Welcome back to another episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast and oooh do we have a power-packed episode for you this week! I’m joined once again by my dear friend and wedding-industry legend, Brian Lawrence, a marketing strategist, web designer, and SEO expert who’s helped hundreds of wedding pros turn their websites into lead-generating machines.

Brian is a recognized authority in web design and SEO resources for the wedding industry. With a proven track record of creating websites for numerous wedding vendors across the US and Canada, Brian's expertise is highly regarded in the field. His commitment to website accessibility and compliance is underscored by a strong personal dedication to championing the rights of marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities. His proactive approach and practical strategies serve as a valuable resource for those looking to optimize their online presence and provide an inclusive user experience.

And in this episode, we’re breaking down what it really means to have a client-centric website - one that doesn’t just look stunning, but actually speaks to your couples’ hearts, builds instant trust, and inspires them to reach out before they ever think twice.

💡 We Cover…

• What a client-centric website really is - and why most wedding pros get it wrong

• How to make your website speak to your client’s emotions, not just list your services

• Strategic calls-to-action that feel inviting (not pushy)

• How to optimize your Google Business Profile so couples actually find you locally

• The secrets behind “near me” search optimization and how to rank in your area

• Smart ways to use reviews to improve your copy and SEO (your best sales pitch is already written!)

• How to make your website inclusive, both visually and verbally, to connect with couples

• The role of venue-specific and culture-specific landing pages for organic search visibility

If your website’s more “browse and bounce” than “browse and book,” don’t worry - this episode breaks down how to fix that fast.

🧰 Connect with Brian Lawrence

• Website: brianlawrence.com

• Sign up for his newsletter for exclusive website and SEO insights, plus access to free chapters of his book From Browsing to Booking (co-authored with Alan Berg)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/localtrafficbuilder/  

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor, The I Do Society!

Learn more about their DIY Advertising Kits and how they’re absolute game-changers. Built by wedding ad experts, they show you exactly how to create Google, Meta & TikTok ads the right way - so you can save $1000s and skip the trial & error. 

👉 Peek at the kits here: theidosociety.com/ad-kits💸 And take $100 off with code: Nina 

If you’re planning to run ads this engagement season (or even thinking about it), this is going to change everything. Go grab your kit while the discount lasts - you’ll be so glad you did. 💕(Offer ends Oct. 31st!)

Listen to Mark’s episode: TikTok Ads for Wedding Professionals with Mark Chapman of The I Do Society

In this episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Canva Verified Expert Brenda Cadman, who shares game-changing strategies for cleaning up, organizing, and maximizing your Canva account - especially if you’re a wedding professional juggling brands, clients, and content.

Brenda has been teaching Canva techniques since 2019 and previously spent 20 years running a web development company. She’s based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (hello, Atlantic Time!) and focuses on the “unsexy but powerful” side of Canva: organization, brand systems, and time-saving habits.

✨ In This Episode, We Dive Into:

• Why Canva Pro is worth the upgrade for wedding vendors

• How to build a smart, streamlined folder system (no more “copy of copy of” file names!)

• The secret to looking high-end with free Canva templates

• The real time-saving magic of brand kits and brand templates

• Tips for making your Canva account team-friendly and turnover-proof

• What folders you actually need - and which to archive right now

Whether you’re a wedding pro designing your own marketing or managing a team, this conversation will help you work smarter, show up more polished, and stay consistently on brand. Don’t just listen - apply what you hear and start creating with confidence!

Connect with Brenda:

• Website: https://brendacadman.com/

Resources: 

• Brenda’s Clean Up My Canva Course: Organize designs, uploads, templates, and maintenance workflows with this self-paced, evergreen course.

• Brenda’s Canva Starter Guides: free starter guides designed to help small business owners learn how to use Canva step by step, so you can create your own branding, marketing materials, and social media content without feeling overwhelmed.

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor, The I Do Society!

