIVERSE

Finally tackle the “S” word (search engine optimization) so that each blog post helps you rank in the search engines, grabs the attention of your dream clients + gets them to your blog (+ one step closer to hiring you). 

Uncover exactly how + where to promote each blog post so that your content gets in front of the right brides + grooms–attracting them to your business + to you.

It’s a super-comprehensive ebook that covers everything a wedding pro needs to know about blogging. 

Did I mention it’s ONLY 27 BUCKS?

(Don’t let the low price fool you. It’s all the info you need to successfully blog for your wedding biz.)

Want in on it PRONTO?

Sign me up, Buttercup!

Have any Qs. I’ve got As. Email me or leave a comment below. I personally respond to all of the emails that land in my inbox or to comments on blog posts.

How to Market Your Wedding Planning Business

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Guest post by Valerie Pritt of Engaged Wedding Planner Academy

Marketing.

This one, small, confusing, income-generating, money-wasting word is one of the most complex algorithms you’ll ever try to figure out.

Why?

Because there’s no cookie-cutter system for it; there’s no “what works for her will work for me” guarantee. It’s a journey that’s completely unpredictable and based on 100 different variables. But it is a must.

You must market your business to be seen. If you don’t, you will lose the game, for sure. Doing it blindly, however, is never the answer. You must have a strategy to make it worth every cent you spend.

Analyze Your Traffic

Before you create any sort of strategy, you need to take a moment to analyze where your traffic is coming from. Hopefully, you have Google Analytics attached to your website. Google Analytics will tell you where your referral traffic is coming from.

You need to make sure that the report aligns with who your ideal client is. For example, if your ideal client is on Instagram and you see that most of your referral traffic is coming from Facebook, there is a disconnect.

Either you need to adjust your ideal client or adjust your posting efforts. Review your top blog posts and top social media posts. Ask yourself why these posts resonate with your audience. Having this information is like having a marketing weapon.

Your Marketing Plan

Now it’s time to make a plan!

What is your marketing objective? As a wedding planner, your overall goal is probably to get in front of engaged couples. The goal isn’t necessarily as specific as booking them; not all clients who call you up will be a good match for you, but the more volume you get, the more likely your chances of filling up your year with the right type of clientele.

Marketing is not all about the hard sell all the time. It’s about building trust and giving value. The best example of this is how you can’t ask a first date to get married. If this happened, wouldn’t you be a little creeped out and politely tell him you need to go wash your hair?

So if you were going on a marketing date with a potential client, what would you want to convey without sounding sketchy? Just like when it comes to finding a partner, we are looking for someone with similar interests, values, and goals as us.

Make sure that’s coming through in your marketing plan. Think about your “niche” when creating your goals. Are you trying to get them to click on your website? Fill out your contact form? Provide an email address? Know what call to action you want them to take to make the most of your marketing efforts.

Where to Market Your Wedding Planning Business

99 problems but where to market isn’t one. You can market yourself on WeddingWire/The Knot, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Yelp, email, and wedding blogs. The options are endless.

Please be informed of best practices when using these marketing platforms, though. Paying money to boost a post is not going to get you a good ROI. Why? When you boost a post, it’s not targeted. If you are a Pensacola wedding planner, you want to market to Pensacola brides. This means you need to target accordingly.

I highly recommend taking a course on how to create an ad using Facebook and Pinterest. Don’t waste your money without fully understanding the tools. I will also recommend that you don’t outsource your advertising unless you fully understand how to do it. Otherwise, you won’t know how to gauge the ROI. You also won’t know how to adjust it if a campaign is not working for you.

Create Your Content

Content is king! I’m sure you’ve heard this about a million times already, but even so, you can’t negate the simple fact that it is true. Content IS king.

If you’re not planning a wedding, you’re going to be creating content for your business. Start getting excited about this idea. You may not love to write, be on video, or take pictures, but this is how you’re going to build your business.

Accept it. Love it. Share it. It’s best if you just accept that wholeheartedly right now. Marketing is all about getting your message across, and to do that, you need to create content.

Spread Your Message

The core of where you spread your message should start with your blog. If I can impress upon you one thing, it’s this: you need to start a blog. We are often quick to pay a third party, thinking they have the magic fairy dust that will deliver brides in droves with very little effort. I urge you to first think about what you can do for your business that has sustaining power. Blog and working your SEO.

