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Last Updated on December 28, 2020 by Work In My Pajamas
The event industry is thriving. In 2016, B2B events generated more than $30 billion. The number of conferences, tradeshows, and sales meetings continues to increase.
As a business owner, you can leverage this trend to connect with potential clients and increase brand awareness.
Business expos and other events offer a perfect opportunity to reach your target audience. You could also meet potential partners and investors.
According to a 2019 report, 41 percent of marketers say that live events are the most effective advertising channel. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the number of businesses organizing 20 or more events annually increased by 17 percent between 2017 and 2018.
Figuring out how to reach attendees, though, can be quite a challenge, especially for small businesses. Don’t give up. There are lots of creative ways to promote an event without blowing your budget.
Not sure where to start? Use these strategies to turn your next events into a marketing goldmine!
In This Post:
Leverage Event Discovery Platforms
Facebook Events, Gravy, and Eventbrite can put your business in front of thousands of potential clients. All you need to do is to sign up for an account and write a few lines about your next big event.
The best part is that you can reach out to a local audience that’s interested in what you have to offer.
A subscription to Eventbrite will ensure that your business event is listed on dozens of websites. Depending on what plan you choose, you may also get sales reports, ticketing essentials, rental equipment, and product training.
Create Eye-Catching Promo Materials
Event flyers and brochures still work in this digital age. The key is to be original.
Create promo materials with the end user in mind. More isn’t always better, so keep your message short and relevant. Come up with a catchy phrase that grabs attention and fosters curiosity.
If you want to go into details, add a QC code to your flyers. This way, you won’t have to include a ton of information in your marketing materials.
Experiment with different colors and designs. Split your copy into digestible sections and avoid walls of text. Briefly describe how your event benefits the audience and end with a call-to-action.
Send Out Press Releases
Press releases can be a powerful marketing tool, especially in this digital era when the news spread like wildfire.
Hire a copywriter or ask one of our staff members to write the release. Distribute it via Hirewire, PRLog, Newswire Today, and other press release distribution services.
Most platforms offer both free and premium options. These may include front page listings, social media integration, real-time alerts, and other perks.
With these services, you’ll have your press release distributed to hundreds of websites and hand-selected journalists in your niche. Register on several platforms and then focus on those that yield the best results.
Boost Your Exposure with These Creative Ways to Promote an Event
There are plenty of other creative ways to promote an event in your community. Team up with local influencers, share behind-the-scenes photos on social media and create videos showcasing speakers. If you’re launching a big event, consider setting up a dedicated website.
Another option is to partner with local businesses. Cross-promotion is a win-win for both parties.
Don’t forget to blog about your event. This can dramatically increase your exposure and expand your reach. If you don’t have a blog yet, follow these steps to create one in no time!