I’m going to point out some thing that have had the best results in events I have promoted for myself, clients, or other non-profits. Take these tips to heart and use them in promoting your events to maximize your efforts.
Over the past few weeks, there have been quite a few events in town. One of the events was the CTE (Children’s Theater of Elgin) performance of “Sleeping Beauty“. I happened to be a member of the promotional committee. At the last meeting, which is when I became involved. I discovered a few things which I know will help you in marketing your events.
- When creating an event, always do it from your Facebook Page. This will ensure your page will be promoted when people invite others or share your event.
- Always, always, always, use an image when creating the event. Facebook states the small-sized profile picture for the event can have a maximum width of 50px and a maximum height of 150px. There is also a medium-sized profile picture for an event can have a maximum width of 100px and a maximum height of 300px.
- After your Facebook Page creates the event, make sure to share it on your own profile AND invite your friends.
- Only promote the ONE EVENT! Many people in groups and organizations like to “help” by creating an event of their own and invite their own friends. This dilutes the effectiveness of only having one event.
- Answer questions and engage people on the event page. I have seen, many times, where people really want to go to an event and have a question like: “Is this kid friendly?” Not answering this question will deter people from going because they don’t know if they need a sitter or may think they don’t care to answer. Always answer questions… always!
The five steps above are the basics of any and all events you are holding or involved with. By following the five basic steps, you’ll increase your virality potential. When people go to an event page, they see who has been invited, who is going and who said maybe. They also see comments and engagement from the event organizers.
People like to do what others are doing and it really does get more people to your event. “Wow, look at all those people who are going! This is going to be a great event, not to miss.”
- Event Description: in the first 250 characters of your description, make it exciting and enticing.
Make that little teaser be the part that will hook people into coming to your event. The first 250 characters are what’s seen before someone has to click the “see more” link. - Make sure you upload the photo for your event image, in the “photo” section too.
- Move your clickable “Events Button” next to your Photos. It will draw double the attention to the event.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below. Go ahead and share this with the organizations you’re involved with. They can greatly benefit from this information.
- Michael S. Copeland
