This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on December 23, 2015 with Ashley Jones of Ashley Ann’s Events. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Ashley Jones of Ashley Ann’s Events is a talented wedding and event designer. She is equipped with a with a B.A. in Finance and M.B.A. Ashley’s has made a name for herself by offering beautiful , unique, professional designs and productions. She inspires creative detail, and modern, elegant atmospheres. She is also an outstanding business woman exceling in social media lead generations, lead magnets, funnels, and return paths. Ashley’s offices are Based in Little Rock, AR and Dallas, TX. She has become one of the most sought after designers in the South!

Ashley has been featured on CNN Money, Fox News, KATV, WoW City, STAND’s 30 Under 30, and several other media outlets and publications. Website:www.EventsbyAshleyAnn.com

Q1: How did you get involved with the #weddingmarket?

Answer

Ashley Jones: I actually have always had a gift for design & beatification. I decorated family’s homes and parties. Then a friend asks, then a coworker, & finally someone ask me if I did a party what would I charge? I told them just to pay me what they thought it was worth. LOL, they paid pretty well and I said wow! From there I did a few more parties and finally a wedding or two. Then I realized, Hey I’m pretty good at this. LOL

Q2: What was your first experience with social media?

Answer

Ashley Jones: My very first experience with social media were BlackPlanet & MySpace! It seems soooooooo long ago. LOL I believe I was in high school. I used to be a full figured model. I was on the sites to hang out with friends and meet new people. I would post photos from my modeling shoots, well people would inquire about booking me, and that is when I realized you could use social media to generate paid work! I was in my early 20s at the time.

Q3: What platforms do you find the most benefit from?

Answer

Ashley Jones: Facebook and Instagram have always been winning platforms for me. Recently Periscope has appeared and It is a Game Changer! I think I’m obsessed with Periscope.

Q4: As far as Facebook must you pay to have a successful post?

Answer

Ashley Jones: That is really a two part answer. First you need to set a budget for split testing. This should max out at $10. Split testing is going to give you the ability to try different copy or images. I normally test the images because aesthetics are so crucial for wedding industry professionals. Once you determine which ad converts, spend $20-40 to run the ad. This will generate 10-15 leads if you know your bride, you will generate even more leads & page likes!

Q5: What is the best strategy when using Facebook?

Answer

Ashley Jones: That’s a great question. I’ve found the best way to use Facebook is to build your organic audience and engage with the audience members. Organic audience would be people already who are fans of your business, subscribed to your mailing list, or are connected with you. From there you would want to create retargeting and look alike audience. It is crucial to understand your bride and her interest. It will allow you to understand what makes that bride book you vs. a competitor. Once you get this Facebook marketing is a synch! Keep in mind that Facebook marketing is only one of the many ways in which one could incorporate social media to market their company or business. Like Facebook marketing, other aspects of digital marketing could be used to perpetuate brand value and increase footfall to your website. Entrepreneurs tend to rely on digital marketing companies like Firefly, which might offer SEO solutions for their brand.

Q6: Are there good and bad times to post on Facebook?

Answer

Ashley Jones: Yes Maam! Typically I find post that happen between 7:30 & 8:30am do very well. Many brides check their Facebooks first thing. Also 11:45-1:45pm post do very well. Brides and potential clients view post during their lunch. They are also more likely to engage by commenting & sharing. Bonus time is Thursdays between 1:00-3:00pm. There is lots of action.

Q7: How do use Instagram?

Answer

Ashley Jones: Instagram is wonderful to cross promote, show your expertise, and give inspiration. I have found it a wonderful platform to meet other vendors and build productive partnerships with them as well. It seems to be a bit more relaxed on IG. Because of this brides & vendors that admire good work, witty post, inspiration will frequent you. I believe IG has given me a greater exposure to relative audiences because everyone seems to celebrate creativity on IG.

Q8: What photo editor do you use for Instagram?

Answer

Ashley Jones: Believe it or not we don’t do too much editing to our photos. Outside of cropping or using an occasional filter that is all we do. If you need an editor Pic Monkey is great. If we want to add text to an image we will use Canva or Photo Grid for IG. Your best weapon is having an amazing photographer. It literally changed my professional life when I partnered with amazing photographers!

Q9: How should you be using hashtags or tagging on Instagram?

Answer

Ashley Jones: I recommend using 2-5 strategic hashtags in the actual copy & then at least 3-5 personality hashtags afterwards. An example of strategic hashtag usage would be: I enjoyed creating this #beautiful event for my #bride. I love being a Wedding Planner. These hashtags are searched often. They are relevant to the post that I’m making, and they will bring traffic to my IG page. When you use personality hashtags you will be creative, fun, & funny. Really use your personality! #AboutThatLife #ThisIsWhatIDo LOL.

Q10: How often should wedding pros be posting on Instagram?

Answer

Ashley Jones: Wedding pros should post to Instagram at least six times a week. You have to be consistent. You will not gain exposure to your audience or expand awareness about you or your brand if you are not consistent on IG. IG audience like to know you are around & a dependable source for a great image, video, information and inspiration.

Q11: Can Periscope be the right fit for everyone in biz?

Answer

Ashley Jones: That is a really great question! I think that it is for everyone, but you have to find the best way to use periscope for yourself. What I mean is that some of us can use it to broadcast, showcase our skills, network, and generate leads. Some of us may use it for education to learn about other industry professionals, new skills, and business building tactics. Some of us may use it to learn more about our clients, their interest, and who they are as people so that we can service them better.

Q12: How do you use Periscope?

Answer

Ashley Jones: Currently I’m a periscope junkie!! LOL so I use it for all of the above & more. It is a WONDERFUL tool! I have found it awesome to connect with other industry professionals and see what is trending in different areas of the world. I have also been able to help other wedding industry professionals through my Tuesday and Thursday night training sessions at 9pmCST. And lastly I have been able to generate leads for weddings & events, speaking gigs, and it has introduced my Allure workshop to a new audience.

Q13: How has your business seen results from using Periscope?

Answer

Ashley Jones: I have been able to share ideas and knowledge with other industry professionals. This has resulted in several offers. Periscope is showcasing my talent and work to many potential clients. They like me, I like them and we like the work! This has resulted in them calling & booking us for their personal weddings and events. I also have gained opportunities to speak and educate. Periscope has introduced our consulting services and Allure 2016 instantly to the world. We have several new clients for both!

Q14: What would you like everyone to take away from this #weddingmarket chat?

Answer

Ashley Jones; I would like people to remember that social media is about engagement. It is your opportunity to share value with your clients. Learn your bride so that you can put yourself & your work in front of the bride & other brides like her. This comes from targeting and finally social media gives you an opportunity to really let people know who we are. People spend money with people they trust. If you offer value to the bride who is interested in your products and services the bride will book you!!!