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NEW GIVEAWAY STARTS TODAY!! Why should you Enter to Win on I Said Yes? Unquestionably because you want to win a $100 Target Gift Card. However, you will also be connecting with wedding vendors so you can plan your perfect wedding. So either way, it’s a win!
There are 2 simple things you need to do to enter to win…
First, complete the registration from the Enter to Win Pop Up. If you haven’t already done that, click here.
Second, “Request Pricing” from minimum of 2 Wedding Vendors on I Said Yes! FL. To do this, click on a wedding vendor profile you are interested in learning more about, then click the purple “Request Pricing” button. Finish by completing the short email/form. And voila! you’re done.
Of course, you can get additional entries for every 2 “Request Pricing” entries you submit. Important, only request information from those vendors to whom you are considering working with for your wedding. One other thing, use this process to also compare companies. Of course follow their Facebook and Instagram pages. And ask questions. So you can find your next wedding vendors. Additionally read the official Rules and Regulations for full contest details.
Current Enter To Win prize is a $100 Target Gift Card. Provided by your favorite wedding resource team – I Said Yes!
Additional prize drawings available through the year both on the website and at wedding planning events. For instance, I DOs and BREWS and I Said Yes! Wedding Shows.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, wedding inspiration, wedding planning tips and announcements on event dates.
Congratulations on your engagement. Now go enjoy planning your wedding!
Improving your social media content is something we all strive for as wedding pros. One of my favorite I Said Yes! advertiser perks is that they share all advertisers on their Instagram + Facebook stories. That is to say, other than shows, blogs and giveaway marketing. For this reason, I am constantly looking at wedding pros’ social media.
Without a doubt, the best and easiest accounts to feature are the wedding vendors who are constantly posting on their social media! It’s so easy to share when you consistently have new weddings and ideas on your Instagram accounts. Likewise when you feature new services, set ups and products. These are the things I Said Yes! engaged couples want to see! Further, the more exciting, engaging and alluring your content is, the more likely it will grab their attention when we share.
The main issue we run into, is from newbies in the wedding industry. For instance, those who may no yet have 100s of weddings to pull images from. However, it’s also obvious that some heavy hitters, who have been in the industry for decades, can also have a difficult time finding their footing on social media. Specifically Instagram. So what should you be posting and what are the main rules when posting on social?
Well, all social media platforms are wildly different. For example, a longer trailer of your work may be appropriate for your YouTube channel. But might be too long for an Instagram reel. Next, an article where you’ve been quoted will most likely garner more attention on LinkedIn than on Instagram. Consider how the main rules for posting on social will vary from platform to platform. When discussing Instagram specifically, there are several main rules to remember:
Use Professional Photos as much as possible! Screen shots and poorly captured iPhone pics on a wedding professionals’ IG does not SCREAM “hire me”. In fact, it screams, “I’m not up to date”. Need to get your hands on professional photos? Reach out to the photographer after weddings you’ve serviced. Or even better, reach out to the couple themselves. You will want permission to use your clients’ wedding photos. As a rule, this is best discussed from the beginning on your intake form. Also, it’s never a bad idea to request that professional photos are emailed to you once received. Thus allowing you to be forthright and let them know, you woudl LOVE TO SHARE their wedding photos. In return, you will send them a gift card for coffee or something more specific from your business. Most couples are happy to oblige. Subsequently may event want to be tagged. So don’t forget to ask and make a note!
Let us say that one more time: SPAM belongs in the trash! Hopefully, couples know who you are when browsing your IG photos. Because your IG handle is your business name and you are NOT using a personal IG. Obviously followers should be able to easily locate your Linktree or other landing page link. Similarly your website should be on your Instagram, and your default photo should be your logo. Or a photo that is easily identifiable as your business and sets you a part! Do NOT spam your IG photos in the text. This is NOT something anyone wants to continue reading. The text and copywrite for all your IG photos and posts should actually speak to the image you posted and not be ANOTHER commercial for your business.
The worst thing you can do is share all 100 photos of the wedding you just did all at one time. What does this mean?! OK, so we do this at I Said Yes!. But let me break it down for you. After a wedding show, I Said Yes! will publish ALL the photos from that wedding show on our Facebook page and with GREAT reason! In this situation, we want all the vendors and couples from that show to be able to GRAB their photos, share them and TAG us! However, for Instagram, this is NOT the best idea, SAVE something for your social media content later down the road. That is to say, don’t spam us all with photos from the same wedding every day for the next 4 days. To clarify, we mean posting 1 photo at a time or multiple photos a day (insert eye roll). For this reason, take your time. Chiefly, save some of those shots for later down the line. You never know when a taco bar photo might just SERVE you later. Salud!
