Have you ever hosted an event and wondered why more attendees weren’t showing up? You put in a lot of effort into planning, inviting people, and posting on social media, but the response you received could have been more impressive. Effective promotion of an event requires patience, planning, and tapping into various marketing channels.
If you want to fill the venue for the next gathering, you must begin promoting it correctly. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to get the word out about your event to the world using two practical tools: social and email. If you follow these tips, you’ll know how to advertise your event easily.
Once you’ve announced the event and begun to promote it via Facebook and other social networks, it’s time to build excitement before the event. Social media and email teasers are great ways to build excitement and boost the number of attendees.
Start teasing 2-4 weeks before the event
A month before the event, create excitement by teasing special guests, giveaways, and other surprises via social media and email. Be as vague as you can, but be interesting. For example, a very special singer or world renowned speaker is appearing. This generates buzz and word-of-mouth promotion.
Post exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos to social media. To give guests an idea of the events coming up. For example, show photos of a stunning venue or speakers at rehearsal. The subscribers to your email will appreciate having a glimpse at the stage.
Create an online contest where participants can win free tickets via sharing the event, liking, or commenting. This helps massively spread awareness of your event. Make a compelling offer, such as VIP access, to increase shares and entry.
Send dedicated email blasts
Send targeted email blasts with clickbait subjects, such as “Only available for the next 24 hours: Get your Early Bird tickets today!” or “Today only, we are having a flash sale! Get 50% off on your tickets.” Even without special promotions, an urgent call to action stimulates curiosity and demand.
If you have just the proper mix of emails with social media teasers, building anticipation, the event will be a huge success. Keep the momentum until the event to ensure maximum participation and an impact!
Write compelling copy that generates excitement
To create excitement for your event, writing compelling copy that draws attention and entices people to go is essential. Here are some suggestions to create captivating marketing material for your event:
Benefits to all.
Explain to people precisely what’s included for them. Indicate the valuable information they’ll acquire, the knowledge they’ll gain, or the experiences they’ll get. For instance, “This conference will teach you the newest strategies for social media to increase your company’s performance.”
Make urgency
Use phrases such as “limited available space” and “selling out quickly” to entice participants to sign up as soon as possible. You could also offer a discount for early birds with a deadline to make it seem urgent.
Create anticipation
Let people imagine how exciting and inspirational your event is going to be. Give exciting details about the location, speakers, or entertainment. For instance, “Our beachfront gala will be a night of live music, cocktails, and an opportunity to meet 200 industry professionals.”
Ask questions
Create thought-provoking questions to spark curiosity about your event’s subject or theme. Explain the way your event can answer these questions. For instance, “Are you struggling to keep up with the latest developments in marketing technology? The conference will provide the latest developments and ways you can make use of these.”
Use powerful words
Words such as “transformational,” “breakthrough,” “cutting-edge,” and “world-class” are a way to convey the significance and the quality that your occasion will have. However, use these words with care and honesty.
The testimonials of happy guests are compelling. Invite past attendees to discuss the value they received from your conference and include the most positive testimonials in your marketing materials. For instance, “‘This conference changed my business. I learned a lot about how we can improve advertising on social networks, and sales have soared!” – Amanda Smith, XYZ Company”
Issue a call to action
After you’ve created enthusiasm for your event, you should inform the attendees exactly what they have to do next, such as registering, booking tickets or reserving their spot. A clear CTA such as “Register today to be a part of the fun!” or “Get your tickets before they’re sold out!” will prompt people to act.
Provide value and engage during the event itself
When your event is in progress, and you’ve promoted it, don’t let it go unnoticed! Keep the excitement going by engaging your attendees via social media. Share live updates, behind-the-scenes images, videos, and quotes, and share the photos and posts from attendees on social media.
Invite people to include your name on their posts regarding the event to amplify the posts. Offer special promotions or giveaways to those who follow your social media accounts during the event.
Send a string of email messages that keep your audience interested. For instance:
- Contact attendees the day before the event with important information, like the timing, location, and parking details. Create excitement by highlighting some of the events, speakers, or events they can anticipate.
- Send an email early in the morning of the event to welcome all attendees. Use some inspiring words from the keynote speakers or organizers of the event. This can help you establish the day’s appropriate attitude and energy level.
- Send an email mid-day with images and information about the morning’s activities. Include highlights of the most important lessons learned. Highlight any special promotions or activities scheduled for the afternoon to encourage more participants.
- Finish the day by sending a recap email, thanking everyone who attended. Send more pictures and important lessons learned, highlighting a few of the day’s accomplishments. Make sure that everyone knows how they can remain involved or do something. Inform them about resources that can help with continuous learning and development.
- Send a follow-up message within a week giving access to presentations by speakers and video clips, as well as a summary of the event. This increases the impact and value that your gathering will have. It allows attendees to revisit the event and reminds them of the critical messages or key takeaways.
Keeping the conversation flowing through social media and emails during your event can increase engagement and buzz. It will also bring maximum value to your guests. They’ll be energized and have the tools to get the most from the experience. They’ll also be excited to go to your next event!
Follow up after the event with recaps, photos and videos
When your event has ended, it’s time to follow up and keep the momentum rolling. Send out recaps, photos, and videos from your event via the internet and on social media. This accomplishes several key aspects:
It keeps your event fresh in people’s minds.
Updates, pictures, and video clips of your event prolong its duration and keep attendees entertained by the event. Post behind-the-scenes videos, candid photos of guests socializing or enjoying activities, and highlights from speakers, entertainment, etc.
It promotes word-of-mouth marketing.
If someone sees posts about an event you have hosted, it could cause them to share the experiences with their acquaintances and family members. They may post updates on social media as well as retweet the posts. They use the word through other methods.
It builds excitement for next year.
If your event is annual, following up with a summary is essential to help create expectations for your next event. Give a brief overview of the highlights and announcements. Make sure that people know the date of the following year’s event to ensure they remember the time.
It allows further connection and interaction.
Comment on other people’s social shares of your event. Answer any questions visitors may ask in the comments of your posts. Respond and like those who tag you in their posts. This helps in the conversation and connects with your target audience.
Conclusion
Now, you have all the strategies and tools required to promote your event effectively via social media and email. With a sound marketing plan that includes engaging content and consistent outreach on different channels, you’ll help increase awareness and bring more people to your event.
Keep in mind that it’s a marathon and not a sprint. Keep promoting throughout the days and weeks before your event to ensure it stays in people’s minds. When the event has concluded, keep conversations going by keeping the event with participants and sharing stories. If you have the right attitude and perseverance, you’ve got this. So, go out and ensure that your event is a smash success!