Giving your trust to third-party companies like WeddingWire, Facebook, or Pinterest puts you at the mercy of their company. What happens if one decides to sell? Could this affect your marketing strategy? It recently happened with Style Me Pretty. All those backlinks and profiles were almost gone forever.

Invest in what you own—your domain name, your website, your blog—first. Cultivate your blog and use the other platforms as a way to gain traction to your site. Know what makes each platform unique.

For example, Pinterest is a search engine brides use to look for ideas. Instagram is all about pretty pictures. Facebook is where the majority of people are. Make sure you are spreading your message in the appropriate way. Always make sure your message is on point with your brand and targets your ideal client.

Outsource

Don’t be afraid to outsource tasks if you need to. There’s a lot to keep up with, and I know from personal experience it can easily get overwhelming. However, as I always recommend, try out whatever you’re thinking of outsourcing first.

Try to blog consistently once a week for a month. Same thing for Facebook and Instagram—post regularly. Try scheduling out posts—or batching—with apps like Later. If you just can’t find the time or you’re not getting engagement, then go ahead and outsource.

Be mindful, though, that whoever you go with has the same voice/tone as you. Be sure to read their content and make sure it sounds similar to your own business tone. Make sure they understand who your ideal client is and the marketing goals you’re trying to achieve. Go ahead and download this Free Outsourcing Blog Sheet.

Valerie Pritt is a mom, wife, biz owner and wedding planner. She is the dedicated educator behind the Engaged Wedding Planner Academy. She seeks to inspire, empower, and encourage inexperienced wedding planners to take action. 

 

5 Ways to Add Local SEO to Your Website Copy

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Most wedding planners work in a particular region – or even in a particular city. Being the expert in your field, in your area, is what makes your business thrive. So, now you need to know how to make your website copy SEO friendly so that it attracts the brides that are getting married in your hot spot.

Here are at least five ways to add local SEO to your website copy.

#1 Blog It

Write blog posts on a consistent basis. Twist and turn the copy of your blog posts to include mention of your location or area where you plan weddings.

For example, if you’re a Miami wedding planner, then you can use terms, such as “Miami wedding planner,” “Miami weddings,” or “wedding venues in Miami,” to sprinkle some local SEO into your info-packed blog posts.

Search engines love blogs, so sprinkling in local SEO helps you to show up in the search engine rankings when a bride is searching for terms that relate to wedding planning in your area.

#2 Social Media Sprinkles

Mention your local search terms in your social media updates. Social media updates can rank in the search engines too.

Additionally, when a bride or groom searches social media platforms for local wedding info, your updates, Fan Page + biz page can prominently show.

#3 Hashtag It

Use hashtags in your social media updates and status posts that relate to your local coverage area. If + when a bride or groom searches hashtags such as #miamiweddingplanner, all of you posts tagged with this particular hashtag are going to pop up.

Voila!

You just made it much easier for your dream brides to find you (and HIRE you)!

#4 Capture Reviews

Turn to review sites, such as Google+ and Yelp. These sites dominate the world of local reviews. You can also tap into wedding industry specific review sites, such as The Knot.

When you have past brides leave reviews for your wedding biz on these sites (which are categorized by location), it helps boost search engine rankings. It also gives you some street cred with brides + grooms that are searching + reading reviews before they hire a wedding pro like you.

#5 Spread it to Content

Copy refers to the text you have on your website, but local SEO sprinkles can trickle into the other content you have on your website + online.

Include local search terms in your other content – videos, pictures, graphs, + charts. When you post pics on Instagram or Pinterest, include your hashtags + local search keywords in your captions + descriptions.

Local SEO is not hard to accomplish. In fact, when you do it right, it can really boost your search engine rankings, which ultimately boosts your booked brides + grooms + books your calendar.

One More Day to Grab 40% Off at The Contract Shop

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Surprise! The Contract Shop is extending their sale for one more day — which means you still have time to grab any contract template at 40% off!

You can also save 30% on any workbook and 20% on any of Christina’s courses!

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can save 40% on ANY contract template over at The Contract Shop here [https://www.thecontractshop.com/?ref=krisitemccauley
  • If you purchase through my affiliate link, you can get free access to any one of my courses!

