Brenda's Wedding Blog | Fresh Ideas for Creative Weddings

Wedding Industry Social Media Marketing + Business Tips for Wedding Professionals

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How to Grow Your Wedding Business Online

Can you believe we're already past the halfway point of the first month of 2017? Have you set any goals for yourself and your business that you would love to see happen this year?

Are you looking for ways to Grow Your Wedding Business Online and reach the ever growing number of brides planning their big day with the use of social media?

Click to Learn How to Grow Your Wedding Business Online - for each week of the year / Marketing Strategies for Wedding Business Owners / as seen on www.BrendasWeddingBlog.com

One of my main goals for 2017 is to continue building an amazing community of creative wedding + event professionals and to help them {you} grow on social media. So, I thought to myself . . . how can I make this happen? The results? The 52 Weeks of Wedding Photos Instagram Challenge was created.

This 52 week photo Instagram challenge is for wedding photographers, wedding planners + stylists, invitation designers, jewelry designers, wedding accessory creators, floral designers, bakers and more.

You will join a fun Instagram Challenge that will introduce you to others and TOGETHER we will build a community of event and wedding professionals that want to grow organically and reach our targeted audiences. You will be able to network and find clients. Each week you will have the chance to increase your following and be seen by more and more by your target audience as you continually participate in the challenge. The more often you join and take action, the quicker your wedding business will grow. Growth won't happen on it's own . . . you need to actively participate in your own business and get yourself out there to connect and engage with others.

PLUS . . . as an added bonus when you join and participate in the Instagram Challenge - you have the chance to be shared to my 41,000+ social reach as well as being featured on my blog and/or in my newsletter to brides. I'd say that's a very good deal.

Just so you can see, the first week of entries was amazing - here's a little preview of the talented wedding + event professionals joining the Instagram Challenge.

Photo Credits: Top Left @vibevents // Top Right @funtoeatfruit / 📷 @naturalblissphoto // Bottom Left @4everincredible // Bottom Right @bellezzainvitations

If you're ready to take your Wedding Business Growth to an even higher level - I invite you to join my Pro Team - the perks are amazing and I will put my 15 years of experience in the wedding industry to work for you. I'll help you get on the path to success with marketing strategies that work.

Skipped to the Bottom? . . .

Join the 52 Weeks of Wedding Photos Instagram Challenge to grow your Wedding Business each week, all year long
Join my free community for creative wedding + event professionals where I share daily marketing strategies to grow your business
Join my Pro Team to take your Wedding Business Growth to an even higher level

5 Apps + Programs to Make Instagram Easy to Use

Today I have 5 Apps and/or Programs you can start using today to get Instagram working quicker and more efficiently for you and your business.

Top 5 Apps and Programs that make Instagram Easy to Use | What are the Top Instagram Apps? / as seen on www.brendasweddingblog.com

I'm guessing you wish there was an easy button when it comes to getting Instagram really working for you, right? Well, there's a few scheduling apps that I use and I have another for tracking engagement and another to keep track of which posts are generating the most clicks {which also means these posts are what my audience wants more of}.

PS: Did you hear about the Make a Statement Instagram Challenge? It's all about how to Post * Engage * Grow to make a statement with your Instagram Feed. I'll be sharing some great insight into making this happen along with a trick that no one has even shared - oh, and there's no daily prompts and no webinar at the end pushing a $200+ course. It's an Instagram Course for the Wedding Industry like no other.

Now, that you've joined the Instagram challenge - let's get started with those Instagram Apps and Programs to make your life easier . . . {this post contains a referral link to a program I fully support}

1. Tracking Engagement with Iconosquare
I love using Iconosquare as each day I am emailed my previous day's engagement rate and my following growth. There's many other features in the program which is web based including comment replying/liking, seeing which posts have received the most comments/likes/engagement, tracking specific hashtags, followings that don't follow you back, followers you don't follow back, average likes received per post, and much more.
Cost: various pricing levels
{14 day no-cost trial}

