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How can I secure more wedding video clients?

Wedding videography is a great way for video creators to get paid well. Wedding videos, unlike other video production niches, require creativity, which means you can charge a higher price per job. A good wedding videographer can command a fee of $10,000 or more per video. In this article, we will provide you with strategies and tactics for obtaining high-ticket wedding videography clients. Wedding video production is an excellent niche for new filmmakers because the entry barriers are low. Most newly engaged couples have low expectations for their wedding video, and it’s a great way to break in. Almost everyone knows someone who is getting married, and you can start building your videography portfolio by offering to do the video for free.

If you’re interested in a career in video production, you’re probably aware that it’s not an easy task. Sure, you can be an expert with your camera, post some good or even great photos and videos, have the most visually appealing feed, and engage with your followers on a regular basis. But, how do you get more wedding video clients and book more weddings when everyone else is doing the same thing? If you did a quick Google search for wedding videographers near you, you would be served dozens of listings for people and businesses providing similar services as you. How would you choose just one of those people to create your wedding video if you had to choose just one? How do you ensure that you stand out enough so that someone chooses you over the other guy as someone trying to break into the wedding video production industry, or simply trying to book more weddings? After more than a decade in the industry, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to get more wedding videography clients for your own business.

Marketing Strategies for Booking More Wedding Clients

Make it simple for people to locate you.

I know this seems obvious, but trust me when I say that many of you are difficult to locate. You, sir. I’m reading this article right now.

Let’s be honest. Many photographers struggle with putting themselves out there. I have no idea why. I’m not sure if it’s fear, a lack of knowledge, or something else, but let me assist you.

In order for people to find you, your website and blog must be up to date, consistent with your brand, and simple to use. It’s even better if you blog on a regular basis, which I define as at least once a week, ideally three times a week. To be honest, I’m not always successful at the latter. When I don’t blog on a regular basis, my inbox fills up with inquiries. You won’t be sorry if you blog on a weekly basis. Some serious SEO sauce will begin to brew, resulting in Showit robots in your email. It’s incredible.

You should also only blog about weddings that match your branding and the type of weddings you want to attract. Showcase your best work, the kind of work that will make people drool.

Once you’ve perfected your branding and photo choices, it’s time to create brochures and albums for your venues, wedding planners, and any other referral vendors. Choose your favourite weddings and create amazing marketing materials that your vendors will be proud to show and distribute to potential clients. These are essential for vendors to begin referring you to their amazing brides and grooms.

Finally, social media is an important part of self-promotion. So I’m constantly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, almost to the point of obnoxiousness. Post about your company, recent photoshoots or weddings, your cool new hairdo, outfits you just bought, or amazing food you just made or ate at a restaurant. Post anything related to your business or personal life that you believe will appeal to your ideal client. Stay tuned for my fourth article in the Branding 101 series, which will go into greater detail on this topic.

To spend or not to spend on advertising?

So, here’s the deal. Not everyone can afford to advertise. I understand, but if you’re thinking about it, here are some reasons why it might push you over the edge.

I advertise in high-end wedding magazines in my area, as well as on one wedding blog site. (I understand! (Shockingly, I still advertise in traditional media.)

The obvious reason for advertising is to generate bridal leads, but that isn’t the only reason I advertise. That isn’t even the main reason I advertise. I advertise in order to have real weddings featured, as well as the opportunity to shoot editorial features and magazine covers!

These opportunities would not have occurred if I had not advertised, and they are critical to my business. When my clients’ weddings are featured, it’s a huge bonus for them. They get excited, share their excitement on social media, and will always love me. An evangelist client becomes an ultra evangelist for you, which is priceless!

These magazines are also ideal for bringing to meetings with prospective brides and grooms. Showing them that your weddings are frequently featured in publications, or that you shoot cool editorials or covers, completely legitimises your business. It makes you look big-time… which, of course, you are, so there you have it! =)

Not only do you appear credible to your clients and prospective clients, but you also appear credible to other wedding vendors in the industry. Because of magazine editorial and cover shoots, I’ve met so many new wedding vendors with whom I now work and frequently refer.