And here is my top recommendation:

Wedding Planner Bundle

https://thecontractshop.com/products/bundle-for-wedding-planners-with-florals?ref=krisitemccauley

Click here to learn more about The Contract Shop and have you new + improved contract up and running in 10 minutes or less!

If you have any questions about these products or you want a more personalised recommendation, just hit reply and we’ll have a chat!

3 Ways Wedding Business Contracts Can Protect Your Wedding Business

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Let me ask you something:

Do you feel protected in your business? Like, actually hold-up-in-a-court-of-law protected? Like, Elle Woods protected?

If you’re not sure about whether wedding business contracts are worth the investment, here are 3 ways a sturdy wedding business contract can protect you + your wedding biz:

1. When a client goes MIA

We’ve all had situations clients could have been a little…clearer. But when a client just straight up ghosts you, what can you do?

With a robust contract in place, you have the client’s address, a means to send them to collections (if necessary) + you have all the resources you need to get paid even when the client has virtually disappeared.

2. For super late paying clients

Hands up if you’ve ever had an invoice paid late! 🙋

With a contract, you can clearly state your payment terms so your client pays on time. If they don’t, you can charge a late because it’s in your contract!

3. When a client feels “wronged”

Effective communication and a proper contract are great ways to avoid any of the above situations. But, sometimes, we run into a nightmare client.

It’s reassuring to know that your contracts clearly state what you expect of clients +  when so they can reference this at any time + deliver what is expected as needed.

On the other hand, if you have a vague contract that leaves your clients guessing, they could feel neglected, left out + maybe even fearful that you’re not taking care of them!

Luckily for you, The Contract Shop is running a sale where you can grab up to 40% off professional wedding contracts until Monday!

This is the PERFECT chance to get yourself a contract that protects your wedding business + You 🎉

Click here to shop the sale!

BONUS: The best part about this sale is that if you purchase a product from The Contract Shop over $200 during this sale through my affiliate link, I’ll give you free access to ANY one of my courses!

We’ve already talked about how important it is to have a strong contract in place. Here are some that you can have customised and loaded into your CRM in 10 minutes flat.

Wedding business contracts that are part of the 40% off sale:

  • Wedding Pros – Wedding planners + other wedding professionals can dot all their i-s and cross all their t-s with contracts just for wedding pros!
  • Graphic or Web Designers – cover your bases for when that client asks for their sixth round of revisions with this bundle
  • Photographers – there’s a great bundle for photographers here, which includes all the things you’ll need to stay protected!

Turnkey Business Binder

This workbook is practically a done-for-you business plan that helps you create a roadmap for your business – a.k.a. the best holiday gift you could give your biz!

Click here to grab the Turnkey Business Binder at 30% off! 

GDPR Compliant Terms & Conditions + Privacy Policy Bundle

Did you know that without a privacy policy, you could be breaking federal law?

And if you don’t have one with GDPR provisions, you could be breaking an international law?!

When you are transparent with your readers like this, it builds their trust in your website, opinions, products + services.

Save yourself hours of head scratching and staring at a blank Google Doc and grab yourself this T&Cs + Privacy Policy bundle.

It’s super easy to customise and add to your website or blog!

Click here to grab 40% off this bundle!

If you have any questions about The Contract Shop or the best products for you, just hit reply and let me know! I’m here to help.

Do You Have A Contract For Your Wedding Biz?

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As the admin for my own wedding pro group, Wedding Planners Society, and as the member of countless other wedding professional groups on social media, the #1 question I see floating around is, “What should I include in my contract for my wedding biz?”

Most wedding pros know they need a wedding contract but they’re intimidated by the legality and even the cost of putting a contract together. I think putting together a contract no matter the cost, is going to save you so much more in the long run.

AND, fortunately, there are cost-effective ways that you can put together a contract to help protect your business + save you gobs of money in the long run — not to mention the headaches + heartaches you can prevent.

One thing you want to do as a wedding pro is to make sure that you dot all you “i”s and cross all your “t”s in your client contract. You can grab a contract that is specific to your line of work in the wedding industry. These contracts have been written and reviewed by more than 20 legal professionals. You can instantly download the contract, personalize it, and start using it right away.

