How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for Event Planning & Decor)
Event planning and decor specialists in New Zealand face unique challenges, like standing out in a crowded market and managing fluctuating demand. Luckily, attracting local clients doesn’t always require a big advertising budget. This guide offers 10 practical, no-cost strategies to help you get noticed, build trust, and grow your local client base sustainably.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is essential for local event planners and decorators. When locals search for services like "wedding decorators Christchurch" or "event planners near me Auckland," a well-optimised profile ensures you appear at the top.
Include clear contact details, photos from past events showcasing your decor styles, and client reviews. Encourage happy customers to mention specific events and suburbs in their reviews to boost local visibility.
One Wellington event planner saw steady client enquiries grow after regularly updating their Google profile with fresh photos from local weddings and corporate events.
2. Engage in Local Facebook & Community Groups
Facebook and Neighbourly groups are hotspots for locals planning events or seeking decorators. Regularly engaging in these groups helps you build a reputation and attract leads.
Avoid hard-selling-share helpful tips on event themes, seasonal decor ideas, or answer questions about vendors. Posting photos of your work at recent community events can spark interest.
Look for groups such as “Auckland Event Planners,” “Christchurch Weddings,” or local suburb groups to connect authentically.
3. List on NZ Event & Decor Directories
Directories like Yada, WeddingBird, and Yellow.co.nz are popular in New Zealand for locals searching for event planning and decor services.
Complete your profiles with detailed service descriptions, service areas, high-quality photos, and client testimonials to attract enquiries.
A Tauranga decorator grew their client base significantly through active presence on multiple directories and robust client reviews.
4. Use Yada for Local Job Matches
Yada connects local specialists with clients booking event planning and decorating gigs. Posting and responding to jobs on Yada is free and commission-free.
The platform’s rating system rewards responsive and reliable specialists, increasing your chances of winning more work as your positive reviews grow.
An Auckland event decorator credits Yada with helping them secure steady local clients by promptly responding to nearby event requests.
5. Collect and Showcase Client Testimonials
Word-of-mouth is strong in New Zealand’s event industry. After every event, ask clients for short testimonials you can share to build credibility.
Make review submission easy with direct links or templates. Offering a sweetener, like a discount on the next booking, can motivate clients to spread the word.
A Christchurch event planner increased bookings by 30% after actively showcasing rave client feedback and photos from events.
6. Showcase Event Highlights on Social Media
Post photos and videos from recent events, highlighting your decor setups, themes, and client reactions. Authentic, behind-the-scenes content builds connection.
Use local hashtags and geo-tags like #WellingtonEvents or #NZWeddingDecor to boost local reach and attract nearby clients.
One Hamilton planner gained a loyal following by regularly posting engaging event stories and decor before-and-afters.
7. Partner with Local Event Vendors
Build partnerships with caterers, photographers, venues, and entertainers to cross-promote and share referrals.
For instance, a Tauranga decorator partnered with local caterers and DJs to offer all-in-one event packages, attracting more clients.
Offer to contribute guest content or tips for partners’ newsletters to increase your visibility.
8. Use Flyers and Community Boards
Post flyers on community boards in cafes, libraries, and event centres to reach locals offline-especially those less active online.
Keep flyers visually appealing and clear, highlighting your services, branding, and contact info.
A Nelson decorator found flyers in busy community centres brought consistent enquiries around wedding season.
9. Host Free Workshops and Demos
Running low-cost or free workshops on event themes or DIY decor helps you showcase skills and gain new referrals.
Promote events through local Facebook groups and event community channels.
A Wellington planner’s free floral arrangement workshops became a steady source of future paid clients.
10. Organise Reliable Systems and Communication
Managing multiple clients and events requires clear systems-use apps or calendars paired with thorough client intake forms.
Yada’s internal chat system keeps event discussions organised and confidential, helping avoid mix-ups and building client trust.
Consistent professionalism leads to positive ratings and repeat bookings in NZ’s close-knit event market.