When posting past weddings, it is VITAL that you tag the photographer! In fact, you should be TAGGING all the FEATURED wedding pros in all your posts. Whether you are posting these wedding photos on your personal or your professional social shouldn’t matter. Because you are in the wedding industry, which means, you are expected to KNOW BETTER and take the time to tag those who helped to produce whatever photo, event, styled shoot, dinner, etc. you are sharing! YES this takes time and work. HOWEVER, it took time and work to produce every detail of whatever exhibit, bouquet, picture perfect wedding party, etc. you are posting. I promise, the tagging will take way less time than it did to produce whatever intricacies are within those images. You like the credit when it’s your up lighting, cake, video, event, etc. So make sure to GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE (this means tagging planners, florists, cake artists, linen companies, etc.).
Hashtags are one of those topics that everyone and every social media manager and company has to decide for themselves what makes sense. You can have up to 30 hashtags per post for IG posts, but should you use all 30? It depends, how often are your target clients finding you through your hashtags? Are they relevant to the image or to your business and brand, or all 3? For I Said Yes! FL Instagram we tend to use all 30 hashtags because we are a resource to all Florida engaged couples and that’s a lot of different types of brides, grooms and weddings. But if your brand has a very specific type of groom or bride, maybe you don’t need to utilize all 30 hashtags every time you post. Whatever you do, we now know that IG will penalize your content within the algorithm if you use the same hashtags every time. With that said, CHANGE up those hashtags and don’t be lazy!
Stay tuned for the next social media content blog: If I’m NEW, What Can I Use For Content? Also, join our weekly e-newsletter to get the newest blog directly to your inbox.
For more wedding pros tips, tricks and business help, visit the I Said Yes! Wedding Pros Blog.
Guest Blogger: Regia Carani of Be Seen Social and I Said Yes! Social Media Manager
This blog explains why discomfort is the way forward for your business growth. Assuredly as we forge ahead into 2022, this concept should be first of mind. Therefore, get uncomfortable and change your future.
If you are never uncomfortable in your life you are at best in stasis. In fact, more probably you’re deteriorating. Even to hold your ground in any facet of life requires work.
Entropy is a concept from thermodynamics defined as the gradual decay into disorder of a closed system. Further, a closed system being one in which no new inputs are received. Every single improvement in life requires some sort of input. And every input creates friction. Therefore, some sort of discomfort is the necessity of getting better.
Recently some researchers have noted that as compared to early hominids, modern humans have a narrower soft-pallet, more crowded teeth, and less pronounced jawline. They hypothesize that this softening and reduction of the mouth and facial structures is because our food is soft. In other words, our faces have gotten soft and atrophied because everything is easy to eat. One renown strength coach opined that the reason we invented the modern fitness industry is that we stopped doing all the physical activities of work and survival. We quit using our bodies the way they were designed. As a result, we then had to make up ways to keep ourselves running optimally.
From the relational to the spiritual to the physical, every improvement requires work. This work and effort represent the inputs into an otherwise closed system. If you are never uncomfortable, then entropy is all you can expect. The more insidious part of this equation is that discomfort might be unavoidable regardless of whether you choose discomfort or ease in the near term. If you choose the friction and discomfort of rising early and going to the gym, you experience the benefits of a healthier, more fit body and mind. If you choose more sleep, and more dessert, you experience the long-term discomfort of a deterioration of your body.
Writer, podcaster and former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink coined the phrase “discipline equals freedom”. That is an uncomplicated, cut-to-the-chase invocation of this whole notion. The application of discipline, in any aspect of life, equates to more freedom down the road. The more you embrace the discomfort and work now, the more options and the more abilities you have later. The less discipline you employ now, the few your abilities and choices tomorrow.
Discomfort is the way forward.
Guest Blogger Mark Ernest will be part of the speaker duo at the January 2022 I Said Yes! to Networking event. No doubt you will want to hear more from this speaker. Get ticket >>> Click Here.
