It’s easy to get caught up in the details of an event and neglect certain tasks. One aspect of planning that requires a prominent place on your to-do list is social media marketing. But strategic use of online platforms does not have to be a full-time job. From hashtags to Snapchat, here are some tips for tagging all the bases at your next brilliant production.
1. Choose Content Wisely
It’s important to cross-pollinate across all social media platforms, but the content may vary slightly for each outlet. For example, Snapchat is all about the stories that disappear in 24 hours, whereas Facebook is ideal for promoting to a network and LinkedIn simplifies professional networking. By promoting events using the appropriate tactics for each outlet, you can reach your entire audience. For instance, you’ll probably post links to professional articles with proper punctuation and grammar on LinkedIn, while Instagram is perfect for fun photos, witty captions and a more casual tone.
2. Define and Spread Your Hashtag
In a world where it is easy to be overwhelmed, hashtags are more crucial than ever. These keywords and phrases allow attendees to connect with your brand, event and each other. Make sure the hashtag is everywhere, from the event description to the biography on your Instagram, and encourage attendees to post it as well. And don’t wait until the day of the event to begin using it—build-up to the event should include your hashtag as well. For a little more encouragement, set up a photo booth or promote a giveaway for the best photo that uses the hashtag.
3. Invest in Facebook Ads
Did you know that the majority of the people who have “liked” your page on Facebook won’t see your posts? Due to Facebook’s algorithms and the vast amount of posting your attendees are seeing on their homepages, it’s easy to get buried underneath other status updates. Make room in your budget to pay for ads for your event as it increases your chances of spreading information around. You can also choose target demographics based on age, location and gender. It’s a fantastic feature for finding potential attendees that have yet to discover your brand.
4. Take Attendees Behind the Scenes
People love to be in the know—who doesn’t like getting insider information? Give your followers a glimpse into the preparation that happens before a big event. Post a Snapchat story that will disappear in 24 hours for the ultimate sense of secrecy, or post a short video to your Facebook page as a teaser of what’s to come.
5. Re-post from Previous Events
If this isn’t your first rodeo, post content that was recorded at the previous event. This will encourage potential attendees to come and partake in the festivities instead of experiencing the fear of missing out (FOMO). The more surprising and visual the post, the more likely it is to draw people in. If you have plenty of video clips, create a short highlight reel and post it to YouTube, where you can feature it as your channel’s welcoming video.
6. Showcase Speakers
Choosing a keynote speaker takes time and effort, and people have high expectations. They want to gain insight without feeling as though they’re being lectured. Give attendees a taste of your speaker’s style by pulling quotes from previous keynotes or sharing what makes them special through an image. People respond more to photos and videos, so think of overlaying a quote for maximum impact.
7. Don’t Abandon Email
Unless your demographic is solely catering to millennials, some attendees may not use the latest social media. However, almost every attendee will have access to the Internet and an email address. Newsletters still carry a lot of value—including making sure no one feels left out because they’re not using QQ Chat or WhatsApp.