2. Tracking Instagram Clicks with Link in Profile
Since Instagram only gives you one click and changing that link for each post when they direct to different urls can be a pain. With Link in Profile, you simply add a url to each caption and then use the special link provided by Link in Profile in the url space in your Instagram bio. I have personally changed that specific link to a bit.ly link for even more tracking purposes. Plus, it looks better than seeing a link to a domain that isn't yours - bit.ly is a widely used link shortener for online. When a user clicks that url in your bio - they are directed to a page where they can see your Instagram feed and click on the photo they want more details on. You can see mine in action right here.
Cost: $9.99 a month
{30 day no-cost trial with my referral link - perfect timing for the challenge}

3. Scheduling posts with Later
I'll be honest and say this one seems a bit clunky for me. Being a graphic designer, I'm more visual so while I can view my feed as a grid as I add photos into Later - scheduling the actual posts is not as user friendly. But, this app let's you schedule and plan your posts in advance and they'll be ready to push thru to Instagram at the time you have planned. You will receive a notification on your phone/ipad at the scheduled time.
Cost: Free for up to 30 posts a month

4. Scheduling posts with Plann
I'm going to be honest and say I LOVE this app. It works beautifully and you can add in your photos and drag them around if you wish to get the perfect Instagram photo flow going. You can also schedule the posts and they are ready to go when you want them to be posted - you'll be notified too.
Cost: $8.99 one time fee

5. Scheduling posts directly within Instagram {sort of}
You can now prep your posts directly in Instagram and after typing in your caption, simply hit the back arrow twice and it will ask if you want to save as a draft. This doesn't let you set a specific time for posting {but you can always set your alarm}. It also won't give you a preview of your Instagram grid with the scheduled photos in place.

By knowing these tips before the Instagram challenge starts - you'll be ready to start right in on Monday morning. If you have any questions or thoughts feel free to reach out at any time - or simply leave me a comment below.

Until Next Time . . .

How I More than Quadrupled my Instagram Followers in 20 months - PLUS, a one-of-a-kind Challenge

First, you're probably wondering why the statement I make in this blog post title is a big deal when others are claiming they grew on Instagram in just weeks. Well, let me explain a few things . . .
1. I believe in NEVER EVER purchasing likes or followers
2. I believe in quality over quantity
3. I believe in making connections
4. I believe in slow and steady wins the race
5. I believe in having targeted followers {who become customers}
6. I believe in having an engaged audience. Instagram actually favors engagement over the number of followers. For example, maybe you have over 10k followers - but unless the majority of them are engaging on your account, it's pointless to focus on having that many following you.

Still not convinced? Here's what Davina recently shared:

"My audience has more than doubled in a few months since implementing several of Brenda's Instagram tips. The engagement was non existent now I wake up to likes, comments, inquires."

So, with that being said . . . who’s up for an Instagram challenge and to find out how I quadrupled by Instagram followers in 20 months? This Instagram Challenge for Wedding Pros is not like any you’ve ever seen!

In this Instagram Challenge - there will be . . .
• No Daily Prompts
• No set list of hashtags you have to include
{except for the one we all use to support each other}
• No webinar at the end that pushes a course for $200

So, you're probably asking - ok, so what's the catch? Well, you're only investment is my Ultimate Instagram Hashtag Guide for $29 and your commitment to say . . . "Heck yes - I’m ready to take my Instagram to the next level and use this platform as an add-on to my business".

Are you in? {if you already have the hashtag guide - you're already in the challenge - just head here to join the Instagram Challenge FB Group}

If you're ready to accept this challenge, grab your hashtag guide here {it's an instant download} and then get ready as the 14 day Instagram challenge kicks off on Monday October 3rd. This guide has hashtags for photographers, planners, floral designers {real + faux flowers}, bride to be’s, venues, wedding gifts, invitations, sweet shops, destinations, honeymoons, travel agents, and wedding shops. {It's an Instant Download}

I'm going to guess you are wondering why this challenge costs money? It's because for Instagram to work for you and your business, the one main thing you need to do, is use the right hashtags. And, when you have the Ultimate Instagram Hashtag Guide - you're one step ahead of the Insta-Game. This is the Instagram Challenge that will have you thinking about targeted hashtags, your engagement and your photo quality to take your account to the next level and reach your audience. It's not about following everyone that's in the challenge. You want your followers to be targeted and those that will engage with your posts {to eventually become customers and/or find you to inquire for your services}.