Photos by Taylor Kuperberg Photography
The I Said Yes! Wedding Vendor Blog is bringing another way to stay connected to the wedding industry in Florida. We’ve added a Facebook Pros Group. That is to say, join us on Facebook at I Said Yes! FL Pros.
Assuredly the team at I Said Yes! wants to come to you, where you are. We want it to be easy for you to find all the information you need to grow your business. Further we want to be where you spend the most time looking for business tips, tricks and education. And where you are the most comfortable with connecting to other wedding professionals. For example, Instagram Pros Page, Wedding Vendor Blog, Weekly E-Newsletter and Monthly I Said Yes! to Networking events to name a few.
Along with the above listed connection opportunities, you now also have the new I Said Yes! FL Pros Facebook Group. Below is a list of items you can expect to find. Certainly not all inclusive, but a sampling of what is to come.
Now go and request to join the newest Pros Group! Then tell us hi and what kind of information you would like to see on this page.
Wedding Dresses Orlando are off-the-rack at the latest bridal gown fashion show, presented by The Bridal Finery. Chiefly created to introduce Central Florida Wedding Vendors to the latest trending styles in wedding dresses. For this reason, the team at I Said Yes! was invited to experience this exciting and moody fashion show.
The owners of The Bridal Finery said this year’s styles have a romantic feel. Therefore they infused the show with moody blacks and red roses for a spin on the classic black tie wedding. Adding to that some trendy gold accents. Further softening the stage with white florals and soft greens. Subsequently balancing the dark and light sides of this romantic theme and bringing a modern and edgy vibe.
In fact, the delicate and decadent desserts by Bakers Cottage Cakes also reflected the theme. Certainly can’t go without mentioning the cherries accented with gold flake. And especially the 3 tier black wedding cake on display.
Assuredly these wedding dresses wow’d the guests as they waltzed down the runway. Starting with simple and chic. Next over the top with lace and light weight bridal wraps, reminiscent of the 90’s. Finally ending with some Hollywood Glam. Admittedly we wish we were wedding dress shopping after seeing all these stunning designs.
Of course each model was also adorned with wedding accessories. For example, hair pieces, earrings and veils.
credits for image above and 8th image from the top, Floral & Décor: In Bloom Florist, Hair & Makeup: Bronze + GLOW Beauty, Photography: Sydney Marie Photography
Unquestionably the Hollywood Glam jumpsuit made a grand finale entrance. The Bridal Finery in Winter Park, FL took their bridal gown fashion show to the next level this year. With two private bridal suites adjacent to each other. No doubt they will help you find your perfect wedding dress. So to make an appointment with The Bridal Finery, click here.
Fashion: The Bridal Finery
Floral: Raining Roses Productions
Photography: Alex Michele Photos
Hair & Makeup: Makeover Station
Rentals: RW Style
Dessert & Food: Bakers Cottage Cakes
DJ & Lighting: Our DJ Rocks
Invite: Eleven Note
Pipe & Drape: Elegant Entertainment Orlando DJ & Video
Models: Premier Model Management
Video: Jeffrey Stoner Video
Click here to see more photos from this bridal gown fashion show.
Click here to find more wedding planning inspiration.
Close the deal now. Certainly a hot topic for the I Said Yes! Wedding Pros blog. As the team is out and about at wedding shows and events we are having the opportunity to speak with engaged couples. Subsequently we are seeing a trend in couples booking weddings now (Summer and fall 2021), for 2023. Therefore it is important that you, as a wedding vendor, find ways to lock in your bookings with these couples.
The current trend is that weddings are booking as much as 2 1/2 years out. Therefore it’s imperative that you, as the wedding vendor, find ways to close the deal with them now. Otherwise, they may lose interest or get distracted by by your competition. For the same reason, you don’t want to say to yourself, that business is too far out for me to spend time with them. The opposite is true. Surely if a couple is interested in your product and service, you want to secure their business early with a contract and deposit. The result being you ensure the business will be there in 2 years.
Of course each business will have different options for closing a deal now. Creating a sense of urgency is important to close all deals. However, with these 2 1/2 year out couples, it’s even more urgent to sign them now. As aforementioned, you don’t want them to loose interest. Henceforth, here is a list we have put together to help your mind start coming up with creative ways to close the deal now. Be considerate of your company’s future expenses and profit margin in 2 years when working on your closers. Find ways to provide added value without discounting when possible.
