How to Build Trust as a New Event Planning & Decor Specialist Without Reviews Yet in New Zealand
Starting out as an event planning and decor specialist in New Zealand is exciting but challenging, especially without reviews to prove your skills. Building trust is all about showing professionalism, creativity, and reliability. This guide offers 10 practical tips tailored to Kiwi event pros to help you attract and keep local clients from day one.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Showcase Your Passion and Vision
Kiwi clients love seeing genuine passion for event planning and decor. Share your story, your creativity, and what inspires your designs in your profiles and conversations.
Use platforms like Yada or your social media to display photos of your latest setups, highlighting local themes or cultural touches relevant to New Zealanders.
For example, an Auckland planner gained attention by sharing beautifully styled Maori-inspired event décor, resonating deeply with her community.
2. Create Detailed, Honest Profiles
On Yada or other directories, be clear about your services, pricing, and availability. Honest, transparent listings build credibility quickly.
Include testimonials or notes on your design process and flexibility to tailor events, which many Kiwi clients appreciate.
Claire from Wellington boosted inquiries by offering detailed event packages on her Yada profile, helping clients understand what to expect.
3. Offer Free Consultations or Initial Meetings
Meeting potential clients face-to-face (or via video call) shows you're approachable and committed. It’s a great way to build trust by understanding their vision and demonstrating your expertise.
Small town and suburban clients, especially, value this personal touch when choosing event planners.
A Christchurch decorator saw big wins by offering free consultations, converting interested enquiries into bookings.
4. Leverage Yada’s Platform Features
Yada is great for new specialists because it has no success fees and allows direct, private chat with clients, making communication smooth and trustworthy.
Use these features to respond promptly and professionally, helping you build a strong reputation.
Many Kiwi event planners have grown their network by engaging actively on Yada’s easy-to-use platform.
5. Build Relationships with Complementary Businesses
Partner with florists, caterers, photographers, and venue managers to create a reliable referral network.
Drop off business cards or flyers at local event venues, cafes, and community centres to spread the word organically.
Event planners in Nelson have found steady work through word-of-mouth referrals from trusted local vendors.
6. Gather and Showcase Early Testimonials
Ask friends, family, or early clients for short testimonials that show off your reliability and creativity.
Display these on Yada, social media, or your website to give potential clients confidence.
Even small verbal endorsements from community members can influence other Kiwis to trust you.
7. Share Visual Examples of Your Work
Photos and videos speak volumes about your abilities. Regularly share images of your event decor and setups.
Include stories behind your designs-like sourcing from local artisans or eco-friendly materials-which appeal to NZ clients.
Wellington event planners have boosted bookings by posting well-shot before-and-after pics that showcase their creativity.
8. Offer Transparent and Fair Pricing
Break down your pricing clearly so clients understand what’s included and any additional fees upfront.
Yada’s no-fee structure lets you keep prices honest and competitive, important for cost-conscious Kiwi customers.
Event decorators in Auckland report clients appreciate clear pricing and no surprises, helping build loyalty.
9. Get Involved in Local Events and Markets
Participate in community fairs, markets, or expos to showcase your event decor skills and meet potential clients face-to-face.
This hands-on exposure helps you build a local reputation faster and allows community members to put a face to your name.
A Tauranga event planner gained bookings by exhibiting at local wedding expos and presenting styled photo shoots.
10. Use Community Noticeboards and Flyers
Old-school but effective: place flyers at libraries, community centres, and popular cafes.
Keep flyers visually appealing with your branding, photos, and straightforward contact info.
Event pros in smaller towns like Whanganui have landed clients simply through community noticeboard visibility.