The results of this Instagram Challenge are to . . .
1. gain the right followers
2. attract your target audience
3. increase your engagement

I will even be revealing an Instagram Strategy that works and it’s one that NO ONE HAS TOLD YOU ABOUT YET!!!

PS: you will be a part of a private fb group for the challenge to share results, cheer each other on and more

So - let's get ready for a fun Instagram Challenge like no other

Step 1: Purchase the Ultimate Instagram Hashtag Guide {instant download}
Step 2: Join the FB Group for the Instagram Challenge
{already have the guide? skip step 1 and simply join the FB group}

How I More than Quadrupled My Instagram Followers {targeted and in my niche} PLUS an Instagram Challenge for Wedding Pros. Be sure to click if you're ready to Make A Statement with Your Instagram Account
Top 3 Instagram Marketing Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix them ASAP

Stop! Are you hurting your growth on Instagram by making these three big mistakes?

Here’s the top 3 ways Instagrammers are hurting themselves and the growth potential of their business when they post. But, have no fear because they are easy to fix :) And, I have a special surprise for you at the end of this post :)

1. Are you tagging photos with other Instagram accounts to get their attention?

If tagging others in a photo with vendors that are involved in the photo, you are totally a-ok. However, I often find myself tagged in photos that I had no involvement in at all. They weren’t styled shoots I worked on. They weren’t features from my blog. I usually have not even ever had an interaction with this company before. They are simply tagging me in the hopes I’ll notice them. I always remove myself from the tagged photos I was not involved in as I don’t want these photos showing up in my photo feed on my account. While I simply remove myself from the tagged photo - you do run the chance of being reported. Some will report your photo instead of removing their tag and this hurts you and your account as your account can be shut down or temporarily disabled if reported too often. If I’m repeatedly tagged by another company, I will message them asking them to kindly stop.

Bottom Line: Don’t tag others on a photo unless they were involved. You don't want them looking likes this.

instagram-tagging-photo-no-no.jpg

2. Are you using automated replies for commenting?

This is a huge no no. While you might think you’re making your life easier by not being fully 100% on Instagram and automating your replies - this will hurt you. People in a niche businesses {ex. weddings}, often follow the same people and engage with each other. When they keep seeing the same reply {and often the reply doesn’t even apply to the photo being shared} it sheds a bad light on you and your business.

Bottom Line: Never used automated comments. It makes you look bad all around.

instagram-commenting-no-no.jpg

3. Are you posting and not including hashtags? Or not enough hashtags?

Remember hashtags are like the icing on your Instagram posts. Without them, your posts just won't live up to the sweetness they deserve, because . . .
• Without hashtags you lower your engagement
Hashtags help you get into Top Posts which increases your chances of being seen even more
• Without hashtags you reduce your chances of being seen by new clients
Maybe you’re a photographer in Phoenix Arizona - brides might be looking for you in #phoenixwedding #phoenixweddings #phoenixweddingphotographer #phoenixbride #arizonabride #azbride - but without properly tagging your photos, you miss out on being seen
• Without hashtags you significantly reduce your chance of reaching new business leads
Properly tagged photos will increase your chances of being seen by other vendors in your area/niche and without them - you could miss out on a potential big collaboration

Wouldn’t you rather have 100+ likes and comments and engagement from potential clients/customers and collaborators instead of just 20 likes and no comments? So, let’s get those hashtags in there and not miss out on any business opportunities. You can use up to 30 hashtags and I personally suggest between 25-28 so you have room to add a few more down the road if needed for future features with other accounts.

Bottom Line: Never put up Instagram posts without hashtags. {hashtags can be placed in the first comment to be hidden and make your post look cleaner} You want hashtags so you give your Instagram post the exposure it deserves for engagement and reaching clients/customers.

One last thing with hashtags - never ever delete your hashtags! Deleted hashtags mean you are gone from your targeted hashtags forever and future clients will never see you.

So, let me ask you this - are you guilty of any of these Instagram mistakes? It’s ok of you are, but now you know how to start getting more engagement and growth potential with your Instagram account, right?

