Four Tips for Organizing Parties, Events, and Launches with Social Media
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For all the commotion suggesting that social media is replacing people’s social lives, the reality is distinctly different. While some Facebook users sit inert at their desks all day, browsing others’ profiles, more and more people are spending their time arranging events, organizing parties, and making real-life connections. The internet is turning full circle, and the biggest social media nerds are now becoming the most connected people in the city.
While it might seem like this change is useless to marketers, it is really quite a lucrative opportunity. As people begin to embrace online-based events, the potential for marketers to create events for their companies, products, and even brand new media launches increases dramatically. These four tips will help you boost attendance at events by organizing through social media.
1. Host a competition.
Nothing builds anticipation like the chance to win something. One of the best ways to have your event spread virally is to offer incentives for people who do so. Even a relatively simple prize can motivate people to spread the word. Pick something that is valuable to your audience, let people gain more chances to win the more often they spread the word, and watch as buzz about your event snowballs through different social media channels.
2. Start early, and build up hype slowly.
Think of how hype builds for a blockbuster movie. It starts slowly — people notice small signs, viral marketing campaigns take place, and small details are released — and slowly builds to a crescendo. Events work best when you give people time to plan. Start building buzz early, but ensure that there is enough promotional presence immediately before the event. Best strategy: roll out posters and fliers early, then start a competition, bonuses, and cool additions a week or two beforehand.
3. Invite social media power users.
If you are a social media newbie, it is unlikely that your information will get very far. At the higher levels, particularly for promotions, social media can be incredibly difficult to master. Do not put all of your marketing muscle into promoting your event yourself. Instead, contact social media power users and key presences with a special pass to your event. If they like what they see, you could have a hugely influential online platform for marketing your event.
4. Make it more than an event.
The easiest way to market an event is to have a prior reputation, and the easiest way to generate that reputation is with a smash hit. For your first social media event, focus on creating something that is truly unforgettable for people. If you are launching a product, give every guest a swag bag, free sample, and information on how to get their word out there. An ultra-successful event is worth more than just the immediate marketing value; attendees will share their stories and thoughts, and you will generate a completely organic second wave of marketing, all through people that will stay with your company, product, or purpose long-term.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s! We’re having a white Christmas this year, with several inches of fresh new powder. Absolutely gorgeous.
Andrea KalliCertified Internet and Social Marketing VA
WishList – Wordpress Membership Sites and Retention Strategies
MATERIAL CONNECTION DISCLOSURE: You should assume that I, Andrea Kalli, have an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the providers of goods and services mentioned in this page and may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. You should always perform due diligence before buying goods or services from anyone via the Internet or offline.
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