You’re planning a big event — maybe it’s a party, an outing, a luncheon or a benefit. Whatever it may be, you have a list of to-do’s longer than a yardstick that you’re slowly checking off. However, the hard truth is that none of it will matter if nobody shows up to your event. No need to worry, though! There are many ways you can market your event from behind your computer screen.
Here are some tried-and-true ways to use the internet to generate buzz.
Direct Marketing
Using email or personalized electronic invitations will make it easy to get important information out to your guests, like when and where your event will be. With so much happening on devices these days, an invitation that guests can take with them anywhere is better than a paper invite. People can easily add the date to their calendar, and if they need to reference it in the future, they can just pull it up on their phones.
You’ll also want to make your email pop with visuals and colors for a higher feedback rate. Use a friendly subject line, so viewers don’t immediately think its simply junk mail.
To keep your potential guests excited as the date draws closer, send out important logistical information, updates about what to expect and any announcements about the event. This will keep the event on their minds in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Social Media
The most powerful tool you have in this decade is a social media presence. There are endless ways you can make sure your event gets noticed through social media. For example, create a unique hashtag for the event that people can use when talking about it. This makes it easy for your guests to find out who else is going and what people are excited about. It also entices them to share their experience at the event on social media.
A social media presence for your event is also important to keep in contact with your guests and any concerns they may have. You can post important directions, contact information and logistical information for easy access. Have someone monitoring the page in case anybody asks a question or needs assistance before or during the event.
Traditional Marketing
Though this may take a little more work, there’s a reason why traditional marketing continues to work after many years. Send out a press release to local radio stations, newspapers and magazines and ask them to run the story in their next issue. Be sure to include contact information and how to sign up.
You can also look for bloggers in the industry and ask them to give your event a shout-out. You may even want to try paid online advertising. With the amount of time people spend online, getting to them in as many ways as possible through the internet is always a good idea.
Keep People Interested
If people are responding positively to your invitations, you’re doing great. However, even once you get that “yes”, your marketing days are not over. You have to keep your guests interested about the event. The last thing you want is a room full of no-shows.
Keep people excited by generating buzz. Use your social media account to post teasers about the event, showing guests a little preview of what they’re going to experience. Create videos, contests, interactive material and updates to post and keep the event fresh in people’s minds.
Using the internet to reach your potential guests has never been so important. Put online marketing on your event to-do list so you’ll have a full room of happy guests!
Share your ideas about online marketing and how you use the internet to connect with your guests in the comments below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!