How to Get Clients for Your Event Planning Business

Summary

In this video, Chelsea from EventPlanning.com shares practical tips for landing your first clients as an event planner. She emphasizes establishing a professional appearance with a strong brand, website, and business cards. Starting with friends and family, she suggests offering discounted or free services in exchange for reviews and promotional content. Chelsea highlights the importance of leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to build your brand and connect with your audience. She also recommends collecting reviews on sites like Yelp and Google, and engaging with local media, volunteer opportunities, and community events to attract new clients and grow your business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establish a professional appearance with a memorable company name, clean website, and business cards.
• Key takeaways generation😀 Start your client base by reaching out to friends and family with your services.
• 😀 Offer low-cost or free event planning to friends and family in exchange for reviews and photos.
• 😀 Use completed events to showcase your skills and attract new clients.
• 😀 Create dedicated social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter) for your business.
• 😀 Post regularly on social media with event showcases, tips, and relevant content to build engagement.
• 😀 Follow and engage with other event planners to foster a supportive community.
• 😀 Collect positive reviews from clients on platforms like Yelp, Google, Facebook, and Thumbtack; aim for at least 10 five-star reviews.
• 😀 Utilize local media platforms like Craigslist to advertise your services and link to your professional website.
• 😀 Volunteer for charity or local events to network and gain exposure for your business.

Q & A

What is the first step Chelsea recommends before telling anyone about your event planning company?

The first step is to establish a professional appearance by choosing a company name, creating a website, and preparing business cards.

Why is having a website important for a new event planning business?

A website provides a professional presence online, allows potential clients to learn about your services, and serves as a place to showcase reviews and event photos.

How should friends and family be involved in getting your first clients?

Friends and family can help spread the word about your company, provide opportunities for low-cost or free event planning in exchange for reviews and photos, and form the initial base of your client network.

What role does social media play in building a new event planning business?

Social media is a free marketing tool that helps build brand visibility, showcase your work, connect with like-minded people, and engage with potential clients through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

What types of content should you post on social media for your event planning business?

You can post event photos, DIY projects, centerpieces, blog or article links, and videos related to event planning to keep followers engaged and informed.

Why are online reviews important, and how many does Chelsea suggest getting initially?

Online reviews help establish credibility and attract new clients. Chelsea recommends aiming for 10 five-star reviews to get a strong start.

Which review platforms does Chelsea recommend for new event planners?

Chelsea suggests platforms like Yelp, Thumbtack, Google Reviews, and Facebook for collecting client feedback.

How can local media and volunteering help attract new clients?

Posting on Craigslist, attending local events, and volunteering for charities can increase visibility, introduce you to a larger network, and potentially lead to paying clients.

What is the benefit of doing events for free or at a low cost initially?

It allows you to gain experience, gather high-quality photos for your portfolio, receive testimonials, and build credibility while showcasing your skills to potential clients.

What overall strategy does Chelsea suggest for getting your first clients?

Chelsea suggests a step-by-step strategy: establish a professional appearance, leverage friends and family, use social media actively, gather reviews, and engage with local media and community events to build momentum and attract clients.