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Ready to flip the script on your social media game?
Ok...I can hear the groans from here – "Another social media tip? Really?" But hear me out. This isn’t about chasing the latest algorithm hack or breaking the bank on social media ads. It's about the heart and soul of your social media...CONTENT!
One of the biggest obstacles to keeping up with social media is the constant struggle to find or create content. Now, I understand the struggle is real, but think about it...you're in the one industry that's overflowing with the kind of content that people love!
It's those beautiful, engaging, joy-filled images from the happiest day in someone's life...their wedding day!
You have at your fingertips content that other businesses only wish they had access to. The problem is, you're not using it to your full advantage! You're not creating a system to follow up with wedding photographers to gain access to this goldmine of content!
But don't worry, my darling...I'm here to help!
Below is my step-by-step guide to having a steady stream of engaging content forever at your fingertips.
STEP ONE: MAKE THIS A PRIORITY
Stop the cycle of bitching and complaining that you don't have time while simultaneously bitching and complaining about your social media woes! Take action now! Yes, I mean right now! Well, okay... after you finish reading this blog post, of course.
STEP TWO: DISCOVER THE SOURCE
Your first move? Find out who holds the keys to this treasure trove of content! Make it a routine part of your onboarding to ask who the photographer and videographer are for each wedding you book. Keep a running list of these essential contacts.
BONUS STEP: Input these contacts into your CRM system, making it a breeze to follow up with them later.
STEP THREE: FOLLOW THE SOURCE (Literally)
As soon as you've got their details, start following the photographer and videographer on social media and engage with their content.
BONUS: This approach does more than just pave the way for accessing images later; it's also an excellent strategy for fostering a potentially long-lasting professional relationship.
STEP FOUR: SEND AN INTRODUCTORY EMAIL (Optional)
If you're truly committed to stepping up your game, get into the habit of sending an introductory email to the photographer and videographer once you've identified them. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself or, if you've worked with them before, to touch base and express your enthusiasm about collaborating again.
BONUS: Feel free to use the email samples provided below—and don't hesitate to add a personal touch. Consider creating a template for future communications. Remember, simplicity is key. These professionals value brevity and clarity, so a straightforward approach is most effective.
EMAIL ONE - INTRODUCTION
Subject: Excited to Collaborate at [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s Wedding!
Hi [Photographer's/Videographer's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I'm [Your Position] at [Your Business Name]. I'm reaching out because I recently learned that we'll be collaborating at [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s upcoming wedding, and I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.
I've had the opportunity to view your portfolio, and it's truly impressive. I'm thrilled about the prospect of teaming up for [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s wedding.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if there's anything you'd like to discuss beforehand. I'm all about open communication and ensuring everything goes smoothly.
Looking forward to a fantastic collaboration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Business Name]
[Contact Information]
EMAIL TWO - TOUCHING BASE
Subject: Excited to Collaborate Again at [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s Wedding!
Hi [Photographer's/Videographer's Name],
I hope you're doing well! I was thrilled to see that we'll be teaming up again for [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s wedding. Our last collaboration was fantastic, and I'm looking forward to another great experience.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need to discuss any details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Business Name]
[Contact Information]
STEP FIVE: FOLLOW UP ONE WEEK AFTER THE WEDDING (Optional)
Once the wedding is over, touch base with a simple email. Acknowledge the time it takes for photo or video editing and request to be included on their list for when the images are ready. It's crucial to emphasize that you always provide photo credits and links when you use their work.
EMAIL SAMPLE:
Hi [Photographer's/Videographer's Name],
I hope you're doing well after the wonderful wedding last week! I understand you're likely in the thick of editing, but I wanted to gently remind you to please keep me in the loop for when the images or videos are ready. I'm excited to see and possibly share your incredible work, with all due credits and links, of course.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Business Name]
[Contact Information]
STEP SIX: FOLLOW UP THREE MONTHS AFTER THE WEDDING
I get it—waiting three months can feel like an eternity, especially when you're eager to see those stunning shots! But this is actually the sweet spot in timing. It's the typical timeframe for most photographers to finish editing. I know you're itching to get your hands on those photos, but reaching out too soon can seem a tad pushy. It's better to play it cool and give them the space they need to work their magic. It's all about securing those awesome images while also maintaining a respectful working relationship.
EMAIL SAMPLE:
Subject: Quick Check-In on [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s Wedding Photos
Hi [Photographer's/Videographer's Name],
I hope this message finds you well! It's been a little while since [Bride's/Couple's Name]'s wedding, and I can only imagine the amazing work you've been doing since then.
I understand how busy the editing process can be, and I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into every shot. If the photos from the wedding are ready, I'd be thrilled to see them and share your incredible work, always ensuring you receive full credit.
When you have a moment, could you update me on the status of the wedding photos? No rush—I just want to ensure I’m aligned with your timeline.
Thank again!
[Your Name]
STEP SEVEN: GHOSTED!
We all hope to work with top-notch pros who get back to us quickly and respect our collaborations. But let's be real: sometimes, your efforts to get those images might go unnoticed. It's not ideal, but it doesn't mean all hope is lost. Remember when you started following those photographers and videographers on social media? Now's the time to put that to good use. Keep an eye on their posts. If you spot photos from an event you contributed to, engage positively. Drop a like or a warm comment like, "These are gorgeous...it was so great working on this wedding together." Avoid any public nudges for images. Instead, you could slide into their DMs—politely ask if you can share their posted image on your feed, and give them a friendly reminder that you'd love to access more photos whenever they're ready. If you don't get a response, don't sweat it. Focus your energy on vendors who value and reciprocate your collaborative efforts.
BONUS: If ghosting is getting you down...you may want to check out my recent blog post. "The Real Cost of Ghosting"
STEP EIGHT: GET ORGANIZED
Alright, you've got the images—what's next? It's time to get organized! Develop a system to keep all your social media content, including a vendor list and their Instagram handles, in one neat, easy-to-access place. Wondering how to do that? Good news—(here comes a bit of a shameless plug)—the team at AGA Business Solutions has created a system to help you keep all of your content organized so that you can have access to the freshest content at any time and easily post it to your social media! It also comes with access to a library of Canva templates all for only $9 a month! Crazy…right!?
Check it out on our Social Media Page.
STEP NINE: RECYCLE & REUSE
Once you have your hands on this golden content, don't let it go underutilized! A single wedding can provide a wealth of material for numerous social media posts over a long time. Reposting photos from past weddings is not just okay; it's smart. Each wedding yields hundreds of shots, offering fresh content even if the event is the same. Plus, if you're struggling to remember what you posted a couple of months ago, chances are your followers won't remember either. Get creative by rotating these images through posts, carousels, reels, and stories. And with our Social Media Pro system (yes, this is another shameless plug), managing and maximizing your content will be easier than ever.
There you have it, a step-by-step guide to open up your business to an endless stream of content! And the best part is that not only is this system guaranteed to make your social media process smoother and more enjoyable, it is also a way for you to nurture valuable relationships within the wedding industry.
I know this takes a little bit of time, but the longer you put it off, the longer you will be suffering through the maze of constant content chaos! Stop complaining and procrastinating; there is no better time than NOW to start leveling up your game!