Why Brides Leave Your Website and How to Fix It

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.”  But do you realize this also applies to your wedding business website?

With engagement season in full swing, it’s important to be prepared for the couples that will be searching for your services online. Take a look at your website with fresh eyes – are you guilty of making any of these mistakes that drive couples away?

Here are 5 reasons couples leave your site without contacting you and what you can do about it:

1: The Design is Distracting

While some may think that branding and design doesn’t matter, it does to a potential client. Your website is a representation of your business and a site that is cluttered or hard to navigate turns couples off and makes it hard to trust you.

Even if you can’t afford to hire a web designer, there are a few simple changes that can make a big difference. Streamline your design by using no more than 3 colors and 3 different fonts. Replace a dark background with an easier to read lighter color and make sure the font size is not too small. Eliminate flashy graphics, banners or anything that could distract a prospect from your ultimate goal- getting them to contact you.

2: Music Plays Automatically

You’ve probably heard this before, but please, don’t put music that plays automatically on your website!  Many brides and grooms are planning their weddings during working hours and will instantly click away from your site if they hear music. Nothing says ‘I’m not working’ like wedding music coming from a cubicle.

If you are a DJ or musician and need to have music samples available, make sure to set it up so that couples can choose to play them when convenient.

3: Photos are Outdated or Unprofessional

A picture is worth a thousand words… and possibly a new client. As tempting as it can be to forgo the expense of professional photography, using iPhone photos on your site just doesn’t cut it. It pays to have professional photos taken, both of you and your work. Many photographers will share wedding images that feature your work as long as you ask nicely and credit them on your website.

As trends change it becomes obvious when something is outdated. Make sure to add photos of recent work to your website portfolio or gallery (not just your Facebook page) every few months.

4: They Don’t Understand Your Business

Make sure you clearly state what it is you offer and why the client would benefit from working with you. You want them to know what sets you apart and how you can solve their problems. Add testimonials from past couples to reassure prospects that you will follow through.

If you offer more than one product or service, dedicate a separate page to each offering, don’t lump them together on one page. Confused clients don’t buy, so make sure your packages and pricing are easy to understand. If you get asked the same questions from prospects, add a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page to your site to make things clearer and avoid more work for you.

5: Incomplete Information

Don’t forget to put your contact information, including city and state on your website. It amazes me how many sites I visit that only have a website contact form but no indication of where they are located! If you are willing to travel, note the areas where you work. Make it easy for the couple to determine if you work in their area and contact you.

Now that you know what NOT to do, check out Stephanie’s article 26 Things to Include on Your Wedding Vendor Website for tips on essential elements to include on your website.

Which of these do you think most drives brides away? Do you have anything to add?

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