Event marketing is an effective tactic in getting people excited about your company. There are a number of ways to use it in your marketing mix including charity golf tournaments, product launches, trade shows, member or customer appreciation events, and more.
The one thing I’m asked again and again is, “How do I get more people at my event?” The ideas on increasing event attendance I’m sharing with you are all things I’ve done when I’ve hosted events for my company and the local chamber of commerce. They work, if you work them.
How to Attract a Crowd: increasing event attendance
Use social media. No one will come if they don’t know about it. In addition to your email and written invites, post to social media. Get people excited about your event through your posts. This is no time for “just the facts.”
Get personal. Don’t forget to tell people when you see them. Don’t expect they’ve seen your website, your social media posts, or your emails. Tell everyone. It’s a much more personal approach. Don’t be shy.
Choose a convenient, interesting location. Often people will come because of where you’re hosting. Think of unusual places in your community that will attract a crowd. This might even be your business location. Sometimes attendees just want a golden ticket to see what the chocolate factory looks like from the inside.
Be aware of other things going on. Don’t compete with other big events if you can help it. Also, don’t rule out weeknights or mornings for events. Depending on your audience, they could work nicely. Send out save the date notices early to avoid event competition.
Simplify registration. Don’t make it hard. Let them RSVP in any form that is convenient for them and make sure you have an online option. Some people RSVP after hours.
Provide favors. Okay, so this one may be more about what happens after they get to your event, but any way you look at it you have to provide a “what’s in it for me” moment. Host a raffle. Give away some swag. It’s a nice gesture to thank them for coming and make them want to come to your next event.
But most of all….
Make it fun. Don’t assume a business event can’t be the highlight of someone’s social calendar. No one wants to “do” time at a boring business shindig. If you make it enjoyable, people will want to come back and they’ll tell their friends. You can’t ask for a bigger compliment for your event.
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