Floral Design, General Tips, Your Event Career
How to Get Clients as a Florist in 2022
It’s no secret that the floral industry is booming. According to Petal Republic, the worldwide floristry market “is expected to grow roughly 6.3% over the next five years[;] reaching $57.4 Billion USD in 2024, up from $42.4 Billion USD in 2019”. This means that if you’ve been wondering how to get clients as a florist, there’s no better time to start booking up your calendar than right now!
However, if you’re brand-new to this industry, how should you get started? Where do you find that pivotal first customer – and where do you go from there? In this article, we’ll provide you with 15 tips on attracting clients as a professional florist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s start by first answering some of the most commonly asked inquiries about floral design. This way, you’ll gain a better understanding of what this job is like.
How Can I Become a Florist with No Experience?
This seems like a great place to begin! Luckily, we’ve written a guide in this very topic, entitled, How to Become a Floral Designer: Start Your Dream Career. This handy article breaks down:
- The job description of a florist (a.k.a. a floral designer)
- Average salaries for floral designers by country
- How long it takes to become a trained, certified floristry expert
- The 5 steps of becoming a florist from scratch, with no prior experience
So, we recommend giving this guide a read for a complete, comprehensive answer to this particular question!
How Do I Promote My Florist Business?
There are a number of ways to promote your floral business. But, which method is best for you?
Well, that depends on various factors – like your location, target market, and the size of your operation. If you’re starting out small, then online platforms (like Instagram and Facebook) are probably going to be your best bet. You can use these platforms to post pictures of your work, with accompanying descriptions and hashtags.
As a result, this will help you reach a larger audience – plus, it’s also relatively low-cost!
Another option is to participate in local events or fairs. You can set up a booth where people can come and see some of your arrangements in person. This is a great way to get your name out there, and it’s also an opportunity to make some sales on the spot!
Here are a few other quick ways you can efficiently promote your florist business to potential customers:
- Get involved with your local chamber of commerce
- Sponsor a charity event or auction
- Give talks or workshops at community centers, schools, etc.
- Advertise in relevant magazines or newsletters
- Design and setup floral arrangements for stylized photoshoots
Those are just a few ideas to get you started – but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what will work best for your business. Experiment with a few different methods and see what brings in the most customers!
How Do You Get People to Buy Flowers?
This is a great question – and one that doesn’t have a single, clear-cut answer. After all, people buy flowers for all sorts of reasons! However, there are definitely some tried-and-true methods you can use to increase your chances of making a sale.
Provide Top-Notch Customer Service
First and foremost, it’s important to create a rapport with your customer.
So, be friendly and personable! Ask them questions about themselves, and really take the time to get to know them. This way, you’ll be able to suggest arrangements that are tailored specifically to each client’s needs and preferences.
Learn How to Upsell
Another thing you can do is upsell! Upselling is when you encourage a customer to opt for a higher-end product or service, compared to the one they’re initially thinking of purchasing.
When someone comes in looking to buy flowers, see if they’d also be interested in adding on a vase or some chocolates. Small extras like this can really boost your sales – and it’s a win-win for the customer, too. They get exactly what they need, plus a little something extra!
Don’t feel overly confident with upselling? No problem! Here are 15 tips from OptinMonster that’ll help you master this practice in no time.
Only Offer High-Quality Flowers
Finally, make sure your flowers are always fresh and beautiful. People are much more likely to buy from you if they can see that you take pride in your work! And obviously, no one wants to shell out money for poor quality florals, or petals that are already wilting.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re trying to make a sale. We’re confident they’ll help you succeed!
What’s The Profit Margin for a Florist Business?
The profit margin for a florist business can vary, depending on a number of factors – such as the cost of your supplies, overhead costs, and the price you charge for arrangements.
Typically, though, most florists have a profit margin between 20-40%. That said, it’s not uncommon for margins to be as high as 50% or 60%. It really just depends on your specific business model!
How Do I Start a Flower Shop Business Plan?