1. Sign the contract now and secure 2021 pricing for your 2023 wedding.
2. Secure product/service now with just a 10% increase over current pricing for a wedding in 2023.
3. Throw in complimentary upgrades if they sign now. For instance, fire pit, outdoor entertainment package, design service and lighting package to name a few.
4. Free swag bag for confirming their business with you now. Gather branded giveaways, gift cards, wine glasses or beer mugs, wedding planning calendar and other merchandise to create a loaded gift bag. Even consider partnering with other wedding professionals to share your swag with each other to provide an even more enticing closer gift.
Take the time to figure out what added upgrades your product/service allows for. Especially one that won’t cost you money or cost little to give for free. Definitely use these to close the deal. Everyone loves getting something for free. These are all emotional buying decisions, tap into that emotion and provide a reason for them to close now.
So they aren’t ready to commit. That’s OK. Next step is to stay top of mind with them until they are ready to make their final decisions. Of course you will have to work at this marketing to make it work for you, but it will be worth it in the end. A few ideas to be sure this couple remembers you.
1. Ask them if it is OK to add them to your e-newsletter. Let them know that your emails will supply them with valuable wedding planning tips and advice.
2. Invite them to see you perform at a local club if you are a DJ or live entertainment.
3. Offer them complimentary or discounted tickets to all weddings expos and events where you will be exhibiting.
4. Request they follow you on all social platforms and be sure to reply to any comments they make.
5. Set up a drip email campaign as a consistent contact and follow-up after your initial meeting with them.
6. Share links to helpful and informational wedding planning blogs provided by other resources, like I Said Yes! Wedding Inspo Blog. This shows that you care about their entire wedding.
Although this blog specifically speaks to the current trend in wedding planning, it absolutely applies to all weddings as you work toward staying first of mind and closing the deal.
Visit the I Said Yes! Vendor Blog for more tips and tricks for business in the wedding industry.
Styled Shoots – how do they help your wedding business? We asked Heather Benge, Founder of Styled Shoots Across America, to answer this questions for us.
Build your portfolio and attract new clients by showcasing your creativity in a styled shoot. What does this mean exactly. As wedding professionals, we have access to content from our couples weddings. However, when a client is paying for your services, you are at the mercy of what they want. Sure they probably choose you because you are good at what you do. However you still have to use their colors, their style, etc. Styled shoots give you the freedom to show off your own style and create whatever it is that YOU want to create. Further you can create new trends – be a trendsetter! A lot of my branding clients tell me that they would love to create something out of the box, bigger or better than they’ve ever done. But they just can’t get anyone to hire them for it because they have no previous experience or images to show that they can do it. Therefore, this is your chance to try something bigger and better to show clients that you can make it happen!
Styled shoot created for the cover of an I Said Yes! magazine. Photographer: PB and J Studios / Planner: For The Love of Events / Dresses and Tuxedos: All Brides 2 Be / Cake: Morgan Hunter Desserts / Linens: Over The Top Rental Linens / Rentals: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals / Floral: In Bloom Florist / Venue: Art and History Museum of Maitland / Hair & Makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry Hair and Make-up
When you do a shoot, you can choose to do them in colors and styles that match your brand. That is to say, use it to your benefit and get the most out of it! Consider this, what do you want to show off on social media? Or are you tired of not having a diverse client base? Further are you ready to showcase some new skills? Certainly you will attract your ideal client by showing off your ideal work. In fact, it is the best recipe!
For example, the photos above are from a styled shoot created by The Event Company. The owner had been dreaming of a way to use her company colors. See the entire shoot in this Remarkable Moody Romantic Wedding in Orlando blog.
Contributing wedding professionals – Wedding Venue: D’Space Orlando / Photography: Tracy Townsend Photography / Planning, Design and Tabletop Rentals: The Event Company / Floral Designer: Atmospheres Floral & Décor / Bridal Gown: Ivy Bridal Shop / Hair & Makeup: L. Santana Designs / Cake and Mini Cakes: Sugar Dreams by Dessy / Stationery and Signage: Bare Lettered Designs / Love Letters: Stationery For Lovers / Event Rentals: Clermont Party Rentals / Linen & Charger Plates: Longwood Weddings and Events / Videographer: Dreamscape Photography / Mobile Bar: Bubble Buggi
Ceremony Officiant: The Ginger Officiant
How can you refer another wedding professional if you’ve never actually worked with them? In this situation, turn to styled shoots. Unquestionably they are a great way to work with someone so that you can refer each other! Similarly, I highly suggest that no matter what you contribute to the shoot, you should absolutely show up on the day of. Assuredly I have met some of the best creatives at shoots. This is a time to get to know each other, see others work/workmanship in person and build relationships.