So there you go, my wedding planning friends. Start putting your contract together to start using in your biz today.

4 Ways Aisle Planner Saves You Time

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It is definitely not a secret that I am a huge fan of Aisle Planner. One of my fave things about Aisle Planner (besides all of the crazy tools that make you soooooooo organized as a wedding planner) is the gals at Aisle Planner are ALWAYS rolling out new features.

And, from the mouths of babes, here are four of the ways that Aisle Planners save you time (ya know, that thing you never have enough of)…

 

“As a business owner, time is a precious resource. And, while we can’t add more hours to the day, we can help you use your time more efficiently! Here are 4 ways that Aisle Planner can shave off time here to add it to time spent there.
Leads Automatically Show Up in Your Manager
Wish your leads would just show up in your lead manager? They do with our new lead capture form! Customize your form and link it to your website so any potential clients who contact you through the form will automatically end up in your lead manager. Plus, when they do book you, you can create their project in just one click!
Templates for (pretty much) Everything
Create proposal, contract, invoice, checklist, timeline, and note templates once to use time and time again! Looking for a major time saver? Create Project Templates for any services that you offer and regularly book. That way, you can create projects with your customized checklist and budget templates in no time!
Get Paid Faster
When you allow your clients to pay online, you get paid faster! Setting up your Online Payments account on Aisle Planner is easy and it gives your clients the convenience of paying with their credit card.
Stop Searching for Information
Think collaboration tools aren’t a time saver? Think again! When you collaborate and communicate with your clients in Aisle Planner, you save yourself the hassle of having to find and dig up that random email that was buried in a thread just to confirm what color linen they selected.  Since everything is stored under the image or task you are discussing, it’s always easy to know what was being discussed.
Ready to take your Aisle Planner game to the next level? Learn how to become a power-user!“

Most Popular Blog Post of the Week: How to Get Leads Even When You’re a New Wedding Business

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Guest post by Divine Mwimba

Wedding professionals are always seeking new ways to capture more leads for their wedding business on an ongoing basis. Understanding the fact that more leads via email or phone inquiries will equal more wedding bookings. Easy right? Not for a lot of you!

How many leads are you currently capturing from your website or marketing efforts? If you have a great website, you should be receiving on average about 10 quality leads a week. Out of this, you should be able to meet at least 5 potential clients and close about 3 weddings. Wouldn’t that be great?

How to get leads when you are new to the Wedding Business

So how can you capture these leads if you are new to the business and you have a new website?

We are going to create a list of places and areas you can use to generate leads for your wedding business.

  • The number one source of referrals is from Google! Brides should be able to type in Google the type of services they are looking for and your company should pop up through the search engine.
  • Blogging – This is the second source of a referral system that you should utilize to attract brides. It’s easy, free, and it is an amazing way to capture leads. Blog about what your ideal couples could be searching for. Be specific, be consistent, and blog often.
  • Vendor referral – If you are new to the business, try meeting and networking with different vendors that will attract a similar client that you want to work with. Brainstorm the different ways you can benefit each other and come up with a referral system.
  • Bride referrals – If you have worked with one or two brides (either by volunteering your services the first time or they were paying clients), get the brides to refer you. Use a great referral system and introduce this system to your past and current brides. The best way is to offer some sort of an incentive for any referrals they bring you. This works every time.
  • Wedding/ Bridal shows are the best way to get your first few weddings. Invest in a reputable wedding show. Ensure your booth, marketing material, and your approach is well positioned to capture brides. Collect those email addresses and have a great follow-up system.
  • Social media is where all the brides hang out. Join Facebook groups, create a Facebook page, and have a marketing system in place. Post frequently, post educational information as well as past projects. Focus on 2-3 social platforms instead of utilizing every platform out there. The suggestion for wedding professionals is Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Are you set up on any of these social platforms?
  • Guest Blog posting will give the traffic you need to boost your wedding business. You will be tapping into traffic and leads that is new. Network with vendors in your niche and see if you can guest blog on their platform. It’s a great way to make connections too.

These are our top suggestions on capturing leads when you are new to the wedding business. A few other suggestions include paid online advertisement, print advertisement (such as in a popular wedding magazine or leads generating sites such as Eventective), and radio ads.

