5 Ways to Book More Ideal Clients
Did you know that nearly 80% of businesses fail because they don't know who their ideal client is? That might seem like a shocking way to start off this blog post, but knowing who your ideal client is is the best way for you to book more of them as a wedding pro. Whether you're a wedding planner, photographer, vendor, or any other service provider within the wedding industry, this blog post will teach you five ways to book more ideal clients in 2021.
Identify & Prequalify
Decide on an ideal client and speak to them individually and all your marketing material. On your website, one of the first things visitors should know is who your services are designed for. If ideal clients land on your website there's even more that you can do to pre-qualify leads as they roll in.
An intake form will help you understand a potential client's needs where once they expand express interest in working with you. You can learn about their budget, project scope, and all that they are wanting from you. This will make it easier when you have your first meeting with them. Say goodbye to the awkward sales calls and hello to effortless sales with intake forms that prepare you and assure the client that they're in the right place.
This will also impress your wedding clients with how organized and methodical your processes are. Most people will remember the overall experience more than the deliverables they get in the end so that the standard of what it will be like working with you with a smooth onboarding and pre-qualifying process that will help you only attract and book dream clients.
Display Your Pricing on Your Website
Ideal clients may not be reaching out to you because they don't know if you're within their budget for their wedding. You can overcome this problem by displaying your pricing on your website. This will also help you as a pre-qualifier leads because you automatically know that everyone who's interested in working with you can afford your services. If you're hesitant to put your pricing right out in the open, there are a few other ways that you can do this.
Require leads to submit their email address so they can receive your pricing guide. This has two benefits: first of all, you get to grow your email list, which is another way to market your business! Secondly, it helps see who is really interested in working with you because they've gone the extra mile to learn about your services.
Once they've opted into your email list, send them an email with either the link to a password-protected page on your website where they can view your pricing, or attach a PDF guide that goes into detail about your pricing and what they get within certain packages.
Now watch all those quality leads roll in with a budget and project that excites you and helps you reach your business goals for the new year!
Market in All the Right Places
Where are the brides you want to book the most going to be hanging out? This is where you should focus most of your attention when advertising your services. Let's talk a little bit about my two favorite places to market your wedding business...
Instagram - honestly, the 'Gram is my jam. I love marketing and finding clients on Instagram. I believe you can do the same as well! Your potential clients may be scrolling through accounts showcasing beautiful dresses, creative stationery, and fancy bouquets, so why not add to it with your own awesome content?
Pinterest - what bride isn't on Pinterest these days? Create pinnable content that future brides will save to their own wedding board. You never know when someone is going to open a pin, click the image, and land on your website!
Maybe you're thinking that these are different approaches to marketing that you haven't heard of before, but that's my specialty. I'm here with unorthodox solutions to your marketing problems. These are the same solutions that allowed me to book 45 weddings in 7 months as a wedding stationery vendor!
Make it Easy
Have you ever heard of the KISS principle? It stands for Keep it Simple, Stupid. Keeping it simple will lead to an effortless decision when the day comes that a bride is ready to book with you. But the question is, how? There are two qualities you should exhibit to market your business in an intentional way that puts leads at ease. Those two things are friendliness and confidence. Whether you're writing or talking, people can sense how confident you are. If you don't believe your own words, then what client is going to? Show them the results, sell the transformation, and convince yourself that booking your services will be worth it for them.
As you're confidently marketing your services, remember not to take the aggressive approach. The majority of women are emotional buyers who want to feel understood. Show them you care and were once in their shoes as well. Help them see that they aren't just getting a service, but they're also getting a relaxing experience and a true friend. A win-win situation!
Don't Be Afraid
Pitching and selling to your audience is the ultimate way to book more clients. Sure, there are some ambitious souls out there that will take the first step towards working with you, but the vast majority of your audience is waiting for a personal invitation from you. Even though it may seem like no one is listening and all your efforts aren't paying off, there will be a day when someone from your audience signs the contract and pays that deposit.
Consistency is one of the best ways to get customers, and getting your audience used to your offerings will position your services as the go-to wedding pro in your industry. How awesome does that sound?! All it takes is a bit of intentional action to show up and sell ;).
So What's Next?
The key to booking more dream clients for wedding pros is to just get started. Take the leap. Post the picture. Pitch that person. With that being said, I have one final question for you: what's holding you back? If you're ready to attract those customers, scroll up to the top of this page and click on the services tab to learn more about how I can make this whole marketing thing easier for you. Let's get started marketing your business to reach all your 2021 goals!