Let’s back up: the economy isn’t the best right now. That’s a known fact.

People use “it’s the economy” as an excuse for why their bookings are down.

True… the economy MIGHT be affecting your bookings.

 

But…. if you’re in the wedding industry…. People are still getting married.

Weddings are STILL happening on all ranges of budget.

 

Projected 2.2M weddings in 2024

 

The average wedding budget in the US is $33k. THE AVERAGE across the entire nation.

 

In other words…

 

It’s not JUST the economy. Stop using the economy as the scapegoat for why you’re not getting booked. Use this opportunity to look at what you’re doing, how you’re marketing, and how you’re communicating with potential leads. 

 

PROBLEM #1: You’re not reaching or marketing well to your ideal client.

 

If you’re not getting any inquiries (or rarely)… that’s an immediate front-end issue. In other words, you’re not even getting the leads you need, it’s not even an issue of convincing them to buy.

 

So what do you need to focus on here first?

 

• Consistently showing up:

• Are you showing up CONSISTENTLY in your key marketing avenue
• Ex: Whether that’s IG, blogging & Pinterest or SEO, word of mouth, etc… are you being consistent??
• You HAVE to stay top of mind. You HAVE to show up and showcase your value and work.
• You can’t expect people to just show up out of nowhere and be willing to spend big bucks on you. You have to show up and invite them in. 

 

• Are you giving pro or beginner?

• Your work:

1. 1. 1. Be honest with yourself. If you can be self-aware enough to be like “I could improve” here are some ways to do it:
         1. Study composition theory
         2. Practice practice practice your editing
         3. Use presets to explore your style
         4. Try out and get creative with different gear (rent gear) and experiment with free creative shoots
         5. Invest in education (workshops {subtle plug}, courses, guides, styled content retreats, 

• Your presentation/marketing

1. 1. 1. Do you have a website?!?! “DM for inquiries” or websites that aren’t custom domains like “yourname.pixieset.com”
      2. Your bio is giving dating app “Loves Jesus, ugg boots, and Stanley cups”
      3. Do you use phrases or say things as if you’re inexperienced and just getting started?!?
      4. Do you tell people you don’t have bookings or desperately need them??
      5. Niche Down!!!!
         1. People ARE NOT attracted to jacks of all trades, especially when it comes to a higher ticket investment. 
         2. People want EXPERTS. People are more intentional with their purchases now more than ever. 
      6. Are you showing up with your face and building a connection?
         1. Pros: profile pic of them, pinned intro post OR personal photo and content within a grid of 9, showing up on stories in a personal way
         2. Beginner: prof pic is a logo, can’t find them ANYWHERE on their feed, no active stories or just reposts or something that doesn’t build a connection. 

 

• Bootstrap tips:

• Join a ton of FB groups and consistently stalk them every day and respond to people wanting referrals, clients looking for a vendor, etc!!
• Do a bunch of free or styled work to showcase your consistency and work ethic. Even if you have ZERO bookings… DON’T EVER SHOW THAT. Hustle!!!!! 
• Connect with wedding vendors, and OFFER more than you ASK. Can you take free headshots/photos for florists, HMUA, Venues, DJs, etc. Can you reach out and offer to include people on YOUR recommendation list without asking for anything in return?

 

PROBLEM #2: People know you exist and are inquiring… but it’s not converting to bookings. 

 

What you may want to assess and revamp:

 

• Pricing: Incongruous value and price point – does the quality of your service/work match the price point. “Way overpriced” (OR you just don’t know how to communicate the value of what you provide so it seems low quality to the potential client). PRICES ON WEBSITE!!! (inquire & ghosting can be from this!!!). 

• Client experience & communication: Initial inquiry email response – personal, detailed, thorough, etc. Include a professional, detailed, investment guide in that first email (with reviews, examples of work, etc). Stop Making the process of understanding what you offer and how to book you way too complicated. They aren’t going to wait around & do quantum physics just to figure out what you’re charging or what you offer. 

 

MAKE IT EASY – EXAMPLES:

• Is your site navigation VERY easy to understand, and read, and directs people to book. 
• Are you responding as quickly as possible. 
• Make it SUPER easy to hop on a consult call (calendly link vs. “when are you free for a call?”
• Branded Pricing Guide with FAQ’s and packages
• Video messaging social media leads/inquiries

 

The economy is making people CHOOSE their purchases more intentionally. When money doesn’t go as far as it used to, purchases are valued EVEN more.

 

People want QUALITY in 2024. 

 

Show notes

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