Want the complete list of 10 Instagram Mistakes you could be making right now that are hurting your growth and engagement?

Download the Top 10 Instagram Marketing Mistakes to Avoid today and be on your way to better engagement and an Instagram account that stands out in all the right ways.

Hurry and Grab your copy of Top 10 Instagram Marketing Mistakes to Avoid for Wedding Pros for just $9. Click the Buy Now button above and it's all yours to create an amazing Instagram feed to propel your business to the next level.

How to Create Relevant Content for Social Media When You’re Stuck on Ideas

We all know about those fun and quirky national holidays right?

Not too long ago it was National Pink Day. Did you post anything to social media that day? The reason I ask is because I'm curious to know if you're using the National Holidays to your advantage? When you can’t think of something fun yet relevant to share with your audience on social media, all you have to do is consider what the quirky national holiday of the day or month is. For instance, July is National Blueberry Month which means it's time to get your Something Blue photos gathered and ready to share. If you use the fun holidays to your advantage, you can re-purpose content you already have in a new way. Are you ready to get started?

How to Create Relevant Content for Social Media when you're stuck on ideas - July 2016 edition

Grab Your Free Social Media Content Generator for July Below and get started right away creating fun content on social media.

Grab Your Free Social Media Content Generator for July Below and get started right away creating fun content on social media

For the entire month of July - here’s what’s happening in addition to it being National Blueberry Month . . .

National Culinary Arts Month - which is perfect for caterers or any wedding pro to share the food served at their weddings
Consider tagging #culinaryarts and/or #culinaryart and/or #weddingfood

National Hot Dog Month
Consider tagging #gourmethotdogs

National Ice Cream Month - this is ideal for summer to showcase ice cream cones. I love seeing these in engagement sessions. Or, maybe there’s an ice cream truck at your couple’s wedding?
Consider tagging #icecreamtruck and/or #icecreamcones

National Independent Retailer Month

National Picnic Month - I can see this being super popular for engagement sessions and even styled shoots
Consider tagging #picnicday and/or #picnictime and/or #picnicwedding

The following tags might also work - but right now, there’s not enough results in their searches to justify using them: #NationalCulinaryArtsMonth, #NationalHotDogMonth, #HotDogMonth, #NationalIceCreamMonth, #IceCreamMonth, #NationalIndependentRetailerMonth, #IndependentRetailerMonth, #NationalPicnicMonth

So, when your brain won’t let you think clearly, simply look to a fun National Holiday for inspiration. You will then have something relevant while being able to re-purpose content/photos you already have on hand. Just be sure to include targeted hashtags for the holiday to get some new eyes on your amazing work.

Request Your Free List of all the Unique National Holidays for each day in July below and get ready to have fun creating relevant content on social media.

The Truth Behind Instagram Engagement and Hashtags

I'm sure you have heard by now that the new Instagram algorithm is in full swing now and our home feed is no longer chronological. Well, I'm here to tell you there's no need to panic. {trust me, I did that on Friday . . . all day . . . and then I overcame the panic and have come back stronger than ever}

The Truth Behind Instagram Engagement and Hashtags - and why you aim for top post placement

The key is of course to be posting imagery that will quickly grab the attention of your readers that they want to see and then you want to pull them in with a great caption that either encourages engagement or simply makes them want to comment on the great photo you've just shared.

One, thing that helps your posts have a higher chance of being seen is with instant engagement. This helps to give your posts an extra nudge to show Instagram that you mean business. The quicker your posts get the engagement - the quicker you will appear in the Top Posts for your key hashtags you are targeting. And, not just for a few hours - I recently had a photo remain in Top Posts for one of my targeted hashtags for 6 days and continuing. My Instagram post from last night {shown below} was in 9 of the Top Posts for key hashtags 9 hours later. Four of those hashtags had over 100,000 tags in them. You always want to target hashtags that have over 10,000 in them - but you ideally want to aim to get into the Top Posts for tags that have between 100,000-300,000.

Why aim to get into the Top Post placement in your key hashtags?

Top Post placement means even more eyes on your content and posts - which means more followers and then KaChing! You'll start reaching your customers/clients and possible collaborators. And, the connections you can make as a results can lead to great things for your business.