Consider this. Determine whether or not it will work for you. Look for advertising mediums that will reach your ideal client and that want to help your business grow as well as want your money to advertise (AKA will give you real weddings and the potential for other opportunities.) Marketing and advertising are more than just paid advertisements. It’s all about the ad, editorial space, networking opportunities, social media love, and anything else the magazine can throw your way to show their support.

Please keep in mind that not all advertising works in all markets, so do your research, take your time, and make the best decisions for your brand.

Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking, Networking

This is the section of the article where you should really sit down and take it all in. This is my number one tip for growing your business, and it’s so simple and obvious that it’s annoying. THIS, ON THE OTHER HAND, CHANGED MY BUSINESS. This strategy accounts for more than 75% of my weddings.

So there you have it. Are you prepared?

Meet new people and have a good time.

Seriously. That is all there is to it. So simple, yet so profitable.

I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m talking about. All it takes is for you to put yourself out there and start networking.

Are there any local wedding industry events that you can attend? Are you a shy person? Let it go! 

I began attending local wedding industry events and chatting with other wedding vendors. I tried to focus on wedding planners and venues, but I was happy to meet anyone who was willing to meet with me. I talked a little business, told them who I am, but otherwise treated them as I would anyone I was meeting for the first time. I talked about my favourite restaurants, movies I recently saw, and so on. I simply attempted to connect with them on a more personal level. I took their business card and then said my goodbyes. I emailed them the next day to see if I could take them out to lunch or happy hour.

What happened after that is history! I recently became friends with them, and not just for business reasons—I genuinely like them! I just naturally gravitated towards people with whom I would want to be friends outside of photography. So now my regular wedding vendors are also my true friends, which is fantastic!

What if you don’t have any of these fantastic networking opportunities? Then I recommend that you conduct some research. Look into the venues, wedding planners, and so on that you want to work with or aspire to work with, and then contact them. Send them a cordial email. Call them and ask if you can take them out to lunch or coffee. There are no strings attached. The worst they can say is no, which is fine; however, I guarantee at least one of them will respond with a yes! That’s when you can start charming the crap out of them.

So there you have it. That is how I booked 75% of my wedding couples, my friends. BOOM.

Check out our list of wedding videographers for assistance in capturing your special day.

Wedding Photographers’ Tips for Booking More Weddings

We were extremely fortunate in terms of wedding photography. We were heading in a different direction at first, and we are so glad we ended up where we did. That being said, I learned a lot about what was important to us when selecting the perfect wedding photographer, and I have no doubt that putting these seven tips into practise will help you get more weddings.

It is important to have a good sense of style

Determine and own your wedding photography style. Make it your own and keep it consistent so that prospective clients have a clear picture (pun intended) of what your style is and what they can expect from their photos.

Communication that is both quick and clear wins.

If I am going to put my trust in someone to photograph my wedding, the first test they must pass is prompt email responses and communication. After all, that is your “first impression,” so make it a good one and don’t give us any reason to doubt your hiring!

Etiquette at a Meeting

We all know it’s a business transaction, but what I appreciated most about working with Cole and Nicole was how personal the entire experience was. That being said, when meeting with the couple, keep it lighthearted and fun, and demonstrate that you genuinely care about their big day. Don’t jump right into pricing and packages – that’s a big turnoff.

Personality compatibility

Working as a wedding photographer presents a variety of challenges, including dealing with intense personalities and, dare I say, “family drama” on the wedding day. Hiring a team that has a professional demeanour as well as a “easy-going” personality is a huge plus. We not only got along great with Cole and Nicole, which resulted in amazing photos for us, but our families and wedding guests loved them as well.

Make it simple.