Consider turning a networking event into a styled shoot. For instance, Mission Inn Resort & Club Weddings hosted and I Said Yes! Networking Event with a throwback to the 70’s. They worked with their sponsoring vendors and scheduled time before and after the event to turn this into a styled shoot. This allows the sponsoring.
Contributing wed pros – Venue: Mission Inn Resort & Club Weddings / Planner: Bella Sposa Events / Floral: Greenery Productions Inc / DJ and Lighting: Soundwave Entertainment / Cake: Le Petit Sweet / Rentals: Dishie Rentals / Photography: KMD Photo + Film / The Van Cam / Calligraphy & Hand Lettering: Wild Ivory & Co
Maybe you are a photographer who struggles with shooting in harsh sun. Then a styled shoot in the sun is a perfect way to experiment with your camera settings and gain some experience in a less pressured environment than a real wedding day. Likewise, embrace rain or darkness. Whatever the case maybe, it will only help you learn to adapt to these conditions. In the same vein, maybe you’re a cake baker and you need to see what kinds of frostings or designs will hold up in certain heat condition. By participating in this styled shoot, you can now be comfortable when consulting with a client on cake placement and timing at their wedding. Same with flowers. No doubt, you don’t want to find out on a client’s real wedding day that hydrangeas don’t do so good out of water in a bouquet for 5 hours in the hot Florida heat.
The good thing about styled shoots is everyone knows everyone’s credit information. Activity breeds activity. In this situation, TAG EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING, EVERYTIME. All it takes is one image from a shoot to hit social media and all of sudden thousands of eyes are on your work.
People ask me all the time how I book weddings in other states. My answer is always the same. You have to be seen in those states. That is to say, you can’t just hashtag #newyorkweddingplanner on a random picture from a wedding in Texas and hope someone will book you. For this reason, you need to get out and go to the destinations you are wanting to be seen in. Next explore the area and take pictures of the surroundings. Further do a styled shoot. Indeed do anything to get yourself noticed in the local area. For example, I did a styled shoot in Hawaii and I’ve gotten at least 5 different inquires for Hawaii weddings since then. It works if you put in the work
See images from the gorgeous past shoots – Follow Styled Shoots Across America on Social Media
Submit your styled shoots for publication on the I Said Yes! Wedding Inspiration Blog.
Some of the published styled shoots on the I Said Yes! Blog:
A Remarkably Moody Romantic Wedding in Orlando
Ways To Design An Amazing Classic Florida Wedding Reception
Celebrate Love and History with a Wedding 226 Feet Above the Ground
Trademarks is the topic of today’s vendor blog. As a wedding professional you understand the value of delegating and hiring others to work in their zone of genius. But have you considered that your zone of genius may be copied by another? Following this, think about the investment and sweat and tears it took for you to build your brand. Now how important is all of that to you?
We asked Nequosha Anderson, of Anderson Law Firm LLC to guest write on our I Said Yes! Vendor Blog today. She offers expert advice on how to protect your wedding business.
The wedding industry is bouncing back from the Pandemical (aka the COVID-19 pandemic). Consequently the likelihood of others stealing your hard earned intellectual property to build their good fortune is alive and real. That is to say, more and more people continue to steal and copy your “signature offer”. Whether intentional or not. For this reason, did you know you can be proactive in the protection of your “zone of genius”.
Well, my friends, let me introduce you to my little friend, known simply as “trademark”. A trademark is a form of intellectual property protected by United States Law. For instance, you may know a trademark as brand names or logos. Correspondingly, when you see a particular brand, you are immediately thinking of what they sell. For example, Carolina Herrera is a famous wedding dress designer. Assuredly, you can just picture her romantic dramatic styled dresses. In fact, you can distinguish her dresses from another designer immediately. Unquestionably, in the business, that knowing is what we call, “source recognition”.
Trademarks are words, designs, symbols, devices, and names used to identify the source of one good from goods made from another source. Above all, trademarks are invaluable assets and are protected at the federal level by the Lanham Act. Now understand, simply having a brand does not mean you meet the requirements for trademark protections. For this reason, to protect your brand, it must be distinctive and used in commerce.