The first step is to sit down and write out your business plan. This document should include information like your financial goals, target market, and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.
Don’t know how to write a business plan? No problem! Check out this helpful article by QuickBooks. It’ll walk you through the process in 10 easy-to-follow steps, as well as provide some free templates to get the ball rolling for you!
How Can I Start a Home-Based Floral Business?
If you’re looking to start a floral business from the comfort of your own home, there are a few things you’ll need to do first…
Licenses and Permits
First and foremost, you need to obtain the proper licenses and permits from your local government. A quick Google search can help steer you in the right direction, if you aren’t sure where to begin. For example, if you reside in the United States, this blog post from Acquira offers business licenses resources by State.
Setting Up Your Workspace
Once you’ve gotten the required licenses and permits, and that’s all squared away, it’s time to start building out your workspace! This can be anything from a simple corner in your living room to an entire garage or spare bedroom.
You’ll also need to invest in some quality supplies, like vases, scissors, and of course – flowers! Just make sure you’re getting them from a reputable supplier. This way, you can be confident in their freshness and quality.
Marketing Efforts
Last but not least, don’t forget to market your business! Create some social media accounts, design some flyers, create a professional website, and reach out to your local community. Let them know you’re open for business, and ready to help with all their floral needs!
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful home-based floral business in no time!
How Do You Succeed as a Florist?
The most important thing to remember is that success takes time – so be patient! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your floral empire.
Start by perfecting your craft. In our opinion, the single best way to do this is by first completing an accredited floral design certification course – such as the program offered by QC Event School. Not only will adding that designation to your resume boost your confidence; it’ll make you that much more impressive in the eyes of your customers.
From there, always strive to create the best arrangements possible. This way, you’ll not only attract new clients – you’ll also keep the ones you already have!
In addition to this, don’t forget to market your business as much as possible. Get involved in your local community, attend trade shows and conventions, and make sure potential customers know who you are and what you do. So long as your top priority is always to look out for your business’s best interests, you’re going to do just fine!
Want to become a globally-recognized International Floral Design Professional (IFDP) in as little as 3-6 months? Enroll in QC Event School’s self-paced, online Floral Design Course today!
How Do Florists Get Clients?
Alright, now let’s move onto the REAL reason why we’re here today: for tried-and-true tips on booking clients!
How to Get Clients as a Florist in 2022 and Beyond
Tip #1: Know Your Target Market
As a florist, your target market is anyone and everyone who might need your services. From weddings and funerals to corporate events and everything in-between… If there’s a need for flowers, YOU should be the one they call!
To get started, sit down and make a list of all the different types of clients you could potentially book. Then, take some time to research each one in-depth. What kind of flowers do they typically need? How far in advance do they book? What’s their budget like?
The more you know about your target market, the better equipped you’ll be to attract them as clients!
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Portfolio is Awesome
As a florist, your portfolio is everything! It’s what potential clients will use to decide whether or not they want to book you. Thus, it’s important that it makes a great first impression.
To put together an impressive portfolio, start by gathering photos of your best work. If you don’t have any professional shots, that’s okay! You can also use personal photos, as long as they’re of high quality and showcase your floral designs in a positive light.
Once you have a good selection of photos, it’s time to start putting together your portfolio itself. There are a few different ways you can do this. One possible option would be to use an online platform, such as Behance or Carbonmade.
Not only are these sites easy to use; they’ll also help you create a sleek, modern portfolio that’s sure to impress potential clients!
Need help putting together the ULTIMATE portfolio of your floral design work? QC Event School’s Accelerate Your Business Workshop will teach you everything you need to know – and so much more!
Tip #3: Have a Professional, Polished Website for Your Florist Business
In today’s day and age, it’s absolutely essential to have a professional website for your business – and that includes florists! After all, your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of you.