Learn more about their DIY Advertising Kits and how they’re absolute game-changers. Built by wedding ad experts, they show you exactly how to create Google, Meta & TikTok ads the right way - so you can save $1000s and skip the trial & error. 

👉 Peek at the kits here: theidosociety.com/ad-kits💸 And take $100 off with code: Nina 

If you’re planning to run ads this engagement season (or even thinking about it), this is going to change everything. Go grab your kit while the discount lasts - you’ll be so glad you did. 💕(Offer ends Oct. 31st!)

Listen to Mark’s episode: TikTok Ads for Wedding Professionals with Mark Chapman of The I Do Society

Friends, have you ever heard of an educational email course?

Because honestly? I hadn’t until recently. And now I’m obsessed... 👀

In this episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Sebastian Dziuk to talk about a fresh twist on lead magnets: educational email courses.

Sebastian is a certified life coach, professional speaker, and U.S. Army Public Affairs veteran who helps LGBTQ+ and ally-owned businesses thrive through meaningful, strategic content. As the founder of Dziuk Studios, he specializes in creating educational email courses that generate high-quality leads and build genuine connections.

In this conversation, Sebastian breaks down how to transform your knowledge into a strategic, multi-day email series that positions you as an expert, nurtures leads automatically, and attracts the right couples into your business ecosystem.

✨ In This Episode, We Cover:

• What an educational email course is and why it works better than a PDF download

• How to use your email sequence to attract and nurture dream clients

• Tips for setting up your automation and keeping things simple

• The difference between cold outreach and permission-based email marketing

• How to craft sequences that convert browsers into booked clients

Whether you’re a wedding planner, photographer, or venue owner, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to email marketing, and finally put it to work for you.

💥 Mention this podcast when booking his Educational Email Course Lead Magnet Package and receive a free “Book a Call” email sequence - a $3,500 value!

Connect with Sebastian:

• Website: https://www.sebastiandziuk.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiandziuk/

• Email: [email protected]

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor, The I Do Society!

Learn more about their DIY Advertising Kits and how they’re absolute game-changers. Built by wedding ad experts, they show you exactly how to create Google, Meta & TikTok ads the right way - so you can save $1000s and skip the trial & error. 

👉 Peek at the kits here: theidosociety.com/ad-kits💸 And take $100 off with code: Nina 

If you’re planning to run ads this engagement season (or even thinking about it), this is going to change everything. Go grab your kit while the discount lasts - you’ll be so glad you did. 💕(Offer ends Oct. 31st!)

Listen to Mark’s episode: TikTok Ads for Wedding Professionals with Mark Chapman of The I Do Society

Welcome back to another episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast! This week I’m joined by Elizabeth Nelson, founder of Snowmad Digital, a digital agency helping wedding venues book out their calendars through smart SEO, beautiful web design, advertising, and automation.

Elizabeth’s journey from wildland firefighter to wedding marketing powerhouse is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Together, we dig into what’s really working right now for wedding venues and creative businesses online - and what outdated marketing tactics you can finally let go of.

✨ In This Episode, We Cover:

• Elizabeth’s origin story - how firefighting led to founding a thriving digital agency for venues

• The #1 mistake venues make with SEO (and how to fix it fast)

• How social media and SEO work together to boost your visibility and trust factor

• What Google actually wants in 2025 (hint: quality, trust, and context > keywords)

• Google Ads vs. organic SEO - how they complement each other and when to invest in each

• Why your venue needs a landing page (not just a homepage) for better conversions

• The metrics that matter most - and how to tell if your marketing is truly working

• Elizabeth’s take on trends that need to stop and the underrated tactics venues should try instead

• Simple, high-impact ways for venues on a tight budget to start seeing real results

If you’ve been wondering how to get more qualified leads, build trust with couples before they ever hit “inquire,” or simply understand what’s actually working in today’s market — this episode is for you. Elizabeth breaks everything down in a way that’s smart, approachable, and immediately actionable. You’ll walk away with fresh clarity, a few myth-busting moments, and a renewed sense of confidence in your marketing.