For starters, trademarking, helps to protect your business identity. Second, it protects against others using the same or similar business name or logo. Third, federal trademark protection extends NATIONWIDE! Lastly, a trademark registration is a business asset, and it can be licensed or sold – show me the money! Also, did I mention that a trademark can be renewed indefinitely, unlike a copyright protection.
STORYTIME. Let me tell you a story about a wedding event planner who went against the Most Powerful Woman in Entertainment — Beyonce. Have you heard of Veronica Morales? In this situation, Morales is the owner of “Blue Ivy Events”. She registered and received a federal trademark in 2009 for the name of her business. However, in January 2012, a famous little baby girl by the name of “Blue Ivy” was born. Of course her famous Mother, Beyoncé, wants to protect the brand of her daughter’s name. Obviously Morales, who secured a federal trademark protection prior to Blue Ivy’s birth, challenged Beyoncé’s right to use the term “BLUE IVY” in a particular class of protection.
In the end, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) did not move forward with Morales’ argument of likelihood of confusion. So the moral of the story is, Morales secured her brand, fought, and continues to fight to secure the protection of her brand. And my friends, you can too, even if you end up going against Beyoncé! NOTE: Morales can still use the trademark she secured prior to the birth of Blue Ivy.
Now, if you have a logo or phrase that is unique to your event wedding business that you want to protect, I welcome you to reach out to me to book your free consultation.
Get more leads is the topic of today’s blog. Subsequently we will dive deep into the many effective ways to generate more leads, convert these leads into actual bookings. Further, who will then refer you to all of their friends & families. Content provided by guest blogger and expert adviser, LeadClicks.io.
Every single wedding vendor needs a legitimate way to increase the amount of people who inquire. We all know that sales is a numbers game. Due to this, it’s important to have a full pipeline of potential clients.
However, even if you had a million potential leads; if no one is actually converting into a booking, it is useless. So it is equally important to effectively convert a good amount of leads who inquire.
This is why we created a simple method to getting as much traffic as possible. Then being being able to convert your online visitors into an inquiry. Of course then turning that visitor into a real paying customer.
There are thousands of ways to skin a cat. But we’re going to narrow it down to the (number) ways you can get more online visitors to view your products & services (For Free).
Who knows much about SEO or even what SEO even means? Search Engine Optimization. That is to say, you’re trying to rank higher when people search for your service. Why exactly?
First Page Search traffic clicks reported to be as high as 92% in recent years. Second-page results are far from a close second coming in at below 6% of all website clicks.
Easily put, you need to be first on Google when someone searches for your services. Even more easily put, if you’re not first, you’re last
For all those reasons, the most effective way to do this is through online listings. Online listings make it easier and more convenient for consumers to find vendors just like you.
Here are our recommended online listings for vendors:
Top Wedding Vendor Directories Ranked
Everyone knows that you’re supposed to be active on Social Media as a small business, but nobody really knows how to actually create sales from it.
The end goal of your social media platform is to drive traffic to your website. So how do you actually turn these likes & followers into real customers? Here are some step-by-step instructions that you can start today in order to generate more website visitors from Social Media.
First, remember you don’t need to be on every single social media platform that has ever existed. Assuredly, it’s more important to learn where your ideal customer is hanging out. Certainly then be extremely active on that specific platform. For example, if you are a photographer, Instagram is most likely the best platform to showcase your work. In contrast, if you are a wedding planner, Pinterest is a great way to share your ideas with other newly engaged couples looking for inspiration.
You should treat your Social Media like the face of your business. As a rule, make sure that you have a business profile on whatever platform you are on. Assuredly, make sure it is set up with the right size dimensions for your profile picture and banner backgrounds.
Not only that, but ensure that the content that is posted is of the highest quality. This will gain the trust of your followers and potential customers. Remember, if your content is low quality, they might assume that your product or service is low quality.
For some it can be unclear what content is appropriate for your viewers, and what actually gets people to engage. This is why we came up with a rule of thumb for all Social media posts called “V.E.S.T” which stands for the following:
These are the biggest reasons why most people decide to view your post, follow you, and or share your content.
VALUE: If something brings someone value, they are most likely going to want more, ask more questions, or share it with other people. Examples of giving value are offering good tips, advice or important information.