50 Free ways to market your wedding business

Now that you have a list of different ways to capture wedding leads, how can you utilize it to get the best results?

Focus on one or two items on the list. I would recommend vendor referrals and wedding shows (Add a blog in there if you can.). See how this helps you out. Then, you can start experimenting with the other lead referral systems. Once you know where your leads are coming from, focus on that stream of lead referrals and make it better.

We recommend expanding and exploring one option that really works. It’s better to build on a system that is already working for your business than trying to do everything thing else. So do more of what is bringing you more leads. If blogging helps you, think of blogging 5 times per week instead of 3 times. You might just double your wedding inquiries. 

How to expand on the marketing efforts that is already working.

Are you getting more of your wedding leads and business from a particular wedding vendor? How can you encourage and grow this more? Example: If you are a Wedding DJ and a particular wedding venue is consistently referring you, expand on this by nurturing that relationship.

  • Meet up with the venue during slow season and thank them for their referrals
  • Offer to give out their flyers or marketing material to some of your clients. Maybe display them in your office space
  • Offer them complimentary wedding DJ services whenever they may require this
  • Go out and find other potential wedding venues that could refer you some of their wedding clients
  • Offer them special packages by discounting or better – creating some sort of upgraded package just for them

The idea is to expand on a lead generation that is already working rather than going out and trying to work on something else.

If you are already getting leads from a referral system, what can you do to better this system? Tell us below, we can give you a few more suggestions.

Divine Mwimba is the founder of Culture Chic Wedding PR Firm – a Public Relation marketing firm specializing in helping wedding professionals market and grow their wedding business. She loves all things weddings, vacationing and romantic movies. You can get in touch with her at info@culturewedding.ca or visit www.culturewedding.ca.

Why You Shouldn’t Hire a Copywriter to Write Your Copy

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In my convos with fab wedding pros like you, I’ve discovered two types of you exist:

1. Pros that really want to dive right in and become a pro at writing website copy, email marketing copy + well, any copy they need to for their wedding biz.
2. Pros who would rather do anything else–like count the pieces of rice in a family size bag–rather than spend one minute on trying to come up with the right words for their website or anything else.

I’ve named these groups of peeps.

Wordies vs. Word Averse

(If you think I’m stereotyping or suggesting that being a Wordie has a negative connotation, think again.

I’m a total wordie. People like us are in high demand. We are HOT stuff. More about that in a second.)

Wordies unite! If you’re a wordie like me, then what I’m about to say probably totally resonates with you:

1. You can totally have a binge-fest watching how-to videos + consuming the info from how-to articles.
2. You can sit down for a batching session, where you whip out website copy, write + schedule blog posts for the next eight weeks + creating newsletters is your jam.
3. Looking at your site stats + click-through rates on your emails is your idea of a PERFECT Friday night.
4. You’re never at a loss for words.
5. You can envision, well, everything about marketing your business in your head.
6. You have a never-ending stream of ideas.
7. You’re an advisor.

I’m 7 out of 7 a Wordie.

If you’re not a Wordie (+ that’s totally OK, no judgment here), then instead of embracing these 7 statements, it’s likely making you cringe.

After all, words are necessary, well…for EVERY. SINGLE. ASPECT. Of your business. So if words are not your boo thang, then you have two choices:

1. Outsource the wordie stuff to a professional copywriter
2. Learn to do it yourself and power through it

Confession time: I don’t think you should hire a copywriter to write your copy for you.

(Don’t write me off as crazy quite yet. Hear me out first.)

Why you shouldn’t hire a copywriter to write your copy

Most wedding pros that come to me are either launching their website, rewriting their copy because it’s not working to book them weddings, or they’re struggling with their email marketing series.

Again, it all comes down to putting your words to work for you. Just because you love to write, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it right–right being that your website copy and email copy is creating such a need or desire for brides + grooms to hire you that your consultation becomes a formality.

And, if you don’t love to write, well then you’re probably not writing it right either, so your copy isn’t working to book you more weddings either.

Here’s the thing…

Writing copy for your wedding business is NEVER going to go away.

If you hire out every time you need something written, well, it’s going to cost you a fortune.

BUT, if you learn how to write copy that books more weddings then, BAM, writing copy that converts is as fast, easy + fun as planning a wedding.