Connect with Elizabeth:

• Website: https://snowmaddigital.com/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowmaddigital/ 

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor, The I Do Society!

Learn more about their DIY Advertising Kits and how they’re absolute game-changers. Built by wedding ad experts, they show you exactly how to create Google, Meta & TikTok ads the right way - so you can save $1000s and skip the trial & error. 

👉 Peek at the kits here: theidosociety.com/ad-kits💸 And take $100 off with code: Nina 

If you’re planning to run ads this engagement season (or even thinking about it), this is going to change everything. Go grab your kit while the discount lasts - you’ll be so glad you did. 💕(Offer ends Oct. 31st!)

Listen to Mark’s episode: TikTok Ads for Wedding Professionals with Mark Chapman of The I Do Society

This isn’t just another episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, this is something very special.

Back in Episode 170, I shared my exact Instagram strategy for attracting local wedding leads.

Today, we get to hear what happens when someone actually implements it. Enter the one and only Heidi Nielson, a live wedding painter from Los Angeles who went from quietly posting on Instagram here and there… to multiplying her reach, growing her followers, and sparking genuine connections with couples and vendors.

In just a few short weeks, Heidi has:

• Quadrupled her views and boosted her engagement by 600% 🚀

• Gained nearly 200 new followers through organic engagement

• Turned Instagram into a positive, inspiring space instead of a stressor

• Started posting with confidence and joy

This conversation is packed with encouragement and proof that growth can happen fast when you show up and play the “game” with intention. Heidi’s story will leave you inspired to try the strategy yourself, especially as we head into engagement season!

Stay tuned until the very end for a surprise gift that had me completely floored (you’ll want to see this one on YouTube!).

• Website: withlovefromheidi.com

• Instagram: @withlovefromheidi

Learn more about their DIY Advertising Kits and how they’re absolute game-changers. Built by wedding ad experts, they show you exactly how to create Google, Meta & TikTok ads the right way - so you can save $1000s and skip the trial & error. 

Listen to Mark’s episode: TikTok Ads for Wedding Professionals with Mark Chapman of The I Do Society

Connect with Heidi!Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor, The I Do Society!
I Do Wedding Marketing podcast listeners can receive 15% off a 6-month subscription as a new Aisle Planner user! Use code IDWMxAP | https://www.aisleplanner.com/affiliate/IDWMxAP

Welcome back, Wedding Pros! Today’s episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast is your official permission slip to finally take Pinterest seriously. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t get Pinterest” or “I don’t have time for another platform,” this episode will change your mind.

Our guest, Laura Rike, is a Pinterest OG - she’s been using the platform since it was invite only (yes, really). Laura has been featured on Social Media Examiner, Tailwind, MeetEdgar, Agorapulse, and Ecamm Network. As a Pinterest strategist and speaker, she’s helped clients generate over $50K in monthly revenue, land on the first page of Google, and get daily targeted leads.

In this episode, we dig into:

• The key differences between Pinterest and social platforms like Instagram

• How to get found by ideal couples who are actively planning and ready to book

• Setting up your Pinterest profile, boards, and pins for maximum visibility

• What makes a pin clickable vs. saveable, and why you need both

• The simplest way to find the right keywords for your business

• Best practices for linking, repurposing, and repinning your content

• How often you really need to post (hint: it’s more forgiving than you think)

And the best part? Laura breaks it all down step-by-step so even Pinterest beginners can take action today.

Resources & Links

• Start with Laura’s Pinterest Masterclass

• Explore all of Laura’s trainings, coaching, and templates → laurarike.com/podcast

• Follow Laura on Instagram: @laurarike

Follow I Do Wedding Marketing 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/idoweddingmarketing/ 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/idoweddingmarketing 

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-addeo-699898ab/ 

Threads | https://www.threads.com/@idoweddingmarketing 

I Do Wedding Marketing podcast listeners can receive 15% off a 6-month subscription as a new Aisle Planner user! Use code IDWMxAP | https://www.aisleplanner.com/affiliate/IDWMxAP

We love social media here, but email is one of the most powerful (and underutilized) tools wedding professionals have to build relationships, drive referrals, and stay top of mind with clients.

