The image or video you choose is only one part of the equation! Your captions are an integral part of your social media post. To get maximum impact, it's necessary to put some careful thought and planning in to help your content stand out.

1) USE A HOOK TO STOP THE SCROLL: A hook is like a headline. It has a specific purpose and that is to grab your audience's attention. There are different types of hooks. Some are based on Engagement, while others focus more on Connection, Controversy, or Education. Many social media experts say your caption is actually one of the most important parts of your post. When you take the time to carefully craft a hook at the beginning of your caption, you will find you start getting more engagement on our posts. Here are a few to try:

• Avoid these 4 techniques that are costing you time and money.

• The shocking reality of ....

• Pro Tip: Don't make this mistake!

• I can't believe I didn't know this sooner!

• Steal my best-kept secret for ...

• Get ready to be blown away!

2) THINK OF WAYS TO NATURALLY INCLUDE KEYWORDS AND TERMS THAT POTENTIAL CLIENTS MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR: Most social platforms have some degree of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). When you can find ways to include keywords and phrases that potential clients might be using, they have a better chance of finding your content. This could include a phrases like Chicago wedding planner, wedding ceremony ideas, Napa wedding photographer, or Miami wedding venue. You can also include think of keywords and phrases that clients might be looking for in terms of wedding trends and ideas such as wedding decor trends, bridal gown designs, or 2024 wedding ideas, .... Bonus points if you can figure out how to use them naturally in your caption versus making it sound artificial and forced.

3) INCLUDE A CALL-TO-ACTION (CTA): Every post should have a Call-To-Action (CTA). This is where you specifically tell your audience what they should do next. Something like "Contact us now to set up a FREE initial consultant" or "Share this post with a friend who's tying the knot". Think of it as guiding them to the next step in the process.

4) INCORPORATE HASHTAGS: While hashtags don't have the same impact that they once did, they still help your content be found. They work just like keywords and phrases and help your content be found. (Think of it, like a file folder label.) Figure out what some of the hashtags are for your area as well as the more common wedding-related ones and include an assortment of them at the end of each of your posts. Examples might include: #sandiegoofficiant #georgiaweddingplanner #destinationweddingplanner or #weddingtrends2024. Also don't be afraid to use location hashtags such as #washingtondcweddings #rockymountainwedding or #caribbeanwedding.

5) BE SURE TO TAG AND CREDIT VENDORS APPROPRIATELY: When you tag and credit vendors using a link (the @ sign) they are notified that they were mentioned in your post. Most often, they will then either like or comment on your post as well. The more engagement you get on a post, the more your post will be shown to your existing followers and potential new audience members. (Furthermore, it's just common courtesy to recognize fellow team members that were part of the wedding day team.)

By putting a little more thought into the captions you write, you will improve the reach that your social media efforts have.

Have a social media question or something you want to know more about, be sure to reach out to me at socialmedia@abcweddingplanners.com.

Cathy