AND it’s as lucrative too.

Write an autoresponder series to the brides + grooms on your list, you book half a dozen weddings from it.

Write an engaging newsletter each week that helps you book a few more weddings and sells out your workshop for brides + grooms that want to learn how to plan their own wedding.

Massage the copy on your services page + watch as the schedule a consultation requests roll in (+ once you get them in front of you, we all know you have a high closing rate).

Wordies, you’re in great shape. With the right resource for learning the ins and outs of wedding business copywriting, you’re going to be just fine.

Word Averse, I’m going to tell you like it is: you CAN do this. Yes, you’re going to have to accept the word challenge that is in front of you.

Admit it. Embrace the skills you DO have + put those skills + your words to work for you + your biz.

Then when it comes time to write the perfect copy for anything in your biz, you’re armed + ready to rumble (just like when it’s go time at a wedding).

As for the wordie stuff? I walk you through it all step-by-step in Copywriting for Wedding Planners Home Course.

I literally hold your hand, give you all the info + provide you with personal feedback on your copy.

YOU–that’s who should be writing your copy, even if you have no experience with it yet. Because again, it’s stuff you can absolutely learn to write.
The Copywriting For Wedding Pros Self-Study Course is now open for enrollment! You can get your website + email marketing up + running today (literally) or move through the course at your own pace.


Ready to let your inner Wordie or Word Averse out into the wedding universe? Click here to enroll today!

Got Qs? Leave them in the comments or shoot me an email! I’ve got the As + I love chatting with you.

How to Integrate Social Media into Your Marketing Mix

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If you think that using social media is ultimately a waste of time, you’re missing a huge opportunity to reach brides and grooms that you may not otherwise ever come in contact. When used correctly, social media marketing is a source of a huge amount business. After all, what other marketing format is so efficient and effective that when you land business you walk away with 100% profit?

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No Marketing Expenses

There is a variety of social media networks out there, so you do have to figure out which social media outlets are worth your time. Places where wedding planners should have a presence include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Your only investment is the time it takes you to put up and manage your social media profiles, unless you choose to hire a social media expert to handle this for you.

Adding Social Media to the Mix

No one marketing tactic or strategy operates in a vacuum. The key to creating a successful mix of social media with the rest of your marketing efforts is to fully integrate your marketing efforts. This includes integrating your business blog, article marketing efforts, email blasts, special events, webinars, workshops, and more.

Steps to social media marketing may unfold like this:

  • When you post a new article to your blog, you should send out an announcement to your social media contacts to let them know. Be sure to provide the link that sends them directly to the article.
  • When you send out an email blast to your list of brides and grooms, include an excerpt of the new blog post and include a direct link for them to read the rest of the article.
  • Create a video blog post instead of a writing a blog post. Post the video to your blog, upload it to YouTube and upload it to your social media network pages to share with your followers. Then the following week, you start the schedule all over again.
  • When you send out a postcard to your mailing list, invite the recipients to follow you or join you on your social media networks. The bottom line is that all of your marketing pieces should contain information on your social media networks and your social media networks should link followers back to your other marketing, such as your website and blog.

These steps will unfold over a one- or two-week period and then continue on an ongoing basis. Some steps may only occur once a quarter (such as a direct mailing of a postcard). Social media marketing works best, however, when it is done on a regular basis of at least two to three times per week. Some wedding planners are finding success in engaging social media networks at least two to three times per day!

5 Ways to Make Social Media Work for Your Business

There seem to be two sides to the using social media for your business debate. One side sees the benefits of this innovative medium, while others simply see it as a complete waste of time. Whether you’re on one of these sides already or you’re still debating whether social media is right for your business, here are five ways you can use social media as part of your overall marketing strategy.

#1 Create Your Own Cheerleading Squad

Brides and grooms — the members of your fan club — are using social media. In this scenario, your fan club is made up of current and past brides and grooms that simply love your service. When you create a social media profile about your business, you’re creating a platform where your fan club can become a cheerleading squad.

It becomes a form of word-of-mouth advertising online. This also allows you to monitor the conversations taking place between your cheerleading squad and potential brides and grooms. This opens up an opportunity for you to have conversations and build relationships with existing and potential clients as well.

