The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Promotion for Events
/0 Comments/in Corporate Events, Edmonton Events, Event Planning /by Courtney CoulombeThe Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Promotion for Events
Social media channels are great free tools to use to promote your upcoming event, but it’s important to use these channels in a tasteful way that suits your audience preferences. Read our blog to learn about the dos and don’ts of social media promotion.
The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Promotion for Events
In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for event planners looking to create a buzz around their upcoming gatherings. Whether you’re organizing a corporate conference, music festival, or charity fundraiser, harnessing the power of social media can significantly impact your event’s success. However, it’s not just about posting a few pictures and hoping for the best. Social media promotion for events requires a strategic approach to maximize engagement and attendance. This blog will guide you through the dos and don’ts of social media promotion for events, helping you make the most of these platforms to create unforgettable experiences.
The Dos
Create a Well-Defined Strategy: Before you start posting on social media, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out strategy in place. Identify your target audience, set clear goals, and plan a content calendar that aligns with the event timeline. A strategy helps maintain consistency and purpose in your posts, ensuring your audience stays engaged. I like to pre-plan my posts a month ahead (when possible) to ensure that I stick to my social media plan and have time to think things out!
Leverage Multiple Platforms: Different social media platforms attract various demographics. It’s wise to have a presence on the major ones such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. However, focus more on the platforms that resonate with your event’s audience. For instance, if your event is visually appealing, Instagram and Pinterest might be your primary channels.
Tell a Story: People connect with stories, so use your event’s story to create intrigue. Share the journey of your event planning, including behind-the-scenes insights, obstacles you’ve overcome, and personal anecdotes. These stories humanize your event and make it relatable to your audience.
Engage with Your Audience: Social media is not a one-way street; it’s a two-way conversation. Respond to comments, answer questions, and acknowledge mentions. Engaging with your audience builds a community around your event, making attendees feel valued and heard.
Utilize Hashtags: Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing the visibility of your event. Create a unique event hashtag, but also incorporate popular and relevant industry-specific hashtags to widen your reach. Encourage attendees and partners to use your event’s hashtag in their posts.
User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage attendees to share their experiences through photos and videos. UGC is an authentic endorsement of your event and can generate excitement and trust among potential attendees. You can also run UGC contests with prizes for added motivation.
Post Consistently: Maintaining a regular posting schedule ensures your audience stays engaged and informed. Use scheduling tools to plan your posts in advance, but also remain flexible to react to real-time events and trends.
Visual Content: Visuals are more likely to grab attention. Invest in high-quality, eye-catching images and videos that showcase the essence of your event. Use professional photography and videography to create a visual feast for your audience. Don’t have the budget for professional photography? That’s OK too! Our phones capture great photos and video, and you just need to get creative with it. If you need inspiration, check out how-to videos on YouTube to get started.
Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers in your niche can extend your event’s reach. These influencers already have a dedicated following, and their endorsement can lend credibility to your event. Collaborate with them for promotional posts, reviews, or even as event hosts.
Run Contests and Giveaways: Contests and giveaways can be an effective way to generate excitement and engagement. Offer tickets, merchandise, or exclusive access to winners. This not only increases buzz but also encourages people to interact with your social media accounts.
The Don’ts
Neglecting Your Audience: One of the biggest mistakes event planners make is not engaging with their audience. Ignoring comments or messages sends the message that you don’t care about your potential attendees. Always be responsive and respectful.
Overposting: While posting consistently is important, don’t go overboard. Overloading your followers with too much content can lead to unfollows or disengagement. Find the right balance that keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them.
Ignoring Analytics: Social media platforms offer valuable insights into your posts’ performance. Don’t ignore these analytics. Review what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Monitoring metrics like reach, engagement, and click-through rates is vital for success.
Ignoring Negative Comments: Inevitably, you may receive negative comments or feedback. It’s essential not to ignore them but to respond professionally and constructively. Use such instances as an opportunity to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Being Inconsistent: Inconsistency in your brand’s messaging, tone, and visual identity can confuse your audience. Maintain a consistent brand image and tone across all your social media accounts, ensuring your event’s identity is instantly recognizable.
Using Irrelevant Hashtags: While using hashtags is crucial, don’t overuse them or include irrelevant ones. Ensure that your hashtags are directly related to your event or its industry. Irrelevant hashtags can dilute your message and irritate your audience.
Ignoring Platform-Specific Features: Different social media platforms offer unique features like Stories, IGTV, LinkedIn polls, and more. Ignoring these features can limit your reach and creativity. Make use of platform-specific features to create diverse and engaging content.
Copying Competitors: While it’s fine to take inspiration from your competitors, outright copying their content or strategies can harm your event’s credibility. Be unique and authentic in your approach to stand out in the crowd.
Over-Automation: While scheduling tools are useful for planning content, avoid over-automating your social media presence. Automated responses can feel impersonal and robotic, potentially turning off your audience—balance automation with genuine interaction.
Missing Out on Partnerships: Collaborating with sponsors, exhibitors, and other event partners can be a mutually beneficial endeavor. Don’t miss out on opportunities to cross-promote each other, extending your reach to a wider audience.
Social media promotion has become an indispensable part of event planning. When done right, it can significantly impact attendance, engagement, and the overall success of your event. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts of social media promotion, you can create a buzz that resonates with your target audience, builds excitement, and leaves a lasting impression.
Remember, social media is a dynamic landscape that evolves, so keep an eye on trends and adapt your strategy accordingly. Stay authentic, tell your event’s story, and engage with your audience consistently. In doing so, you’ll not only create a successful event but also build a loyal and engaged community around your brand. So, get out there, create an impact, and make your event unforgettable through the power of social media.
Need ideas on promoting your upcoming event? Reach out to the Planit Events Inc. team to help!
Contact Us
780-993-6933
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!