So, now let me ask you a question . . .

Do you want to be left behind while everyone else wins at Instagram?
Or . . . do you want the support and the ability to kick the new Instagram algorithm in the butt?

If you are ready to win at the Instagram algorithm - please complete the form below to get the full scoop and join the BWB Pro Team before tomorrow {something big is happening tomorrow night at 10 pm est that will help your rock your instagram. But, hurry, there's only 8 spots remaining}.

Remember - Immediate likes + comments + targeted hashtags = WINNING! And, I have the ticket to the Winning. Complete the form below to see what I've got planned for you.


Complete the Form Below to Find out How to Kick Instagram's New Algorithm in the Butt!!!

How to Convert Your Instagram Posts to Leads and Sales in One Click {never update your bio url again}

You know you’re supposed to have a “Call to Action" in your Instagram bio, right?

But, what if you don’t want to change that link each time you have a new blog post? Or a new sale? Or a new promo?

Well, with the help of Link In Profile, I have found the most amazing way to convert your Instagram post views directly to where you want them to go - whenever your readers are viewing your Instagram feed. Finally, no more saying “link in profile” and then having that actually no longer be true for said post a few days later when they come across it. Oh, and you can stop using Bit.ly links to track clicks from Instagram to your site as Link In Profile shows up in your google analytics and looks a heck of a lot less spammy {I’m personally always leary to click on a bit.ly link, especially because many users don't switch out the letter combo to be a user friendly phrase that matches their promo}.

You can now easily turn your Instagram followers into your Etsy shoppers, website viewers and more with Link in Profile.

To do this - you simply need to sign up for an account at Link In Profile and keep the same username as your Instagram account for continuity. You will then be provided with a special link to update the url in your Instagram bio with. Once in place, you will want to include a url in your post caption to the direct spot you want the reader to go to. In your caption, you will still direct them to click the link in your profile {see sample post below which resulted in a sale - proof that this works}. When a viewer clicks that link - they are brought to a page that looks like Instagram {montage on the right above} but every single post you have ever posted that contains a url in the caption will show up here. Your viewer will simply click on the post they want to see in more detail and they will be taken directly to the targeted page you want them to see.

You can now say “Goodbye” to updating your bio url forever. Your Instagram posts are now super targeted at any time they are viewed. Please head on over to Link In Profile and sign up. There’s a free 30 day trial and it’s only $9.99 a month after that. Seeing that I saw results with my 2nd post {The Power of Pinterest Course post shown above} - I’d say I’m keeping Link in Profile without hesitation. Last week, I also scoped about how amazing it is to have this capability. You can see the video right here . . .

A quote from Ryan, creator of Link In Profile, after he saw my scope . . . "That's an amazing video.  We are so grateful when someone shares about our service.  We made this service for the exact reasons you said in your video (plus we do see passive clicks on old content too ~20% of people don't follow your CTA, but click on a different image)."

PS: After signing up for Link In Profile, Ryan emailed me and we chatted a bit and I'm thrilled to say I'm now one of their 3 featured users on their home page. I loved being able to share about this amazing add-on to Instagram after testing it out first-hand. And, now I'm proud to be an affiliate of the company Ryan started, being one of their featured users and sharing all about it with you. Please support this wonderful creation Ryan designed by clicking on one of the links I've provided above. I'll earn a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.

How to Increase Instagram Engagement with the New Algorithm

Have you noticed a dip in engagement on Instagram recently? Either with likes, comments, or both?

If you have, then you are likely being affected by the recent update with the algorithm on Instagram. They are favoring posts with text that takes up 20% or less of the image. The Instagram posts that are of course performing the best, are ones with no text, just plain visuals. I heard about this last night from a lifestyle blogger after she posted a giveaway that featured a predominantly text based graphic {showcased the logos of the participants}.

How to Increase Engagement on Instagram with the new algorithm

So, how can you increase your Instagram engagement?

From the beginning Instagram was a visual platform, so post those eye-catching photos and write an attention getting caption to draw the reader in to read more and take action with your post. I think Instagram is clamping down on the overload of the motivational quotes that are so text heavy. And, Facebook does own Instagram, so we can’t be too surprised that Instagram would follow along with the 20% text rule. I have noticed sponsored posts are showing up more and more in my feed which only makes me think more changes are on the horizon.

