Swell Social Hour

Send a textIn this episode of Swell Social Hour, Serena Waller (The Dande Agency) and Becca Mai (Wed2You) delve into the intricacies of buyer types within the wedding industry. They discuss the evolving landscape of buyer behavior, particularly in light of generational shifts and technological advancements. Becca shares her journey in the wedding industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding different buyer types—executors, dreamers, analyzers, and relators—and how these types influence purchasing decisions. The conversation highlights the need for wedding professionals to adapt their sales strategies to cater to these diverse buyer types, ensuring a personalized and authentic client experience. The episode concludes with insights on the significance of human connection in sales and the importance of transparency in the wedding industry.About Becca: A WV native who transplanted to the DC area shortly after launching a career in hospitality, she has been in the wedding industry for over 10+ years specializing in planning for LBGTQ+, multicultural, and fusion weddings + events. While the majority of her career has been geared towards wedding operations, she has spent a lengthy portion building out platforms, training programs, and more, She now helps businesses implement standard operating procedures into their business to streamline, automate, and organize through mentorship and implementation of tools to take wedding businesses to new heights.Connect with Becca on IG, Website and email at [email protected] with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode, we're talking all about how to pick the right networking for you and how to make the most of your networking time. We're also touching on building community and expanding your reach beyond your local market. Emerge WebsiteFollow on Instagram: @emergeeventcollective @sarahroshanphotoSarah's Bio: Sarah Roshan is a luxury wedding photographer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Emerge Event Collective—a national community for luxury wedding and event professionals built on authenticity, connection, and shared success. With almost two decades of experience navigating the evolving landscape of creative entrepreneurship, Sarah is passionate about helping others harness the power of their network, adapt to economic shifts with clarity, and build sustainable businesses that support a meaningful life. She speaks candidly about the messy, magical balance of work and life—and how strong relationships are the key to thriving in both.Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textThis week we're exploring neurodivergence in creative entrepreneurship, as well as sharing some hot takes on the Intersection of luxury and experience in weddings with photographer, Molly NcCauley, Luxury wedding Photographer and founder of Make Pretty Workshops! Where you can find Molly: Instagram: @makeprettyworkshop @mollymccauley_photoWebsite: Make Pretty + Molly McCauleyEmail: [email protected] Molly: Molly McCauley is the creative force behind Make Pretty, the luxury photography workshops and OVERHAUL, an intensive designed to transform photographers' portfolios and online presence through strategic brand alignment, meticulous curation, and customized website implementation. With a background rooted in both design, editorials, and fashion, Molly helps photographers build portfolios that attract dream clients—no compromise, no apologies. Over the past 17 years in the weddings industry, her work has graced the pages of top-tier publications including American VOGUE and Martha Stewart Weddings, and her workshops are known for their detailed styling, fashion-forward shoots, and a no-fluff approach to business mentorship. Molly’s the go-to for building a brand that feels rich, irresistible, and unstoppable. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textAn awesome discussion about Advertising versus Organic Marketing with Mark Chapman of the I Do Society. We dove into ad spend, ad frequency, types of ads that are working and so much more! Tune in to find out just how many touch points current couples really need to turn from prospect to client! And If you've been thinking about Google ads as a wedding pro, this episode will be extra insightful! The I Do Society WebsiteFollow I Do Society on InstagramLearn more about I Do Society Ad Kits (affiliate link)________________________________________________________________________________________________In this episode of Swell Social Hour, Serena Waller and Mark Chapman discuss the complexities of advertising in the wedding industry. They explore the challenges faced by wedding vendors in navigating advertising platforms, the importance of retargeting, and how to effectively spend on ads. Mark shares insights on the necessity of multiple touch points for potential clients, the power of video content, and the impact of AI on advertising strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear messaging and consistency in marketing efforts to successfully engage couples planning their weddings.Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode of Swell Social Hour, Serena Waller and Nora Sheils discuss the challenges faced by wedding professionals in a transitioning industry. They explore the importance of setting client expectations, handling feedback and reviews, and the necessity of legal protections through contracts. Nora shares her experience managing multiple businesses and emphasizes the role of technology in streamlining operations.More about Nora: A pioneer in event technology, Rock Paper Coin co-founder Nora Sheils translates two-plus decades of wedding planning experience into a thought leadership platform that educates and inspires event professionals at all stages of their careers. Since 2018, she has been committed to bringing together event professionals and couples through a more effective, streamlined approach to the often-daunting booking process. Nora's work has been featured in Vogue, Brides, Martha Stewart, Town & Country, and Style Me Pretty, to name a few. She has been heralded as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry by Eventex and was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women Award. She was also named a 2023 Meeting Professional of the Year by Smart Meetings and one of America’s Top Small Business Honorees by the US Chamber of Commerce. Nora has presented to audiences including WeddingPro, WIPA, Wedding MBA, Emerge Event Collective, and many more. Nora is ready to give you concrete examples and share easy ways to level up your business!https://www.instagram.com/rockpapercoinhttps://rockpapercoin.com/Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textInstagram has removed Highlights. Where did they go and what does this mean for your wedding business? I'm diving into this exciting Instagram update in this quick episode! Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode of Swell Social Hour, Serena Waller and Andrea discuss the intricacies of copywriting, storytelling, and branding within the wedding industry. Andrea shares her journey into the wedding sector, the importance of understanding client experiences, and how to effectively communicate through storytelling. We delve into the challenges of maintaining a consistent brand voice across different platforms, the significance of email funnels, and the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on copywriting.Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textWant to step up your Instagram Engagement game? Start from your profile page. Here is a quick, actionable tip you can implement today to build your community. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textGrid re-ordering is here!  Ever wish you could just rearrange your grid after you've made a post? Now you finally can! In this quick episode, I'm sharing what I'm loving about this update and ways you might want to use it as a wedding pro. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this week's super short episode, I share why I think that being bored with your marketing efforts could be the magic bullet for progress (and data)! Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textSome quick, actionable tips for getting ahead of your marketing so you aren't left scrambling before and during engagement season. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode of Swell Social Hour, Serena Waller and Elizabeth Shield discuss the integration of technology in your wedding business. We talk about Elizabeth's journey in creating Rock Paper Coin (as a wedding planner), a platform designed to simplify payment processes and client management for wedding professionals. We talk about what a " tech stack" is and how it can vary during different business stages of your business,  the significance of client engagement, and how to overcome the overwhelm that often comes with adopting new technology. We talk about the "pros" of automation to streamline operations, enhance efficiency and enhance client experiences. We also chat through the benefits of tools like two-factor authentication and password vaults. We hope you feel encouraged to find the right tech tools that work for your unique business needs! Use code SWELL for 50% off your first year of Rock Paper Coin!  Follow Rock Paper Coin on Instagram. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode of Swell Social Hour, host Serena Waller and guest Shannon Tarrant delve into the significance of social proof, reviews, and testimonials in the wedding industry. They explore the differences between sales and marketing, the importance of timely responses in the sales process, and strategies for meeting clients where they are. Shannon shares insights on underrated marketing tactics, the role of reviews in both sales and marketing, and effective methods for collecting and utilizing reviews. The conversation also touches on the importance of offboarding, vendor reviews, and building brand recognition through polished online presences. We also discuss the necessity of follow-up strategies and the value of recycling/repurposing content! Connect with Shannon here: Venue Help Desk Instagram, Venue Help Desk Website | Wedding Sassholes on Apple Podcast | Wedding Sassholes InstagramConnect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode of Swell Social Hour, host Serena interviews Ashley Ebert, a wedding industry coach and founder of The Abundance Group. They discuss Ashley's journey from running a successful wedding planning business to coaching others in the industry. The conversation covers the importance of mindset shifts for business owners, the transition from client work to team building, and the expectations and realities of hiring. Ashley shares insights on how to create a supportive team environment and the financial considerations involved in hiring. The episode concludes with strategies for overcoming challenges in the hiring process. In this conversation, Ashley Ebert shares her insights on the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of learning from negative experiences, the abundance of talent available, and the transition from working solo to building a team. She discusses the significance of community and support, advocating for masterminds over traditional courses for accountability and growth. The conversation also highlights the transformative moments entrepreneurs experience as they grow their teams and the necessity of celebrating wins and practicing self-care.Takeaways include: Mindset shifts needed to step into leadership roles.Building a team to alleviate burdens Expectations around hiringRevenue-generating rolesCreating a supportive team environment.And so much more! Connect with Ashley on Instagram. Visit the website:  www.theabundance.group/secretSerena's affiliate link if you're interested in joining Ashley's Mastermind program: https://tag.mykajabi.com/a/2147966878/YXfwEGTS (I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you use this link. But please know, I would recommend this program even if I wasn't an affiliate!). Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a text Is Your Website Working For You or Against You? In this episode of Swell Social Hour, host Serena welcomes web designer Emily Lee to discuss the essential elements of a successful website for wedding professionals. They explore the must-have pages, the importance of contact forms, pricing transparency, and how to create a website that converts visitors into clients. Emily shares insights on optimizing user experience, the role of marketing beyond the website, and common misconceptions about website pages. Episode TakeawaysA good homepage acts as a table of contents for your website.The 'About' page is crucial for building trust with potential clients.Keep contact forms concise to increase inquiries.Pricing transparency can enhance user experience and trust.Calls to action should be clear and engaging.Copywriting should ideally precede design in the website creation process.High-quality images are essential for a professional appearance.Marketing strategies are necessary to drive traffic to your website.Testimonials should be integrated throughout the site for better visibility.Blogging regularly can significantly benefit your website's SEO.Where to find Emily: www.byemilyjane.com | https://www.instagram.com/byemilyjaneConnect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textSummaryIn this conversation, Serena discusses the latest updates and features on Instagram, including mixed orientation carousels, the ability to post more images, the importance of music in posts, and the evolving role of hashtags versus keywords. She also touches on new features being tested, such as password-protected posts and the ability to reorder posts on the grid, while emphasizing the importance of content management and aesthetics for users.TakeawaysInstagram has made several updates, but none are earth-shattering.Mixed orientation carousels allow for more versatile content.You can now post up to 20 images in a carousel.Adding music can enhance reach on posts.Hashtags may be losing effectiveness in favor of keywords.Captions should be written with keyword opportunities in mind.Instagram is testing password-protected posts for exclusive content.Users may soon be able to reorder their Instagram grid.Archiving posts is better than deleting for analytics.Instagram highlights may be changing in the future.00:00Instagram Updates Overview02:57Mixed Orientation Carousels and Carousel Functionality06:09Reels and Music Integration08:52Hashtags vs. Keywords in Instagram11:53New Features and Future Updates15:10Content Management and AestheticsConnect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this "coffee chat" style episode, I talk about one of my key takeaways from working in a corporate environment. And the lessons I Iearned about SMART goals and whether they could be the missing piece to having a more efficient, successful team. Ps, this is an unedited episode recorded while having my morning coffee! Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textIn this episode, Serena Waller reflects on her experience at the Creative Educator Conference, discussing the highs and lows of attending in-person events. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, building connections, and the role of grassroots marketing in today's fast-paced world. Serena shares key takeaways about the necessity of repetition in marketing and how in-person interactions can enhance creativity and business strategies.TL;DR TakeawaysI feel that I am riding the conference high.In-person events are such an important part of building your marketing strategy.We could go back to a little bit of our grassroots mrketing.Building a sales ecosystem or a marketing loop is crucial.Purchasing decisions have to be made now and always based on value.You need to see us on repeat to be remembered.Repeat, repeat, repeat is essential in marketing.Get out of your comfort zone to grow.Networking can make all the difference in the world.It’s really valuable to attend local community events.Link to the conference I attended: https://layleeemadi.com/conferenceTwo of the speakers I referenced: @jenolmstead @danaitbgPS, this is an *unedited episode! I'll add this to any episode that I'm talking "off the cuff!"Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textI'm sharing the parallels between wedding cake and Instagram marketing. Breaking down the difference between Instagram's grid/feed posts, Stories and Reels, and why you might need to be using all three. OR, even only using one.  This short episode will help you simplify your posting strategy and start dishing up the content YOUR couple needs + wants. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textI'm covering the "launch" process for this podcast. How marketing has evolved within the wedding industry over the last 20 years and why you shouldn't put all of your marketing eggs in one basket! Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads

Send a textTogether we'll tackle the unique marketing needs and challenges for wedding pros.  Our goal is to make social media (and marketing in general) easy and fun, regardless of the stage you're in, in your wedding business. Connect with me online! https://www.instagram.com/dandeagency/ https://www.dandeagency.com/ | https://www.dandeagency.com/swellsocial Check out my favorite tools (I may earn a small commission when you use these links): Manychat | Later | Interact Quiz Maker | Airtable | I Do Society DIY Ads