2025 is shaping up to be the year of the Online Business Manager (OBM). While AI might be the buzzword everyone’s talking about, OBMs are the real secret weapon for small businesses, especially in the wedding industry. If you’re feeling like you’re spinning plates trying to manage clients, marketing, and a million other moving pieces—you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it all yourself. An OBM can help you streamline your business and take it to the next level.

So, what’s an Online Business Manager, exactly? They’re your go-to expert for managing the systems, operations, and strategies that power your business behind the scenes. Think of them as your right-hand partner, someone who keeps everything running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best.

Whether you’re a wedding planner, photographer, or vendor, having an OBM in your corner can make all the difference. Imagine workflows that actually work, a consistent brand voice across every platform, and someone to handle all the behind-the-scenes tasks that eat up your time. An OBM isn’t just about taking things off your plate—they’re about helping your business grow and thrive.

In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

• What an Online Business Manager (OBM) Does: A deep dive into the key responsibilities of an Online Business Manager and how they can help wedding professionals like you.
• Why You Need an OBM in 2025: Explore how OBMs are reshaping the wedding industry and helping businesses stay competitive.
• The Benefits of Hiring an OBM: From saving time to boosting efficiency, discover the game-changing advantages of bringing an OBM into your business.
• Real-Life Results: A case study of how I helped a wedding pro transform their business and achieve their goals.
• How to Find the Right OBM: Practical tips for finding an OBM who understands your business and aligns with your goals.

How can an Online Business Manager (OBM) help your business?

Picture this: you’ve got a fantastic idea for a new service or are determined to finally stay consistent with your marketing. But here’s the problem—you don’t have the time to create a launch plan or map out a marketing strategy. Why? Because you’re managing 30 weddings this year, juggling endless admin tasks, or trying to figure out which tech tools will actually work for your business.

Now, imagine having someone who thrives on those details—handling everything from strategy to execution—so you can focus on the big picture. That’s exactly what an Online Business Manager (OBM) brings to the table. They’ll tackle the launch plan, craft a tailored marketing strategy, and even handle the setup and tasks around it. All you have to do is give your approval, and they’ll take care of the rest.

But that’s just the beginning. Here are more ways an OBM can make your life easier:

• Streamline client onboarding and communication: From inquiry responses to contracts and follow-ups, they ensure every client feels cared for from start to finish. Learn more about our HoneyBook Setup services.
• Optimize project timelines and workflows: Whether it’s event planning, editing schedules, or vendor coordination, they create systems that save you time and headaches.
• Create and execute digital marketing strategies: They focus on results-driven campaigns, whether it’s growing your social media presence or improving your email marketing game. Explore our Marketing Virtual Assistant services.
• Manage your online presence: From keeping your website up to date to ensuring your social media stays consistent and on-brand, they handle it all. 

But here’s the fun part—OBMs aren’t just behind-the-scenes wizards; they’re also your go-to brainstorming partner. Have a new service or product you want to launch? Are you thinking of expanding into a new market? Your OBM can help you refine your ideas, map out a plan, and bring those big dreams to life. They’ll not only manage the details but also offer fresh, strategic insights to make your vision a reality.

Whether it’s bouncing ideas for a new marketing campaign, crafting a launch strategy for a digital product, or figuring out how to scale your offerings, an OBM is there to collaborate with you and guide your business growth. They’re not just taking things off your plate—they’re helping you dream bigger and execute smarter.

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things to move your business forward. And an OBM is the perfect partner to make that happen.

Learn more about the key responsibilities and benefits of an OBM

Why You Need an Online Business Manager in 2025

The wedding industry is evolving fast. Couples are savvier than ever, and their expectations are higher. An Online Business Manager helps you keep up with these changes by managing the tech, trends, and strategies that keep you competitive.

Here are just a few ways OBMs can supercharge your business in 2025:

1. Save Time and Energy:
   Delegate those time-consuming tasks (think scheduling, email management, or social media planning) so you can focus on delivering your signature services.  Here’s why hiring an OBM might be the best decision for your business.
2. Boost Efficiency:
   OBMs thrive on creating processes that work. They’ll streamline your workflows, making everything from client inquiries to project completion seamless.
3. Stay Ahead of Trends:
   From personalized wedding experiences to sustainable practices, OBMs are tapped into the trends shaping the industry. They’ll help you incorporate these into your business, ensuring you stand out. Explore the latest wedding industry trends that are expected to shape 2025.
4. Optimize Your Marketing:
   With a focus on data and strategy, an OBM can fine-tune your marketing efforts, helping you reach the right audience and convert inquiries into bookings.

How to Find the Right Online Business Manager for Your Business

Not all OBMs are created equal, so finding one who understands your business and aligns with your goals is key. To get started, here are a few steps:

• First, Get Clear on Your Needs: What’s holding you back? Whether it’s digital marketing, systems setup, or managing your team, knowing your pain points will help you find an OBM who’s the perfect fit.
• Next, Leverage Your Network: Ask for recommendations from industry peers or explore wedding-focused business communities for leads. This step can often uncover hidden gems.
• Then, Ask the Right Questions: During interviews, focus on their experience, communication style, and how they can help you achieve your goals. Look for someone who feels like a partner, not just a task manager.

Case Study: How I Helped a Wedding Planner

Let me share a story about one of my amazing clients, a wedding planner who was feeling completely overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks of running their business. They were struggling to keep up with client inquiries, juggle multiple event timelines, and stay consistent on social media. If this sounds familiar, read on.

When they came to me, they were ready for a change but weren’t sure where to start. As a result, I stepped in to bring clarity and structure to their business. Here’s what we did together:

1. Streamlined Client Communication:
   I set up an automated inquiry system through HoneyBook, which ensured every potential client received a prompt, professional response. This not only saved them hours each week but also increased their booking rate, because no lead was left waiting. Learn more about HoneyBook
2. Simplified Project Management:
   Using Asana, I created customized workflows for each wedding they were managing. This included timelines, vendor coordination, and task reminders, so nothing fell through the cracks. Consequently, it gave them peace of mind and helped them deliver an exceptional experience for every couple.
3. Revamped Their Marketing Strategy:
   They wanted to grow their presence online but didn’t have the time to post consistently or track what was working. To address this, I took over their social media planning, created a content calendar tailored to their brand voice, and analyzed engagement metrics. Within just a few months, their Instagram audience grew, inquiries doubled, and they booked two premium clients directly through their online efforts.
4. Business Growth Brainstorming:
   This client had big ideas—like launching a mini wedding package for elopements—but didn’t know how to make it happen. Together, we mapped out the steps for the launch, set clear goals, and created a marketing plan to promote it. As a result, they saw a successful launch that added a new revenue stream to their business.

The impact was huge. Not only did they reclaim hours in their week, but they also felt a renewed sense of control and confidence in their business. As a result, they were able to focus on designing unforgettable events and nurturing their client relationships—what they truly loved to do.

Why 2025 Is the Year to Invest in an Online Business Manager

As trends like personalization, sustainability, and tech innovation reshape the wedding industry, an Online Business Manager can help you stay ahead of the curve. They’ll handle the backend work so you can focus on what you love—whether that’s designing stunning wedding décor, capturing magical moments, or curating unforgettable client experiences.

If you’re ready to reclaim your time, increase your bookings, and elevate your business, it might be time to bring in an OBM. Trust me, your future self (and clients) will thank you.