In the competitive market of weddings, making waves and securing bookings requires more than just talent \u2014 it demands dedication, strategy, and a personal touch. We chatted with Sash Seabourne, one-half of Pinnacle Acoustic Duo<\/a>, to learn how the pair is succeeding as newcomers to the industry.<\/p>\n

Sash shares valuable insights on navigating the wedding industry as a successful new music business from the jump, utilising digital marketing to build his brand presence, and nailing the end-to-end customer journey.<\/p>\n

Sash and business partner Bec Voysey launched into the wedding industry after meeting as solo finalists on Australian Idol<\/em> in 2023. Both from Perth, their mutual love of acoustic renditions of classic songs and vocal harmonies was undeniable, sparking the inception of Pinnacle Acoustic. Since then, they’ve been making waves in the wedding and corporate events space, delivering unforgettable performances and elevating special moments.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had never crossed paths until Idol. I have a singer-songwriter background, so I was always in original music and have done a lot of touring and recording. And Bec was more of a high-end corporate performer with a music theatre background. We were both seasoned performers but from completely different worlds. And we probably never would have met if it wasn’t for doing the show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

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Building Relationships: The Foundation of Success<\/h2>\n

For Sash and Bec, establishing connections is paramount. Their approach is not about rapid expansion but rather about cultivating meaningful relationships. As Sash puts it, “We’re just kind of pushing into the space slowly and consistently, and developing relationships is kind of number one at the moment.”<\/p>\n

This deliberate approach emphasises quality over quantity, ensuring each interaction leaves a lasting impression.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would rather work less and do a great job every single time than overstretch myself and book out and not be able to provide that high service,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t sacrifice quality to get the gig. It’s not a pub gig \u2014 it should not be taken lightly how important this day is to people. If you want to work in this space, you have to put more effort into every job than any other type of musical work.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Crafting a Unique Experience<\/h2>\n

Their unique blend of talent, experience, and passion sets Pinnacle Acoustic Duo apart. With backgrounds in different music genres and performance styles, Sash and Bec offer a refreshing twist to wedding entertainment.<\/p>\n

“Having two finalists on a national TV show available to book at a private event is a pretty strong elevator pitch,” Sash says.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you learn a couple\u2019s aisle song, do your own arrangement, and it\u2019s their favourite song heard in a way they’ve never heard before, they’ll rave about it forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProviding an integral part in the best day of someone’s life is pretty rewarding. They’ll probably remember your performance for the rest of their life. And that\u2019s a lot more rewarding than almost any other musical performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Provide a Premium Service \u2014 and Charge for It!<\/h2>\n

Sash\u2019s advice for new businesses looking to launch into the wedding market is to invest in developing your business model and refining your service first, and wait to launch when you can deliver a best-in-class service.<\/p>\n

He warns that rushing to book weddings before you\u2019ve nailed your delivery \u2014 offering a budget service for a budget fee \u2014 could result in a sub-par experience, and you risk getting negative reviews.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would highly recommend creating relationships with people who are experienced in the space and can help upskill you into learning how to do that job at a high level,\u201d Sash says.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t bother competing in the bottom end as a budget wedding provider. Do your homework and wait until you’re ready, then charge a good fee for a great service.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t picture your wedding being affordable. Nobody says I want people in my wedding to come up and say, \u2018Wow, this is a really cheap wedding. Congratulations! It looks like you saved a lot of money on this!\u2019 That’s not the point of a wedding.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

His advice to couples: \u201cIf you want to have a budget wedding or you can’t afford it, I respect that. And people are feeling the pinch at the moment, so they might consider an elopement ceremony or wait \u2014 I just don’t think you should cut corners with your venue, with your celebrant, with your vendors. You need to hire people that know what they’re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Content is Key<\/h2>\n

You are competing with everyone else \u2013 not just on Easy Weddings<\/a>, but in the industry more broadly. Couples are scrolling through the platform, online and on social media, to see who looks the most impressive off the bat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe spent a lot early on, on really good quality videos. We hired a great audio engineer and a great videographer to make amazing-looking videos.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have videos on an iPhone and someone else has spent $1,000 to look amazing, I know who I would pick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Having high-quality content is a must when you\u2019re starting out, but Sash says longevity as a successful wedding musician comes from building a brand by showcasing who you are on a personal level, through social media.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople invest in and feel comfortable around genuine other people. So if you’re funny, be funny. If you also are a gymnast, post a bit of that,\u201d he recommends.<\/p>\n

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Sash\u2019s 4 Steps to The Art of Conversion<\/h2>\n

Converting inquiries into bookings requires finesse in the competitive landscape of weddings. Sash presses the importance of responsiveness and engagement.<\/p>\n

This proactive approach, coupled with personalised communication, lays the groundwork for successful conversions. Here is Sash\u2019s 4-step process:<\/p>\n

1. Respond quickly<\/h3>\n

\u201cOnce we get an enquiry, I’ll reply to the email within 24 hours, but then I’ll also text. And if we don’t get a reply in a couple of days, text again,” Sash says.<\/p>\n

2. Build a Connection<\/h3>\n

\u201cIf someone’s looking for a wedding provider, that sale is live, so trying to get a connection and build a rapport as early as possible is key. I always like to jump on calls if we can,” he adds.<\/p>\n

3. Follow Up (more than once)<\/h3>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll follow up and follow up again \u2014 not to be pushy, but just to make sure that the client knows that you are interested and available.”<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to follow up until you get a firm yes or no, Sash advises.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s like, if you buy a pair of shoes and then you get seven emails in a week being like, \u2018Would you like another pair of shoes?\u2019<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. Deliver a Top Service<\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019ve closed the lead, ensure you’re providing an excellent service on the day.<\/p>\n

And Don’t forget to get a review afterwards.<\/p>\n

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Maximising Platforms like Easy Weddings<\/h3>\n

Partnering with platforms like Easy Weddings can significantly amplify visibility and reach. Sash attests to the benefits, noting how it provides a professional edge and streamlines the booking process.<\/p>\n

“It’s definitely a way to look professional early in the piece,” he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve been pretty happy with how we’re tracking \u2014 our inquiries and also our conversion rate. It\u2019s definitely made it worth the investment. People told us not to use Easy Weddings when we started because they hadn’t had a great experience. But I think it is relative to how much effort you’re putting into your admin and your marketing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not as easy as putting a couple of photos up and then set and forget for a year and expecting that you’ll get booked regularly. It’s an active process, and Easy Weddings is one facet of a greater marketing campaign I’m working on every day.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

By leveraging platforms effectively, wedding suppliers can enhance their market presence and attract more leads.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations<\/h2>\n

As Pinnacle Acoustic Duo looks to the future, expansion and innovation are on the horizon. Sash envisions growing into a small agency focusing on maintaining high standards and personalised service.<\/p>\n

With plans to go national and explore international opportunities, the duo is poised for continued success.<\/p>\n

In the ever-evolving landscape of wedding vendors, success hinges on more than just talent\u2014it requires vision, perseverance, and a genuine connection with clients. Through their journey, Sash and Bec are excelling as wedding newcomers not just in their passion and talent alone \u2013 but also in their dedication to the customer journey \u2013 from content to building relationships, converting leads, and finally closing the loop in requesting reviews.<\/p>\n

For a closer look at how Easy Weddings has helped Pinnacle Acoustic Duo launch into the wedding industry, view our<\/strong>\u00a0one-page case study here,<\/a> or watch our chat with Sash in the below video.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n