Planning a marketing event can be stressful, even more so if things do not turn out right. You might have booked a venue and set a date, but you are not sure if your target audience will show up. Perhaps you are also worried about whether people will enjoy themselves.
If you want to ensure your marketing event is a success, here are a few tips to start you off in the right direction.
1. Sell the perks.
When marketing your event, remember that your invitees want to know the purpose of the occasion and what is in it for them. Is it to launch a new product, announce some company news, or celebrate a specific milestone? What will they get out of it? Through your event literature and invitations, guests should be able to discern the benefits quickly and easily, whether it is an exclusive preview, entertainment, freebies or the chance to network.
2. Create an event promotion page.
Do not forget how important it is to take your marketing online. Create a page or website dedicated solely to the event. Make it appealing by incorporating a compelling description and all the important yet boring details, such as date, start time, arrival time, running time, venue, parking and whether food will be served. Let your readers know who the speakers at the event are and include their pictures and biographies. Remember to add a bold “Register now” button or invite attendees to reserve their places.
3. Start an email campaign.
An effective email marketing strategy involves sending out emails to your audience in intervals over some time. The idea behind email campaigns is to nudge your audience towards registering for attendance. The timing of the emails should be such that you do not flood the recipients’ inboxes, creating such an overwhelming experience that they do not want to attend. Instead, send an initial invitation at least two months in advance, a follow-up reminder and a last call a week before the event.
4. Make use of social media.
For you to reach as large an audience as you possibly can, make sure that you have your message in all the right places. Set up Facebook events for followers to RSVP to and ensure you spread the word on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, blog pages, and LinkedIn.
5. Find dependable contractors in advance.
You do not want your team to run up and down at the last minute looking for essentials like decorations or refreshments. For a list of reliable vendors, use an online party-planning directory for all the services you need. The vendors on online catalogues are tried and tested, and you can trust them to deliver a lively and well-planned event.
6. Build momentum before and during the event.
Keep your attendees excited and involved by having a dedicated hashtag running a few days before the main event. You may even provide a teaser for a giveaway you will run shortly after the event. Most importantly, have face-to-face contact with your attendees beforehand if possible to build anticipation and remind them of the date, but certainly during and immediately after where you can build lasting relationships and leave attendees with a positive impression.
7. Invest in a quality sound system.
On the actual day, everything should run smoothly. That includes the sound system so your attendees can fully appreciate the presentation you have to deliver without straining to hear or putting up with crackling or muffling. Renting a professional PA system is the best way to impress your guests. If you hold such events a few times a year, you may consider hiring a sound system, but to cut costs in the long run, it is more cost-effective and convenient to buy your own system. A portable sound system is even better, as it can easily be taken outside your company for your future events.
Impress your attendees at your next marketing event
Remember, a successful marketing event is a great way to impress clients, staff and business partners. By following these seven tips, you can ensure your next marketing event goes off without a hitch.
This marketing advice is brought to you by Musicshop.sg – Retailer of musical instruments and pro audio equipment in Singapore.