#2 Be Effectively Reactive

Since social media is a way for you to monitor and take part in conversations about your business, it allows you to effectively react to problems or to head off problems before they become major issues. For example, 1-800-FLOWERS, through its Facebook Fan Page was able to resolve ordering problems their customers were having in placing phone and website orders around the holiday season. By adding ordering to its Facebook Fan Page, 1-800-FLOWERS responded to its customers needs before they lost these customers forever.

#3 Hear What Your Clients Are Saying

Your clients have a lot to say. When you listen to what they’re saying on your social media platforms, it’s amazing the type of information you can learn. Interacting with clients on social media networks has led to the development of new products and services that have garnered hundreds of millions of dollars in business (for a variety of businesses spread out over various industries).

People will tell you what they want and what they need. When you supply a product or service that fills what they need or want or resolves a problem for them, they’ll buy it up and you’ll make money. It’s similar to having a research and development extension of your company without the added expense.

#4 Disseminate Your Marketing Messages

Plain and simple, social media is one additional avenue of communication for you to disseminate your marketing messages. For those following you on social media networks that also interact with you in other ways, this is a reaffirmation of your marketing messages. For those that are not doing business with you, it’s a way for you to broaden your reach to brides and grooms that you may not have otherwise had an opportunity to get in front of at all.

#5 Build Referral Source Relationships

Finally, your referral sources (vendors you’ve worked with) or potential referral sources (vendors you want to work with) are on social media as well. As you’re building up your interaction with clients and prospects, you also have a chance to find related businesses and open up the line of communication with them. This can and does lead to a new stream of business in both directions.

How to Integrate Email and Social Media Marketing

Emails and social media are two primary components of any marketing campaign. The challenge may be finding ways to integrate these two methods to work together. The challenge ends today because there are a few quick and simple ways to integrate email and social media marketing to work together and boost your results.

Use Your Signature Block

First, every email you send out should contain your signature block. This is where you type in your name, title, company name, website address, and phone number. Add links to each of your social media accounts to the bottom of the signature block. Put these links at the bottom and invite people who receive your emails to “connect” with you on each social media outlet.

When you send out marketing emails, your e-newsletters or promotional emails, for example, should also contain icons that link to your social media accounts. If you prefer to use text links rather than icons, this is fine too. The point is that you want to create a loop, where you tie in subscribers to your social media accounts and you tie in followers on your social media accounts to your other marketing efforts, such as subscribing to your e-newsletter. 

Beef Up Social Media Profiles

You can also invite people who are following you on your social media outlets to become a part of your email list. Post the free offer you have to invite brides and grooms that visit your website to subscribe to your list to each of your social media profiles. Link this offer directly to the page where they can subscribe. Social media profiles also have options for you to include the link to your website and the link to your blog. Make sure that you have these areas filled out on each of your social media profiles.

It’s as simple as that. When you include social media links in your emails and a way for your social media followers to get on your list, you are integrating your email and social media marketing efforts.

How to Improve Your Social Media Marketing

Wedding planners are flocking to social media marketing as a means to enhance online exposure and traffic generation. These four easy steps are a solid foundation for any beginner who’s looking to capitalize on social media.

Become a User Resource

Seek to enhance the overall value to brides and grooms by adding outbound hyperlinks that lead to other resources. When done correctly, you present yourself as a non-bias leader and information source. This helps social media optimization when others link to your social site and tag it as helpful. Over time, your content becomes more relevant to large search engines.

Reward Helpful Users

The most valuable social media participants are those who actively influence a given community. They seek out opportunities to assist others by contributing the experiences you can share or the expertise you have. In return, try to elevate them by promoting their business or brand to your following. A brief email or direct message describing your sincere appreciation and belief in their contribution can go a long way in building online relationships.

Participate in Content Creation

Social media is a two-way street. Don’t just rely on receiving information from other community members. Reciprocate by adding value through free advice, recommendations, or tools you have. You’ll find that certain content naturally spreads socially. Know what type of content can work for you and create it.

Conclusion

While the packaging of social media may be in a constant state of flux, these four pervading principles are good rules of thumb by which to operate online. Remember that text content is still paramount in optimization. However, integrating good content with a more personal and social element creates a winning combo.