Are you planning a wedding or part of the wedding industry? If so, you need to listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Kate Furst from Zola! In this exciting episode, we dive deep into how Zola is revolutionizing the wedding planning experience for both couples and vendors.
Kate, who is celebrating her 11th year at Zola, shares her journey and various roles she's undertaken at the company. From starting in operations to now overseeing the vendor marketplace, Kate has seen it all. Zola, known as the fastest growing women-led wedding planning platform, has become a trusted name for millions of couples. But Zola isn’t just about the couples; they’ve also created an amazing platform for wedding vendors.
Zola was born out of the desire to make the wedding planning experience better. Initially an e-commerce company focusing on registries, Zola has expanded to include invitations, save-the-dates, free wedding websites, and even a vendor marketplace. This marketplace, launched in 2020, now boasts over 40,000 vendors and has generated over 19 million leads. It’s a win-win for both couples and vendors, focusing on quality and curation to ensure the best matches.
One of the standout features Kate discusses is the “Say Hello” tool. This tool allows vendors to proactively reach out to couples who are searching for services like theirs. It’s a game-changer, giving vendors the power to drive their business rather than waiting for inquiries to come in. Kate also highlights the importance of personalization in these initial messages, which significantly increases connection rates.
Zola’s approach to vendor listings is another highlight. They offer a free trial, allowing vendors to test the waters without a significant financial commitment. Vendors can create beautiful, detailed listings that include pricing, packages, photos, and FAQs. Zola even provides dedicated account managers to help vendors optimize their profiles, ensuring they attract the right couples.
Reviews are crucial in the wedding industry, and Zola has a unique approach. Not only can couples leave reviews, but other vendors can too. This dual perspective provides a comprehensive view of what it’s like to work with a vendor, both from a client and a professional standpoint. It’s all about building a trusted community.
Kate also touches on the importance of quick responses and personalized follow-ups. In the fast-paced world of wedding planning, timely and thoughtful communication can make all the difference. Zola’s platform is designed to facilitate these meaningful interactions, helping vendors connect with couples who are a perfect match for their services.
If you’re a wedding vendor, Zola offers various flexible packages, including a pay-as-you-go credit system and unlimited plans. This flexibility ensures that vendors can choose the option that best fits their business needs without being locked into long-term contracts.
In summary, Zola is not just a wedding planning platform; it’s a thriving community that supports both couples and vendors. With innovative tools, a focus on quality, and a commitment to inclusivity, Zola is truly transforming the wedding planning experience. Don’t miss this episode to learn how you can leverage Zola’s platform to grow your wedding business or plan the perfect wedding!
Tune in now and discover all the amazing things Zola has to offer. Whether you’re planning your big day or looking to expand your wedding business, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.
🗣️ Quotes from Kate
"Zola is the fastest growing women-led wedding planning platform that has millions of couples who come to us and love and trust us."
"We had these two communities that were struggling that we felt like we could come together and connect them and do it in a really different way."
"Lean into who you are. You do not have to be the masses. Be your authentic self. Show interest in the couple's vision for the wedding. Remember how important that day is for them and show empathy and excitement to, potentially work with them. I think that is really important."