This means that it needs to be well-designed, easy to navigate, and full of information about your business. Be sure to include plenty of photos, as well as:
- An ‘About Me’ section
- Your contact information
- A list of the services you offer
- Service prices (if you wish to disclose this info publicly)
- Links to your social media
- Client testimonials
- An online booking option
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you create a stunning website (yes, even if you don’t have any experience)!
Recommended Resources
One such resource is WordPress.com. With WordPress, you can create a beautiful website in just a few simple steps. Plus, there are tons of templates and plugins available to make the process even easier.
(Here at QC Event School, our blog posts are all written and hosted via WordPress. So, we definitely stand by it!)
Another great option is Squarespace. Like WordPress, Squarespace is a user-friendly platform that’s perfect for creating professional websites. And, if you sign up for a free trial, you can get started on your new site right away!
Tip #4: Make a Name for Yourself on Social Media
As a florist, one of the best ways to attract clients is to promote your business on social media. After all, with over 2 billion active users on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, there’s a good chance your target market is spending time on these sites!
Where To Post
When it comes to social media, quality is more important than quantity. Thus, it’s better to focus on a few platforms that you’re able to update regularly, rather than spreading yourself thin by trying to be active on every single site.
Some of the most popular social media sites for florists include:
Of course, there are plenty of other social media platforms out there. The important thing is to choose the ones that make the most sense for your business, and where you’re likely to find your target market.
What To Post
Once you’ve decided which platforms to use, it’s time to start creating content! When doing so, be sure to once again focus on quality over quantity. In other words, it’s better to post one high-quality photo per week, than it is to post multiple low-quality photos every day.
When creating content, make sure that you also keep your target market in mind. What kind of thing(s) would they be interested in seeing? What would catch their eye?
Some ideas for posts include:
- Photos of your work
- Behind-the-scenes photos/videos
- Client testimonials
- Posts about your services
- Floral design tips
- Floral arrangement tutorials
Remember: the goal is to attract potential clients and show them what you’re all about. So, be sure to focus on creating content that’s both informative and visually appealing.
Tip #5: Get Listed in Local Business Directories
When potential clients are looking for a florist in their area, one of the first places they’ll turn is online business directories. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your business is listed in as many relevant directories as possible!
Some of the most popular directories include (but aren’t limited to):
Of course, there are plenty of other business directories out there. It really just comes down to choosing the ones that make the most sense for your business, and where you’re likely to find your target market.
Tip #6: Take Part in a Stylized Photoshoot
As a florist, one of the best ways to attract attention to your business is by participating in a stylized photoshoot. This is basically where a group of vendors (including florists, photographers, event planners, etc.) come together to create an editorial-style shoot. Then, each vendor uses the photos from the shoot to promote their own business.
Not only is this a great way to get your work featured in magazines and on blogs, but it’s also a great way to network with other vendors in your area. And, as we all know, networking is key when it comes to attracting new clients!
If you’re interested in taking part in a stylized photoshoot, reach out to other vendors in your area to see if they’re interested in collaborating. Chances are, you’ll be able to find a group of like-minded individuals who are looking to do something similar.
Tip #7: Get Listed on Google Maps
As we mentioned before, potential clients will often turn to online business directories when they’re looking for a florist in their area. And one of the most popular directories is Google Maps.
Getting your business listed on Google Maps is actually pretty simple. All you have to do is create a free Google My Business listing, and then follow the instructions to verify your business. Once your listing has been verified, it will start appearing in search results!
Tip #8: Invest in Paid Ads
Another great way to attract attention to your business and get clients is by investing in paid ads. This can be done through a variety of different platforms, including Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and TikTok Ads.
When creating your ad, be sure to focus on your target market. What kind of thing(s) would they be interested in? What would catch their eye?
Your ad should also include a call-to-action (CTA). This is basically just a statement that tells the reader what you want them to do next. For example, your CTA could be something like, “Click here to learn more about our services!”
Paid ads can be a great way to attract attention to your business. However, they can also be pretty expensive. So, it’s important to figure out what you’re willing to spend (and where) before you get started.
