Event marketing is a technique that entrepreneurs, community leaders, lifestyle coaches, and startups use for driving up engagement for themselves. If the event goes as planned, individuals and organizations will generate brand awareness for their future growth.
Most popular individuals and big businesses started from the grassroots before going global. They were able to organize events like seminars, conferences, and product training properly at the local level. If you are aiming to plan your local event and generate big prospects, here are some useful tips.
Use Social Media Effectively
There is no better place to raise awareness than social media. Facebook, X, Instagram, and other tech apps have provided the means to reach a large audience. However, remember that you are trying to invite people from your biome or immediate location. Not many people can afford a 2-hour bus ride or a one-day flight.
Therefore, integrate hashtags with your city name, street, and the event's location or venue. Try to be as specific as possible with your post. Your event hall or location might end up reposting your content if you tag them in your story or post.
Outdoor Advertisement is Important
While online advertisement should be a core aspect of your campaign, don't underestimate the power of outdoor event promotion. It is essential because only people in your area can see them.
Place sidewalk signs and banners outside the event venue to catch the attention of passers-by. If available, rent a billboard in a key location with bold visuals to get people to see it clearly.
Use a power punchline or call to action to give locals a second look at your banner. If possible, add QR codes or NFC tags to help people find out more information about the event.
Target Event Listing Sites
There are diverse event listing websites to promote an event in your locality. Submit the necessary details about the upcoming occasion to sites like Meetup and Eventbrite. On subsequent intervals before the day of the event, you will keep sending reminders or uploading new information as the case might warrant. The built-in RSVP or ticketing option makes it easier for potential attendees to sign up.
If possible, look for niche online groups or forums where you can find like-minded people. Suppose your event is related to helping FIntech enthusiasts grow their skills and expand in the industry.
Look for online communities on Telegram, X, and other platforms devoted to that purpose. You get to see people who are fired up and looking for a more intense experience.
Visit Other Local Events
There are usually community events like town meetings, fundraisers, and conventions in almost every locality. Start attending those events, meeting up with people, and raising awareness about your events.
You can also observe the way things are done there, like the organization of the event. Check out the logistics and timing of everything during the occasion. Give out flyers, postcards, and other advertisement materials to invite people to your proposed occasion.
Meet Up with Local Influencers, Businesses or Dignitaries
Influencers have followers and can effectively get the news about any event to their audience. Do your research on the local influencers like music artists, bloggers, content creators, or social media event managers in your area.
You can also meet up with community leaders. Give them a free ticket as a consensus to invite their local followers to your event.
Beyond this, you can reach out to local businesses like restaurants, retail outlets, and stores to promote your event. Give them posters of your event, or try to use their e-billboards.
Use a VIP pass or a set of free tickets to bargain with them. In turn, you can also promote their business during the event.
Sum Up
As you can see, local event marketing involves a hands-on and deliberate approach, both virtually and physically. However, you still have work to do during and after the event. Take pictures and record videos during the occasion. After the event, send thank-you posts and follow up with your guests via their contact information for future events.
If you are successful with driving a substantial audience to your local event, you build a reputation in your niche. You also are building momentum to get your message across to a global audience in the future.