ENGAGING: To make a post “engaging” you want to ask engaging questions, or give them a call to actions like these –
STIMULATING: Anther reason why people engage with your content is because it’s stimulating. Maybe your posts are about delicious food you cater. For the most part, this will attract a log of people to your channel. Because in today’s world, you possibly have only .3 seconds to grab someone’s attention while they are scrolling.
TRENDING: One of the biggest reasons why Social Media gets shared, is because it’s a TRENDING topic of conversation. Consider a new video of a celebrity getting married, or a new dance move that everyone is doing. The more you share trending topics, the more up to date you will seem on Social Media. Accordingly, people will follow you because you are in-the-know.
Don’t forget to use Hashtags! How do you use Hashtags properly? Let’s keep this simple. When you post on Social Media, at first you want to use as many hashtags as the platform will allow.
Following this will increase the amount of people viewing your posts. For example, if you are a DJ, using hashtags like #DJ #Music #Party #Remix #Dance will help you attract more of the right viewers for your page.
Let’s say you’re getting more & more people to visit your website; how do we actually get those online visitors to inquire? Remember, we’re looking to get their name, number, and email address so we can continue to follow up with them later.
Now you ask what’s the secret to getting people to give you their most precious information? The simple answer is making sure your image online looks legitimate, and this starts with your biggest online asset, your website.
Your website is the hub of your entire internet marketing bubble. Everything you do should be centered around getting people to land on your website. So, we need this to be extremely legitimate.
Here are a few components to what makes a website GREAT.
Great websites are clean and professional. Especially, make sure your website is built with your ideal customer in mind and is extremely user-friendly.
By spending time on the design, ensuring its high quality, site visitors will be able to better understand your offer, and be able to inquire easier.
Great websites are simple and user friendly. Singularly, visitors must find everything they need quick and easy. If users have to wander around the site trying to find what they need, they will get frustrated and leave.
A good stock image is okay to use if it’s relevant to your business. However using original content of your products & services will gain the trust of your visitors. Particularly being extremely transparent of your previous work, your results, and your products will result in more sales.
Having a low-quality website will only make people assume your service is low quality. Unfortunately, that isn’t the truth. Above all, first impressions are extremely important. What exactly is a high-quality website? We’re talking about high-definition images, accurate and compelling ad-copy, branding, and clean layout. If people see you take your website seriously, they will only be able to assume you take everything else seriously. As a result they will inquire.
If your website is extremely slow, your online visitors will end up leaving the website before everything loads. Unquestionably it is extremely important for your website to load INSTANTLY. People’s patience on the internet is extremely slim. Therefore if your website isn’t loading fast enough you will lose out on so many people who intended to inquire. Don’t overload your website with useless content that will slow down the website.
An interest funnel is a contact form that allows the lead to give you their information. When you create interest forms, make sure your forms notify your lead that a form has been submitted and that you will reach out to them shortly. This form should also notify you, and or your team members to get in touch with the new lead. Similarly these forms should also be integrated into a CRM, which we will get into.
So, you have a great number of potential interests in your products or service, now what? You need a method of managing these interests and potential customers. Hence, every single potential customers information should be saved in some sort of software or sales database. This is exactly how you never miss out on any potential interests.
For this reason, you need a Sales System that helps you track and manage contacts, and tracks what part of the sales cycle you are in.
This is a key factor that most small businesses, vendors, freelancers, and service providers never execute on. Consequently, without a sales system, it is extremely easy to let a lot of leads slip through the cracks.
Every business needs a system to understand how many leads they actually have, all of their leads contact information, the last time you called, emailed or texted your leads, and how much the sales could be if closed.
In order to properly manage leads, you will need a Sales Database, or CRM.
Of course, make sure you are familiar with certain sales techniques. We recommend you call, email and text every single lead until they give positive contact (this is when someone answers with positive intent to learn more or sign up). Also make sure you’re not being too pushy. But remember to encourage them to sign up for your services.
Although down the road, investing into Digital Advertisements like Search Engine Ads, or Social Media Promotions could potentially be beneficial, it is way more important to establish a strong web presence with your website, online listings, and social media first.
Here at LeadClicks.io, we hyper-focus on helping you turn clicks into real customers. Our Marketing Values include Lead Generation, Lead Conversion & Full Transparency. We hope you got a ton of gold nuggets from this blog! We would like to thank I Said Yes! FL for giving us the opportunity to help their audience continue to grow bigger & better!
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