I consider myself a great business party planner. I’m not bragging–well, maybe a little–but it’s just something I have a knack for. When throwing a party or a business event you need to do several things:
- Get people there
- Drum up excitement
- Make sure everyone enjoys themselves
- Give them something to talk about or an experience they’ll remember
- Thank them for coming
- Repeat
Ways to Promote Your Business Event Like a Pro
Yes, it’s really that simple but it’s not easy. In today’s social media world you need to make sure you get people there and you give them something they don’t see elsewhere. Here are the basics of how to promote your business event like a pro:
Use all Channels Possible
From social media to your email signature, ensure that you use all of the channels possible to tell your ideal attendee about your event. You needn’t be on every social media channel, however, just those where your ideal attendee would be found. Concentrate your efforts there for the biggest return on your time.
Don’t Forget Video
Video is wildly popular and can excite people about your event because they get to see the pre-planning or the fun they’ll have. Providing visual stimulus like a video will encourage the prospective attendee to envision themselves there, which is always a good thing. Go live in the planning phases of your event to show the behind-the-scenes work and go live at your event. Here are a few tips on how you can do that.
Monitor Conversations and Respond
You’ll likely use your email list to invite people to your event but you needn’t stop there. You can listen on social media to people who are discussing topics that will be covered at your event. Join the conversation and invite them, as appropriate. If nothing else, when done correctly, these new acquaintances will check out your business and interact with you in the future.
Offer a Giveaway
Something free to all attendees or the first <insert number> often drives attendee numbers but you’ll need to pick out your swag carefully. Free pens aren’t going to do it but a swag bag full of beauty essential samples just might. The best way to decide what will work here and what won’t is to get to know your audience. What are they interested in?
Point Out What’s in it for Them
Make sure your marketing pieces are targetted to speak to what’s in it for them. Again, this is not what you think they should find value in (We’re giving away 3 clients packages valued at $1,000 each) but what they will find value in. Discover what that is and speak to it.
Get the Press Involved
Send out press releases to local markets but look for a new angle. There’s nothing that exciting about a business anniversary unless it’s a slow news day. Chances are your news will be buried deep within the page or publication. However, if you can find a unique angle and the human interest piece, you’ll drum up more interest. Is there a touching community component in what you’re going? Are you motivated by something your town would enjoy knowing more about? Think of things that will set your event apart while also connecting you to the larger community.
Invite Industry Influencers
Invite industry influencers to your event but don’t wait until the last second if you want them to attend. These people get invited to a lot of things. Respect their calendars. Also, don’t forget to include why this event is beneficial to them. Remember “you’ll learn a lot” is not a benefit.
Make the Audience Feel Great
People remember how you make them feel and feeling good, or self-care, isn’t something a lot of people spend time on these days. So when it happens, it’s special. When we were organizing a chamber luncheon we changed the whole feel by simply changing the title. It went from New Member Luncheon to VIP Luncheon. From blah to wow. By referring to guests as VIPs we increased attendance to sell out point each time. You can too if you concentrate on how you’re making people feel.
You can plan an amazing event and spare no expense but if you fail to promote your business event, you’re likely doing it all for nothing. Instead, create an integrated marketing and public relations plan that speaks to your ideal attendee.
Feeling lost? We can help. Contact us today and we’ll show you how promotion is key to the success of your business event.
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