By Tracey Manailescu, WPIC Co-founder and Vice President
Are you unknowingly scaring away potential wedding clients?
When I am searching for a new restaurant to try, the first thing I do is go to Instagram, or I’ll do a Google internet search. I search hashtags and look at the photos and then of course, see what others have to say. Then I’ll go and check out their website. When I’m sourcing new items or vendors for wedding clients I do the same. I also check in with my WPIC alumni to see if they have any additional intel on the vendor or products. I want to see the products, if it was a good experience, and if they would work with them again. Trust and professionalism should be top of mind. Social media and the opinions of those you know and respect, tend to carry a lot of weight in our personal and professional dealings.
I have definitey developed some pet-peeves during my searches. Read on to find out what they are:
Are you easy to find on social media?
As I mentioned above, I like to search on Instagram. It’s quick, to the point and usually helps me find what I am searching for. I am always baffled when I see a company that has great photos and a lot of followers but no follow-up contact information. The location, website, phone number or email to contact you is missing. So what happens? I move on. I’ve also just wasted my time. Take a look at WPIC’s Instagram.
Staying Active on Social Media
Having an Instagram, TikTok or Facebook page is great. BUT…..are you posting regularly? If I go to someones Instagram and I see that they haven’t posted anything in six months to a year, I automatically assume that they are not actively seeking clients, or even in business anymore. Even if you don’t have weddings or events to post, post something. Share a behind-the-scenes photo or video. Share a site visit or a quote. Add some words of wisdom or useful tips with a carousel. When is the last time that you showed your face?
Do you have a professional email address?
At WPIC Inc, we have over 9000 alumni who have gone through and taken our certification courses. We always get a good chuckle when we see some of the crazy email addresses that people have registered with. I mean, how difficult is it to get a new account with hotmail or gmail? If you own and operate a company already, then pay the extra minimal amount to make it a professional email address.
Example (made up example): tianalovesshots@outlook.com instead use tianamorris@hotmail.ca
If Tiana has a company: tiannamorrisweddings@gmail.com use hello@tianamorrisweddings.ca instead.
Are you communicating professionally with clients?
When someone takes the time to reach out to you via email or phone, answer them in a timely manner. Be professional and courteous (even if they aren’t). Answer the questions that they specifically asked and give some more information about your company and services. Ask if they have further questions and if they would like to set up an initial meeting.
Responding in a Timely Manner
We have a 24 hr response time listed on your WPIC Code of Ethics. Truthfully, if you are waiting that long to respond to potential clients, they are probably already gone. Social media and internet access are readily available, and most of us have cell phones. Unless you are working a wedding, you should be responding to your emails and phone calls within a few hours. If you don’t, someone else will.
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