Hosting a live event can be a daunting task. Planning the content, finding a venue and managing the logistics can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Then you have to shift gears to focus on perhaps the most important aspect of the planning process – engaging your audience to register and attend the event!
Whether you are hosting a company retreat, conference or gala there are a few key marketing ingredients that will make your event a success.
Set up your event website
In order to promote the event, you need to have a central hub where you can direct attendees to view the details and register. Begin by writing a description of the event that highlights the benefits of attending and what people will gain by attending. How will this event help them? What is the format? What is the agenda for the day? Who is the event designed for?
It’s also important to include basic information like the date, time and location for the event as well as the registration information so people can buy tickets!
In addition to your website or sales page, set up an event page on Facebook or Eventbrite so you can reach a wider audience.
Create a marketing calendar
Depending on the size of the event, you should begin marketing 2-6 months in advance of the event. Creating a marketing calendar will keep you organized and on track with your initiatives as you move closer to the date.
Decide how often you will promote the event and through which channels. For example, will you send an email to your newsletter subscribers or post the information on social media? Write down each marketing piece on a calendar to indicate the date you plan to send it out.
Here are a few marketing channels to consider:
- Newsletter subscribers
- Client prospects
- Colleagues and partners who serve similar audiences
- Social media channels
- Networking groups and associations
- Online groups and communities such as Facebook, LinkedIn
Important note: Remember to also mark time on your calendar to write the promotional materials!
Engage partners to build the buzz
In addition to marketing to your own list and social media channels, enlisting the help of friends, colleagues and business partners will help spread the word to a wider audience.
This can include:
- Event Speakers
- Sponsors and partners
- Employees
- Board members
- Planning committee
- Volunteers
- Attendees/Guests
Provide sample email copy, blurbs for newsletters and social media posts to make it easy for people to share the event with their communities.
Build excitement ahead of the event
Once people begin registering for your event, it’s important to keep in touch with them before the event happens. Sending email updates or engaging with attendees on social media keeps it fresh in their minds and builds excitement. Get creative and start a social media promotion by asking attendees to post pictures on Facebook or Instagram.
Monitor your registration numbers throughout the process to make sure you’re meeting your goals.
Ready to sell out your next event? Begin by booking your complimentary call today.