Should You List Your Wedding Business on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola?
Release Date: 03/04/2025
Competitive Strategy for Wedding Vendors: How the Market Really Works (with Erin Dienst)
The At Last Podcast
What does it actually look like to have a strategy as a wedding vendor, not just hustle, networking, and hope? In this episode of The At Last Podcast, Erica sits down with her good friend Erin Dienst, who is currently completing her MBA at Yale School of Management, to apply real competitive strategy frameworks to the wedding industry. Erin brings insights from her graduate coursework in Competitive Strategy, and together they unpack what truly creates competitive advantage for wedding vendors in a highly networked, referral-driven market. This is a must-listen episode for wedding musicians...
info_outline
Why New Year Habits Fail (And How to Build Habits That Actually Stick)
The At Last Podcast
Every January, we promise ourselves this will be the year we’re more consistent, more organized, and more on top of things. And every year, most of those habits quietly fade by February. In this episode of The At Last Podcast, Erica breaks down why New Year habits fail, what Atomic Habits by James Clear teaches us about building habits that actually last, and how systems, not motivation, are the real key to change. This episode is especially for wedding musicians and creative wedding vendors who want to build businesses that support their lives, not consume them. You’ll learn: Why...
info_outline
What to Keep, Cut, and Fix in Your Wedding Business in the New Year
The At Last Podcast
As the year comes to a close, it’s easy to focus only on revenue and bookings. But income alone doesn’t tell the full story of how your wedding business actually felt to run. In this episode, we’re stepping back to reflect with intention, not pressure. Whether you’re a musician transitioning into weddings or another type of wedding vendor who felt busy but not organized this year, this episode will help you close the year with clarity instead of chaos. We cover: One thing that truly worked this year and why it’s worth protecting One thing that drained your energy without...
info_outline
Preparing Your Marketing For Engagement Season
The At Last Podcast
Engagement season is coming and this episode teaches wedding vendors how to prepare their marketing plan so they can book more clients, strengthen vendor referrals, and upgrade their sales systems before inquiries surge. If you are a wedding musician, planner, photographer, venue team member, florist, videographer, or any wedding professional, this episode walks you through the exact steps to get your business ready for the busiest booking season of the year. 💌 Flodesk: Simplify your email marketing and save 50% on your first year with Flodesk: In This Episode You Will Learn • How...
info_outline
From Forgotten to Fully Booked: The Easiest Way to Stay Top of Mind
The At Last Podcast
💌 Flodesk: Simplify your email marketing and save 50% on your first year with Flodesk: https://flodesk.com/c/ALOHAERICA If you’ve ever had a couple or planner say, “We can’t wait to work with you!” and then never followed up, this episode is your wake-up call. Being unforgettable in person doesn’t mean you’ll be remembered later. Without a consistent, automated system to stay in touch, even the best wedding pros fade from memory. In this episode, Erica shares how she went from losing hot leads to creating a simple, automated email system that keeps her remembered, referred, and...
info_outline
Creating a Seamless Client Experience from Inquiry to Performance
The At Last Podcast
Links for You: 🎵 Honeybook: Streamline your contracts, invoices, and payments with Honeybook! Get 30% off your first year by signing up here: 💌 Flodesk: Simplify your email marketing and save 50% on your first year with Flodesk: Ever wonder what makes some wedding musicians stand out and have clients raving about their experience? In this episode of The At Last Podcast, we’re diving deep into how to create a smooth, professional, and memorable client experience from the very first inquiry to the day-of performance. You’ll hear my personal stories of lessons learned early in my...
info_outline
Mastering Wedding Ceremony Music: Key Songs & Essential Tips
The At Last Podcast
Ever wonder how some wedding musicians make their ceremonies feel effortless, emotional, and unforgettable? In this episode, I break down exactly what it takes to perform wedding ceremonies like a pro—from the first note during guest arrival to the high-energy recessional. You’ll learn: How to guide couples in choosing the perfect songs for each moment of their ceremony Step-by-step tips for the processional, vows, first kiss, and recessional How to set the tone, read the room, and make every moment feel magical Pro tips on timing, volume, and positioning to elevate your...
info_outline
How to Create Irresistible Wedding Music Packages: That Attract Your Ideal Couples
The At Last Podcast
Are you tired of feeling like you’re just competing on price when couples inquire about your wedding music services? In today’s episode of The At Last Podcast, I’m breaking down how to craft a wedding music package that does more than list songs and hours—it positions you as the premium choice for couples who want a personalized and unforgettable experience. We’ll cover: Why packaging your services is about positioning, not just offerings. What makes a wedding music package irresistible (song choices, customization, and thoughtful extras). How to stand out from competitors in a...
info_outline
Marketing Strategies to Attract High-End Wedding Clients
The At Last Podcast
Have you ever wondered how some wedding musicians consistently book high-end, premium weddings while others struggle to attract clients willing to invest in exceptional music? In this episode of At Last Podcast, I’m breaking down the marketing strategies that can help you step into the luxury wedding market and start attracting couples who value your craft and are ready to invest in unforgettable experiences. We’ll cover: How to identify and target high-end couples who want a tailored music experience for their wedding. Real-world examples of wedding musicians who’ve positioned...
info_outline
The Power of Personal Branding for Wedding Businesses
The At Last Podcast
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of personal branding for wedding professionals. Whether you're a wedding musician, photographer, planner, or any other creative vendor, personal branding is the key to standing out in a saturated market and attracting your ideal clients. We’ll show you how to define your unique brand, position yourself as the go-to expert, and create a visual identity that speaks directly to high-end couples who value the unique experience you offer. and start refining your brand today! Key Takeaways: The Importance of Personal Branding Your personal brand...
info_outlineAre The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola actually worth it for booking more weddings? If you're a musician or creative wedding vendor wondering whether to create a listing, this episode breaks it all down for you.
In this episode, we’re covering:
-
The key differences between The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola
-
Who actually uses these platforms and what kind of clients you can expect
-
The real pros and cons so you know what you're signing up for
-
How much these platforms cost and whether paying for a premium listing is worth it
-
SEO benefits of having a free listing, even if you don’t get a ton of leads
-
The must-have elements for an optimized listing that attracts couples
-
How to manage leads, follow up effectively, and turn inquiries into actual bookings
-
Why texting is the game-changer for getting responses and securing more weddings
Key Takeaways:
-
A free listing can help with SEO and give you some visibility, so it’s worth setting up
-
Paid listings may be worth it, but only if you’re getting at least a three times return on your investment
-
Many leads from these platforms are cold, meaning couples may not have actually seen your information before inquiring
-
Texting your leads after they message you, instead of just emailing, can increase your chances of booking
Resources for Wedding Vendors:
-
🎵 Honeybook: Streamline your contracts, invoices, and payments with Honeybook! Get 30% off your first year by signing up here: https://share.honeybook.com/erica8964375
-
💌 Flodesk: Simplify your email marketing and save 50% on your first year with Flodesk: https://flodesk.com/c/ALOHAERICA
-
🌐 Wedding SEO Bootcamp by Sara Does SEO: Learn how to optimize your website for Google with this wedding pro-focused program. Check it out here: https://alohaerica--saradoesseo.thrivecart.com/wedding-seo-bootcamp/
Have you used The Knot, WeddingWire, or Zola? What’s been your experience? DM me on Instagram @alohaericamusic–I’d love to hear from you.
💌 Let’s connect! Share your thoughts on this episode and find more tips and resources at www.alohaerica.com/atlast.
Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Let’s grow together and create the wedding business of your dreams!