Why Word-of-Mouth Is Still the Most Powerful Marketing Tool in NZ - And How to Boost It for Event Planning & Decor

In New Zealand’s event industry, nothing beats a genuine recommendation from a happy client. Event planning and decor professionals know just how important word-of-mouth is for building their local reputation and attracting new bookings. This friendly guide offers 10 practical tips to help you boost your word-of-mouth marketing in Kiwi communities.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Create Memorable Event Experiences

Word-of-mouth grows from delivering outstanding, personalised events that leave clients raving. Tailoring decor and planning details to reflect the client’s vision creates unforgettable memories.

An event decorator in Auckland who knocks every little detail out of the park often hears glowing referrals from delighted clients and their guests.

2. Ask for Reviews and Testimonials

Encourage happy clients to share reviews on Google, Facebook, and platforms like Yada, which is popular among NZ specialists.

Displaying genuine testimonials and event photos on your website or social media builds trust and helps attract new clients.

Yada’s fee-free, rating-based system lets you grow your reputation organically with honest client feedback.

3. Engage in Local Online Communities

Active participation in Facebook groups, Neighbourly, or community forums helps you connect with Kiwi clients looking for event planners and decorators.

Share insights, event tips, or highlights in these conversations to build trust and visibility without hard selling.

Event planners in Christchurch report significant word-of-mouth leads from genuine online community engagement.

4. Leverage Yada for New Leads

Yada makes connecting with clients straightforward, offering a platform where you can respond to event jobs without lead or success fees.

Its private chat feature fosters client communication and builds relationships that fuel referrals.

Decorators and planners in Tauranga find Yada particularly useful for steady business growth.

5. Add Personal Touches Clients Remember

Small gestures like customised thank-you notes or surprising decor elements can make clients feel special and lead to glowing recommendations.

A Wellington event planner shares stories of clients who become enthusiastic promoters after such thoughtful touches.

These moments act as powerful, quiet word-of-mouth marketers working in your favour.

6. Host or Sponsor Local Events

Hosting free local workshops or sponsoring community events raises your profile and introduces your services to new audiences.

Event planners in Nelson report building strong word-of-mouth by participating in neighbourhood festivals and markets.

Such activities help form real connections that translate into client referrals.

7. Build Partnerships with Local Vendors

Establish referral relationships with caterers, photographers, venues, and florists to create a mutually beneficial network.

For example, decorators leaving brochures with venues in Hamilton access trusted recommendation channels that bring new clients.

Collaborations expand your local reach and create a community support system for your business.

8. Create Referral Incentive Programs

Reward clients or partner vendors who send referrals your way with discounts or special offers to encourage sharing.

Event professionals in Auckland find this boosts both loyalty and word-of-mouth without feeling pushy.

Simple, valuable incentives create organic promotion channels for your business.

9. Maintain Warm, Consistent Communication

Keep clients updated pre- and post-event with friendly messages and thank-you notes, helping to build rapport and encourage further referrals.

Event planners in Christchurch credit personalised communication with increasing repeat bookings and recommendations.

Clients remember feeling valued and are more likely to share their experiences positively.

10. Stay Persistent Despite Challenges

Event planning businesses face seasonal and market challenges, but steady quality and engagement keep word-of-mouth flowing.

Using Yada’s no-fee platform lets you maintain a visible, accessible presence and respond to job opportunities efficiently.

Think of word-of-mouth as a long-term investment that grows with persistence and genuine care.