That’s why I invited Sofia Brown, founder of By Sofia Brown, to join me. With deep experience in agency marketing and a unique creative eye as a certified makeup artist, Sofia now helps luxury businesses attract dream clients through SEO-driven blogs, Pinterest, and—of course—email marketing.

Together, we explore:

✨ Sofia’s email marketing origin story and how she got her start

✨ Why email is such a powerful tool for wedding pros

✨ The most common misconceptions about starting an email list

✨ The very first step to take if you’ve never sent an email campaign before

✨ What kinds of lead magnets and opt-ins actually grow your list in the wedding industry

✨ How often to email your audience—and what kind of content to send

✨ What an effective welcome sequence might look like for wedding vendors

✨ How email helps vendors stay top of mind during a couple’s long decision-making process

✨ The best beginner-friendly platforms (and why Sofia loves Flodesk)

✨ Smart ways to re-engage a “stale” list—even if they’re already married

Whether you’re brand new to email marketing or looking to refine your strategy, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and email scripts to finally put email to work in your wedding business. Sofia’s insights prove that email isn’t just another marketing task—it’s a powerful way to deepen relationships, stay top of mind, and turn past couples into lifelong referral partners. 

Tune in, take notes, and get ready to see your inbox become one of your strongest tools for growth.

• Website: bysofiabrown.com

• Instagram: @bysofiabrown

• Blog: lifestyledbysofia.com

• Join her email list via her website or IG bio!

📧 Flodesk – design-forward, beginner-friendly email marketing platform that grows with you

📧 Mailchimp – robust, feature-rich option for more advanced testing and customization

📖 Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller – a must-read for every business owner

Follow I Do Wedding Marketing 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/idoweddingmarketing/ 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/idoweddingmarketing 

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-addeo-699898ab/ 

Threads | https://www.threads.com/@idoweddingmarketing 

I Do Wedding Marketing podcast listeners can receive 15% off a 6-month subscription as a new Aisle Planner user! Use code IDWMxAP | https://www.aisleplanner.com/affiliate/IDWMxAP

What does it really take to work in the luxury wedding market? Spoiler: it’s about more than just bigger budgets.

In this episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Jackie Watson, Founder of Jaclyn Watson Events and Echelon Creative & Co. Jackie pulls back the curtain on what luxury clients expect, how to market yourself to this niche, and why this level of work isn’t for everyone.

Jackie brings over a decade of planning, production, and design experience to the wedding industry. She’s a powerhouse planner and business consultant who has produced multi–six figure and million-dollar weddings. Jackie has spoken on national stages like Wedding MBA and Catersource and is known for her detail-driven, client-focused approach. Through her consulting, she helps wedding pros streamline their businesses and elevate client experiences.

• The reality of luxury weddings: higher budgets come with higher expectations, constant communication, and significant time investment.

• How luxury clients choose vendors: why word of mouth and referrals matter most.

• Marketing to the luxury space: the importance of visuals, social media, branding, and being seen in the right circles.

• Client psychology: why many high-end clients are introverts, value privacy, and expect concierge-level service.

• Social media & SEO: how behind-the-scenes content builds trust and why SEO keywords must evolve.

• Vendor relationships: Jackie’s candid take on commissions, appreciation gifts, and diversifying creative partners.

• Boundaries & contracts: how she protects her team with honest communication, abuse clauses, and detailed questionnaires.

• Growth & education: the importance of continuously learning from vendors, conferences, and peers.