Most people are stressed out when it comes to wedding planning. Do everything you can to persuade prospective wedding couples that your top priority is a stress-free experience. We had no doubts after meeting with Cole that he had a process and plan in place to get him all the information he needed weeks before the wedding day, so that by the time the wedding week arrived, we were all done and ready with everything related to the photography. This was a huge relief to me! Especially since I didn’t have such good luck with many of the other vendors…

Reviews are important.

Get some client feedback if you don’t already have any. Begin amassing a library of reviews because, in this day and age, word of mouth is everything, and reading through Cole Joseph Photography’s 50 five-star reviews from previous clients aided us in making the decision to hire Cole, despite being significantly over our initial budget.

Over-promise and under-deliver

Do you want to really impress your clients? Make plans to surprise them. Maybe you leave a framed print from their engagement session at the gift table, or maybe it’s the next morning sneak peek photo, as Cole does. Simply do something. That is what will generate word of mouth, and as we all know, word of mouth is the best way to build a business.

Remember that prompt communication always wins.

When it comes to wedding planning, engaged couples don’t waste any time in finalising the details. If you are slow to respond, chances are your competition has already contacted them and has placed themselves at the top of the client’s mind. Try to have a system in place that allows you to respond to inquiries almost immediately. Work quickly to answer any questions that will lead to a faster booking, and you will be more likely to secure clients over your competitors.

Run an Off-Season Promotion

During the summer and early fall months, “Wedding Season” is common. That is not to say that some people do not choose winter or spring weddings. While it may seem counterintuitive to offer specials when business is slow, it is a good way to get some content flowing and stay on the minds of Summer wedding clients. Keep in mind that clients getting married during “Wedding Season” are booking in the off-season. Have some new and exciting work to show off when they seek your services!

Previous Client Testimonials DO MATTER.

Client testimonials play a significant role in a client’s decision to hire a wedding videographer. A person’s wedding is one of the most important days of their lives, and they want to make sure that it is captured in a way that captures the true essence of their special day. When couples are deciding who to hire to film their wedding, word of mouth and past client testimonials can be extremely important. You can talk yourself up all day, but positive feedback from those who have worked with you will always win.

Make it appear simple – even if it isn’t

One of the most stressful times in a person’s life is when they are planning their wedding. They are (usually) one of the most expensive events a person will hold, emotions are high, and the merging of two families can be overwhelming for some people. Make every effort to persuade your clients that you will provide a completely stress-free experience. Establish a system that provides you with all of the information you require months in advance, so your clients can rest assured that there will be no last-minute hiccups.

Clients for Wedding Videography

While there is no sure-fire way to get more clients, there are numerous ways to increase your chances of booking over your competition. Examine your online presence and portfolio. Consider seeing yourself through the client’s eyes. What exactly do you want to see? What kind of experience are you looking for? Putting yourself in the shoes of the client and seeking advice and education whenever possible are just a few ways to stay on track to becoming a successful wedding videographer.

See What Should a Wedding Video Include? for more information.

Make Contact With Others in the Industry

The network, the network, the network. This may seem counterintuitive to do within your industry, almost like “sleeping with the enemy,” but trust us when we say that networking can present enormous opportunities. If you’ve met and collaborated with other local videographers, they might be more likely to refer clients to you when they’re unavailable. The same can be said of wedding photographers. Couples are more likely to book their photographer as soon as possible because photos are traditionally an important part of the celebration. And, because wedding videography is a relatively new trend, they will most likely seek you out after that. If you’ve established relationships with local photographers, they may be able to refer their clients to you for wedding videography.

Finally, wedding videography is an excellent niche for videographers looking to charge top dollar for their services. If you want to charge more per job or hour, you must concentrate on niches that allow for creativity and master them. This will enable you to stand out from the crowd and start making a name for yourself. Video creators who have specialised in wedding videography for a long time will find that wedding clients are easy to come by, and their price per wedding job will continue to rise.

Above all, keep your cool and your wits about you if things start to slow down. Remember, business is similar to dating: people can detect desperation from a mile away! Friends, have a good time!