Zach Custer
September 23, 2024
You’ve put in the work to plan an amazing event, but without the right marketing, how will people know about it? Here’s the good news: event marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With a few smart moves, you can build the excitement and get the crowd you deserve.
This guide breaks down practical, no-nonsense strategies for promoting your event—whether you’re new to digital marketing or just need a fresh approach. These tips are designed to be put into action immediately.
You wouldn’t throw a party without knowing who’s coming, right? Event marketing is no different. Before you do anything else, take a moment to define your audience. Is it local families, professionals, or maybe students? Knowing who they are will shape everything from how you talk to them to where you promote your event.
Need help defining your audience? Check out this Buyer Persona Tool by HubSpot to create a clear profile of your ideal attendees.
Pro Tip: Write down key details about your target audience—like age, interests, and what kind of events they enjoy. This simple profile will help guide your event marketing services and all other efforts.
If your event isn’t online, does it even exist? Don’t worry, building a website doesn’t require a tech background. A simple one-page site with the event details, an RSVP button, and some visuals is enough to generate excitement. Make sure it's mobile-friendly—most people will visit from their phones.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Google Sites or website builders like Duda to quickly create a polished, easy-to-navigate event page.
Event marketing on social media is a game-changer when done right. You don’t need a massive budget to get people talking about your event. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer free access to a large audience. The key?
Consistent posting and content that builds anticipation.
Pro Tip: Pick one or two social media platforms where your audience is most active and post regular updates. Be consistent to build a following and anticipation for the event.
Email marketing is far from outdated. But instead of sending a generic blast, personalize your invitations. Address people by name and let them know why this event is specifically for them. A personal touch can make the difference between them ignoring the email or RSVPing right away.
Pro Tip: Use email marketing tools like Mailchimp to send targeted invitations and follow-up reminders. Highlight exclusive aspects of your event, such as VIP access or special discounts.
Don't try to handle everything yourself. Collaborating with event marketers or influencers in your area can help boost attendance. If you’re working on a corporate event, partnering with an event marketing specialist in your industry could amplify your reach. Offer them free access or benefits in exchange for promoting the event to their followers.
Pro Tip: Reach out to local influencers, bloggers, or niche experts. Offer them something valuable, like VIP tickets or early access, in exchange for promoting your event.
Nothing drives urgency like a good deal. Offering early bird pricing or group discounts can help lock in more registrations upfront. You don’t need to cut your prices too much; just offer enough of a discount to incentivize early sign-ups.
Pro Tip: Use your event page and social media to promote a limited-time early bird offer, and make sure you include a countdown timer to drive urgency.
Your attendees can become your best promoters. Make it as easy as possible for them to share your event. Add social media share buttons to your website and email invitations, and consider creating simple graphics or videos that they can share directly on their own feeds.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Canva to create eye-catching graphics or flyers that attendees can post. Add social share buttons on your website for one-click sharing.
Marketing doesn’t stop when the event ends. Keep the conversation going by posting highlights, thanking attendees, and encouraging them to share their experience. This is a powerful way to build loyalty and make sure your next event is even more successful.
Pro Tip: After the event, post a recap with photos or videos. Tag attendees and encourage them to share their favorite moments.
Event marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple, actionable tips, you can start building buzz and get the turnout you’re looking for. Whether you need help with digital marketing, SEO, or booking advertising, the steps outlined here are the perfect starting point.
Know someone who could use these tips? Share this page and help them plan a memorable event with strategies they can apply today!
FAQs
Event marketing is the process of promoting an event to attract attendees, build buzz, and increase engagement. It's essential because without the right marketing, even the best events can go unnoticed. Effective event marketing helps you reach the right audience, ensures people know the details, and creates excitement before the event even starts.
Start by defining your ideal attendee based on their age, interests, and needs. This information will help shape your marketing message and where you promote your event. Need help? Try using a free tool like HubSpot's Buyer Persona Generator to create a clear profile of your audience.
Yes, having a website for your event makes it easy for people to find all the details, RSVP, and share it with others. Luckily, building a website doesn't have to be hard. Tools like Google Sites and Duda let you create a clean, mobile-friendly page in minutes.
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting events. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn allow you to reach your audience for free. The key is to post consistently and share content that builds excitement, like countdowns, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and updates leading up to the event.
Personalizing your invitations can make a big difference. Instead of sending a generic email blast, address your attendees by name and explain why the event is relevant to them. Tools like Mailchimp make it easy to personalize and send targeted invitations.