• Instagram: @jaclynwatsonevents and @echeloncreativeco

• Website: jaclynwatsonevents.com

Follow I Do Wedding Marketing 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/idoweddingmarketing/ 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/idoweddingmarketing 

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-addeo-699898ab/ 

Threads | https://www.threads.com/@idoweddingmarketing 

I Do Wedding Marketing podcast listeners can receive 15% off a 6-month subscription as a new Aisle Planner user! Use code IDWMxAP | https://www.aisleplanner.com/affiliate/IDWMxAP

Are you paying for leads that don’t convert? Join us for the latest episode of The I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, where we take a hard look at paid wedding directories like The Knot and WeddingWire, and why so many pros are rethinking their value.

Guest expert Anthony Grant shares how to spot the pitfalls (fake leads, tough contracts, lost reviews) and where to reinvest your advertising budget for better results. From moving reviews to Google to building a trackable ad strategy, this episode gives you practical steps to take back control of your marketing.

About Anthony:

Anthony Grant is a former Meta Ads employee turned wedding business analyst and consultant. As the founder of Olympus Insights, he helps wedding pros cut waste, track results, and scale with strategies that actually work. Known for his no-fluff, numbers-first approach, Anthony has helped businesses turn around struggling marketing efforts and generate consistent, quality leads.

👉 Book a consult with Anthony: olympusinsights.com/book👉 Join the Facebook Group: The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Other Wedding Advertising Scams!

In this episode, we cover:

• Why wedding pros are rethinking paid directories like The Knot and WeddingWire

• Common pain points vendors face with paid directories (fake leads, tough contracts, lost reviews)

• How Google Business Profiles give you free visibility in local search

• How to build a durable mix of paid ads with the barbell hedge method

• The percentage of revenue you should be reinvesting into marketing and ads

• Practical retargeting and budget tips for wedding pros

Resources mentioned:

• Competitive Research and Keyword Intel: SpyFu and SEMrush

• Podcasts and Educators: Ben Heath, Alex Hormozi, Nathan Latka, and Big Think

Podcast listeners can save 20% off on the ChatGPT for Wedding Marketing Course using code IDOPODCAST | 

https://idoweddingmarketing.podia.com/chatgpt-for-wedding-marketing?coupon=IDOPODCAST 

Follow I Do Wedding Marketing 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/idoweddingmarketing/ 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/idoweddingmarketing 

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-addeo-699898ab/ 

Threads | https://www.threads.com/@idoweddingmarketing 

I Do Wedding Marketing podcast listeners can receive 15% off a 6-month subscription as a new Aisle Planner user! Use code IDWMxAP | https://www.aisleplanner.com/affiliate/IDWMxAP

In this episode of The I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, I’m giving you the advice I’d share with your wedding brand if I wasn’t afraid of hurting your feelings. It’s the honest, unfiltered truth about what’s not working on social media—and what you can fix if you want real results.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why video alone is not a strategy for wedding pros

• The mistake of relying only on collaborator posts

• How to stop getting lazy with your captions (and what to do instead)

• The kind of posts that actually drive people to your website

• How to balance reels + photos to both attract and convert

• Video isn’t everything. Reels are great for reach, but photos still drive saves, shares, and clicks to your website. You need both.

• Collabs aren’t a strategy. Not every collaboration helps your brand. Only accept collaborations that showcase your business and serve your audience.

• Captions matter. “Lindsay & Sam” isn’t enough. Use SEO-friendly captions that include names, locations, and services to get found on Instagram and Google.

Your social media should be working as hard as you are. Don’t fall into the trap of chasing trends or taking shortcuts. The right mix of content, strategy, and captions will help you stand out and convert couples into clients.

Podcast listeners can save 20% off on the ChatGPT for Wedding Marketing Course using code IDOPODCAST | https://idoweddingmarketing.podia.com/chatgpt-for-wedding-marketing?coupon=IDOPODCAST 

Follow I Do Wedding Marketing

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/idoweddingmarketing/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/idoweddingmarketing

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-addeo-699898ab/

Threads | https://www.threads.com/@idoweddingmarketing

I Do Wedding Marketing podcast listeners can receive 15% off a 6-month subscription as a new Aisle Planner user! Use code IDWMxAP | https://www.aisleplanner.com/affiliate/IDWMxAP