4 Basic Rules of Social Media for Wedding Professionals

Wedding Professionals:

Why should I care about social media? I've heard that question time and again since I created this wedding community in April of 2009. While some wedding professionals have started to truly leverage social media, others are still skeptical. I continue to wholeheartedly stand behind social media because I've personally experienced its benefits. I could list those benefits out for you but instead there is really one main benefit that I don’t think has gotten enough attention yet.

It’s the human element of social media. After all, it is referred to as 'social'. Social media humanizes and brings a personal touch to brands and businesses. This enables you to build trust with your audience. And it enables your personality and expertise to stand out. This is great news for everyone, but what should you do about it?

Do: Remember that social media is about people and relationships. It is not about the number of followers or friends that you have. Once you lose sight of that and get caught up in the numbers, you will start to miss out on the powerful connections that can help grow your business.

Do: Remember that your social media efforts are an extension of your other branding efforts. So, how do you want to be perceived? Think about the image that you have worked so hard to create through your website, business cards, and personal interactions. That same image needs to be conveyed across all of your social media profiles, blog posts, avatars, chats, photos, videos, online interactions, etc.

Do: Remain professional. It sounds obvious but I constantly see professional blog posts and emails with typos. All sentences should be clear and correct. The simple act of proofreading your communications will help to build trust with prospective brides and vendors. Responding quickly to messages and thanking others for their acknowledgements also falls under being professional. Treat your social network with as much respect as you would your customers.

Do: Focus on your tone. Do you want people to think you are funny, nice, reliable, intelligent, positive – whatever your fabulous qualities are, be conscious of how that is coming across in all of your social media exchanges.

Never before has there been a marketing channel like social media because of its ability to add a human element to businesses. What tips can you recommend to help other wedding professionals add that personal touch to their social media efforts?

About This Blog: Christine Dyer is the Creator and Founder of BridalTweet. Christine has an MBA in marketing and shares over ten years of marketing expertise with the wedding community. In this weekly blog, you'll find advice on an array of wedding business topics such as how to market to brides, social networking, wedding PR, wedding sales, vendor networking, branding, pricing and much more. Please pass this news along to your own professional wedding network. To receive this advice in your email inbox each week,
Sign Up for a Free BridalTweet Membership.

Tags: social media marketing, wedding marketing

Comment by Linda Smith on October 12, 2009 at 12:22am: Be authentic - if you love what you do, let it show! I know that my music ministry is a blessing to others; I am continually jazzed by the joy I get in being a blessing to others!

Comment by Savoir Weddings on October 12, 2009 at 10:49am: Great advice.

Comment by RehearsalDinnerGuide.com on October 12, 2009 at 12:34pm: Show that you add value to your service and always try to distinguish yourself so you stand out!

Comment by Natalie Popkin on October 12, 2009 at 6:46pm: Be real. You should be the same person in Social Media as you are in real life. The purpose is to let your clients see a softer side a real side. If all you do is sell, sell, sell, they will turn you off.

Comment by WeddingMediator on October 16, 2009 at 4:48pm: Care about others and show it. It's not about building a horde of followers. It's about making friends and supporting them. When you create happiness for others, you can't help getting some on you, too.

Comment by I Want A Poem - Amy on November 18, 2009 at 7:10pm: Add value. Great post!

Comment by Maglente on November 14, 2010 at 8:27pm: Hello Christine,
thanks for wonderful reminder....your blogs do guides me..Thanks

Comment by Roisin Cure on November 15, 2010 at 12:59pm: Hi Christine,
I have to say that your Bridal Tweet has led me along threads that have given me invaluable insights. Building a business takes time...and we all need the help and guidance of all those other brains out there. For example, your post today has made me determined to get that blog started that I've been meaning to do! Thanks for all you do.

Comment by Christine Dyer on November 15, 2010 at 1:11pm: Roisin - Thanks so much for your kind words. It's comments like yours that inspire me to keep blogging and to keep sharing my love/knowledge of marketing with the wedding community. Good luck with your blog! I'm sure it will be great!

Comment by Ian Hamilton on November 16, 2010 at 11:39am: I agree with Natalie - it's about letting people see the real you, but still with that professional edge.