But, for now, you can post eye catching visuals and grab my 5 Tricks to a Highly Engaging Instagram Post so you can be sure your posts are seen by those you are targeting.

How to Make Your Instagram Post Instantly Engaging - without any scheduling apps

Want to save time and increase engagement with your Instagram posts, immediately? In my latest Periscope, I shared a live tutorial on how I create my Instagram posts without any scheduling apps.

In this scope, you see me get an Instagram post up while you watch and I walk you through exactly how I do them to increase engagement right away. Plus, I reveal a special way you can be seen on my Instagram feed - did you know that if you add the tag #bwbfinds to your elegant "wow" imagery you have the chance to be shared in my Instagram feed? And, there's something brand new that will quickly become your must-have wedding professional resource when it comes to using the right hashtags for your target audience. Watch below to see it all . . . or continue reading below the video for more details >

The Secret to Making Your Instagram Post Instantly Engaging WITHOUT Any Scheduling Apps

So, what do you think? Are you ready to make your posts instantly engaging and to reach your target audience? Don't forget to Pre-Order your Ultimate Instagram Hashtag Guide for Wedding Professionals today before the pre-launch price goes away on February 29th.

To make posting easy and engaging on Instagram - you can simply write your post in text edit or even an email with a break between your caption and hashtags. Then email it to yourself with the photo to save to your camera roll {if you want to add emojis, simply paste it into the notes app on your phone}. When your ready to post at your optimal time, you will . . .

1. copy and paste the caption and hashtags
2. go to Instagram
3. upload the image - edit if needed
4. paste in the caption and hashtags
5. select just the hashtags and cut them out {moving up the cursor to the end of the caption}
6. post and then immediately paste in the hashtags in first comment and send
7. now you can sit back and wait for the engagement to happen

With this method you don't need scheduling apps and you don't need to go out of Instagram to go back into notes to grab your hashtags. This wastes precious time when your hashtags could already be working to get you into the Top Posts spot {for a bit}. And, by having your caption and hastags in email or notes - you have a back-up copy {just in case}.

Now, Don't Forget . . .

Instagram Giveaways : The Do's and Don'ts

When it comes to Giveaways on Instagram, there's no denying there are many out there.

There's the flash giveaways
There's the loop giveaways
There's the single shop giveaways
There's the partnered giveaways
The list goes on and on . . .

But, did you know there's a truly easy way to host an Instagram giveaway?
One that won't discourage your followers and have them give-up on entering?

Yes, I'm talking about those darn loop giveaways. They pretty much require a post all on their own - so stay tuned for that. But, I will say this for now - if participating in a loop giveaway - make sure it keeps within your niche so you gain qualified followers.

Today, I have a few do's and don'ts to share with you when it comes to Instagram giveaways.

Then, I have a template that you can actually copy and paste right into your own IG post to make your next giveaway easy for you to create and easy for your followers to enter. So, here we go . . . when creating your Instagram Giveaway . . .

Don't make it complicated
Don't offer a prize unrelated to your niche
{ex. no iPad as you will get many entries just looking for a freebie + you want your target audience to be entering}

Do keep it simple
Do keep it all on instagram
{ex. no asking for likes on Facebook}
Do have a deadline
Do include a standard Instagram disclaimer

I have found the best Instagram giveaways ask for a like of the photo, a follow of the host's IG account, and tagging of friends in the comments. You can even offer an extra entry for re-posting the photo and tagging the host's account and a special hashtag created for the giveaway. You will of course want to check your hashtag before posting to be sure it's ok to use. The Instagram giveaways that require me to re-post the photo on my page result in me not being able to enter as I have consistency in my feed that I don't want broken up by another person's graphic.

Instagram Giveaways : The Do’s and Don’ts PLUS a FREE Copy + Paste Template

So . . . are you ready for the copy and paste template that you can use TODAY to launch your very own giveaway on Instagram?

Simply sign up below and access to the Copy + paste Template will be unlocked right away :)