Tip #9: Host an Event
Another great way to attract attention to your florist business is by hosting an event! This could be something like a flower-arranging workshop, a Mother’s Day brunch, or even just a simple open house.
Not only will this give potential clients the chance to see your work in person, but it’ll also give them the chance to meet you and get to know you better. And, as we all know, people like doing business with people they know and trust.
When hosting an event, be sure to promote it as much as possible. Create flyers and post them around town, send out email invitations, and post about it on social media. You can even reach out to local news outlets and see if they’re interested in doing a story on your event!
Want to learn how to pull off a flawless event? Become a certified event planner with QC Event School in just a few short months – and then you can add planning services to your business as well!
Tip #10: Get Involved with Local Organizations
Another great way to attract attention to your business and get clients as a florist is by getting involved with local organizations. This could involve joining a chamber of commerce, participating in community events, or even becoming a sponsor for a local sports team.
By getting involved with local organizations, you’ll be able to network with potential clients. Moreover, you’ll also be able to build up your business’s reputation as a community-minded organization. Because, fun fact, people like doing business with companies that are involved in their community!
Tip #11: Use The Right Language in Your Promo Content
When promoting your business, it’s important to use the right language. For instance, if your target demographic mostly consists of people 40 and over, you wouldn’t want to speak to them using Gen Z slang. Similarly, how you represent yourself will have a big impact on how well your business is received.
Think of it this way… What sounds better: simply saying “I’m a florist,” or saying, “I design beautiful flower arrangements for weddings and other special occasions”?
The language you use can heavily influence how potential clients perceive you and your company. As such, be sure to take some time to think about the language you’re using to promote your business properly.
Tip #12: Offer a Variety of Floral Services
The more types of floristry services you offer, the more potential customers you can appeal to! For example, in addition to offering traditional arrangements, you could also offer:
- Flower delivery
- Plant rental
- Event and/or wedding design
- Floral subscriptions
- DIY classes/workshops
By giving people more options to choose from, you’ll be able to appeal to a wider range of clients. And, as we all know, the more people you can reach, the better!
Tip #13: On The Other Hand, You Can Niche Down
Alternately, another way to really want to stand out in the floral industry is to specialize in a specific niche (or niches). For example, rather than trying to be a “one-size-fits-all” florist, you could focus on arrangements for:
- Specific occasions (e.g., funerals, holidays, etc.)
- Specific types of events (e.g., weddings, corporate events, etc.)
- Particular types of flowers (e.g., roses, tulips, lilies, etc.)
- Silk or alternative floral arrangements
When you focus on a specific niche market, you’re able to better tailor your services to meet the needs and wants of your target clients. And, as a result, you’ll be able to build up a better reputation within your chosen niche!
Tip #14: Provide Virtual (or Hybrid) Florist Services
In today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever to be able to offer virtual (or hybrid) services. With so many people working from home, there is a growing demand for businesses that can provide their services remotely.
As a florist, you could offer virtual consultations, where potential clients can meet with you online to discuss their needs. You could also set up an online shop, so that people can order arrangements from the comfort of their own homes.
By offering virtual (or hybrid) services, you’ll be able to reach a larger audience – which means more potential clients for your business, regardless of their location!
Pro Tip: QC Event School’s online Virtual Events Training mini course can teach you how to offer incredible virtual services in as little as 1 month!
Tip #15: Offer Client Incentives
Finally, one of the best ways to attract new clients is by offering incentives! For example, you could offer:
- Discounts for first-time clients
- Bulk discounts
- Referral bonuses
- Seasonal promotions
By offering incentives, you’ll be able to encourage people to use your services. And, as an added bonus, you’ll also be able to build up a loyal base of clients who will continue to use your services in the future!
Conclusion
When it comes to getting clients as a florist, there are a few things you can do to really make your business stand out. By following the 15 tips above, you’ll be well on your way to success! Before you know it, you’ll have more clients than you ever thought possible!
Do you have any tips for getting clients as a florist? Share them in the comments below!
