June 4, 2021
The Wedding Pro Show
Episode 42: Do You Have Your Own Preferred Vendor List?
Making your own preferred vendor list is one of the very most important things to learn for your wedding business.
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Never ask another vendor to be on their preferred list without asking them to be on yours first.
When you use this method there’s a good chance you won’t even have to ask!
When you make your own preferred vendor lists…
For your couples, this is your Resources list.
You’ll call it your Resources page on your website.
There are so many reasons to have a Resources page!
It proves credibility to your future clients and other vendors.
It improves your SEO.
It enhances your website and social media presence.
It gives you intentional social media content.
There are so many reasons to have a Resources page!
It gives you a reason to collaborate and breaks the ice with other vendors you want to work with.
It increases conversions when you use it to follow up with your couples.
Let’s talk Reciprocation: To reciprocate is to do something in response to an action in a way that corresponds or is somehow equivalent to that action.
A less formal way to say it is to “return the favor”.
It’s a natural process in every day life, and it’s especially true when there’s a common bond such as being in the same industry together.
In wedding groups on Facebook, when you post asking for other vendors to be part of your resources for your couples, you’ll get a ton of traction.
Give it a try!
When you’re putting together your own preferred vendor list, keep in mind that you still need to be selective.
Look at their website.
Look at their Facebook and Instagram.
Make sure you also look at the posts they’re tagged in on social media.
Vet them!
You don’t want just anyone on your Resources page.
Remember, these are vendors you want to refer to your clients, both future and present.
They’re also vendors who you want to work with throughout your couples’ planning…
…and depending on your business type, even on their wedding day.
Here we go!
When you ask someone to be on your Resources page…
…there’s a very high chance that they’ll be so flattered, and ask you if you would like to be on theirs too.
Seriously!
This is just one of the many reasons why you want your online presence set up strongly.
A good vendor fit for you, one who you want to work with, WILL check you out.
If your social media is set up correctly, you’re ready!
Make sure it’s set to attract what you’re looking for in a vendor you want to refer to also.
Don’t be afraid to work with other pros who are new to the wedding industry.
You can always get on a zoom or phone call with them, you’ll know quickly if they’re a good fit for your brand.
Also don’t be afraid to work with “competitors”.
Hot tip: Ask your ideal vendors to be on your Resources page.
Don’t go straight in for the ask to be on theirs. Serve them well first, if you do, they’ll want to work with you and they’ll want to refer you to their clients, and you’ll find yourself on their preferred vendor list too.
Having a preferred vendor list is one of the creative ways to get leads into your business in our free guide. Go grab it at www.bridepath.com/getleads to get the rest of them!
Other important mentions:
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