How Are Enquiries Generated on VenueNow?

Channel 1: Supplier Search (Direct Enquiries)

The Supplier Search is VenueNow's primary lead generation channel, and it delivers your highest-quality leads.

How Enquirers Find You

Event planners land on the Supplier Search in three ways:

Browsing from the homepage - clicking the "Browse Suppliers" button on venuenow.com.
Paid advertising - arriving via one of VenueNow's targeted ad campaigns (Google, Meta, etc.).
Post-venue booking flow - after securing a venue through VenueNow, planners are prompted to browse suppliers for their event.

The Search Experience

The Supplier Search works similarly to VenueNow's venue search. A familiar, intuitive browsing experience. Enquirers can:

Filter by category (e.g. Catering, Audio-Visual, Photography, Floristry)
Filter by location to find suppliers in their area
Browse supplier profiles with descriptions, images, pricing indicators, and reviews

What Happens When They Find You

When an enquirer clicks into your listing, they'll see your full supplier profile (your description, images, services offered, and any other details you've added).

If they like what they see and submit an enquiry, that lead comes directly to you.

Please see an example listing below:

Why Direct Enquiries Are Your Best Leads

This is the key distinction: direct enquiries are not shared with other suppliers. When someone finds your profile, reviews your offering, and chooses to reach out, that's a one-to-one connection.

These leads have:

High intent - they've actively searched, filtered, and chosen your listing specifically
Strong context - they've already seen your profile, services, and pricing before reaching out
No competition - the enquiry is sent only to you, not matched with other suppliers

This is why maintaining a strong listing matters. The better your profile looks, with up-to-date descriptions, quality images, and clear service details, the more likely browsers are to convert into direct enquiries.

💡 Tip: Treat your VenueNow profile like a shop window. Planners are comparison shopping. Clear images, a compelling description, and accurate service information will set you apart from competitors in search results.

Channel 2: Match AI (Matched Enquiries)

Match AI is VenueNow's intelligent matching system. It connects enquirers with relevant suppliers based on their event needs - without them needing to browse individual profiles.

How It Works for Enquirers

Match AI is accessible from the top of the VenueNow homepage. Enquirers enter a few key details about what they're looking for:

Category - the type of supplier they need (e.g. Audio-Visual, Catering)
Location - where their event is taking place
Event details - any additional context about their requirements

How Matching Works

Once an enquirer submits their request, VenueNow's matching system reviews the available suppliers and selects up to 3 suppliers that best fit the brief.

Matching is based on:

The service category requested
The enquirer's location and event area
Your listing details and service coverage

The matched suppliers then receive the enquiry and can respond directly to the client.

What to Expect from Matched Leads

Match AI leads differ from direct enquiries in a few ways:

	Direct Enquiry (Supplier Search)	Matched Enquiry (Match AI)
How they find you	Browses your profile and chooses you	Submits a broad request, matched by VenueNow
Competition	None - enquiry is exclusive to you	Up to 2 other matched suppliers
Intent level	High - they've reviewed your listing	Moderate - interested in the category, exploring options
Best approach	Respond promptly and personally	Respond fast, stand out from other matched suppliers

Match AI leads are a valuable source of new business - particularly for building awareness with planners who may not have found you through search alone. Speed of response is your biggest advantage here; the first supplier to reply often wins the booking.

Making the Most of Both Channels

Both channels are working to bring qualified leads to your inbox. Here's how to maximise your results across both:

Optimise your profile for Supplier Search -Your listing is your primary sales tool for direct enquiries. Keep it current with quality imagery, a clear and compelling description, accurate service details, and up-to-date contact information.
Respond quickly - especially to Match AI leads. When you're one of three matched suppliers, response time is a major differentiator. Aim to respond within the hour wherever possible.
Keep your service areas and categories accurate - Both channels rely on your listing information to connect you with the right enquirers. Incorrect details mean missed leads - or leads that aren't a good fit.

Have a question about your enquiries or need help optimising your listing? Reach out to the VenueNow Partner team - we're here to help you grow.