Promoting Events to Sell More
Before the World Wide Web, I used to sell my products and services through trade shows that were part of conventions or association meetings.
People with a mutual interest would gather at events that provided an opportunity to display products with a marketing table or booth.
It was very effective in getting exposure with the right target audience and meeting with existing and future customers.
There were other opportunities to promote business through live social networking, break-out presentations, dinners, and social events.
I don’t participate in many of these types of activities much anymore. It could be because of the associated costs of travel and maybe because fewer people and organizations are using these methods today.
More people seem to be meeting at online events such as Webinars, Google Hangouts, and Teleseminars. Never-the-less, events are still a a great way to sell more, regardless of whether they are live or online.
Promoting Your Own Events
What if you can’t find an appropriate or relevant event to participate in?
Create your own event. Start a Webinar or a Live Event (i.e. a workshop), promote it yourself, and even include other associated or related businesses that are looking for the same target customers as you are.
Here is my suggestion of the basic steps you should take:
- Arrange for a meeting place or schedule a Webinar.
- Create a Promo Flyer (as a PDF document) that can be printed and distributed easily.
- Create a registration page. (custom page on your website or use an event listing site)
- Create an event landing page as a blog post or WebLaPage™ outlining the benefits of attending and enabling your attendees to reserve (register) for the event. Help others share and promote your event to their friends and associates by offering your printed flyer as a download and providing share links to social media sites.
- Now, Promote and Advertise your event every way you can.
How to Market Your Own Event?
The key to attracting attendees is LOTS of Advertising and gaining lots of online (and offline) exposure.
Whether your event is free or paid, you will still need to get the word out about it. Don’t keep it a secret.
Online visibility with easy linking will enable more visits to your event landing page.
Consider that many people are using their mobile devices today, so insure that your event page is mobile friendly. Consider the layout of your landing pages and the fact that not everyone is using a mouse to navigate your site. Make your sites “Touch” or “Tap” friendly.
There are many ways you can market your event page. Use as many as your time and resources will allow.
Suggested Resources to Market and Advertise Your Event
Eventbrite – A great place to post events and sell tickets.
Google Ads – Put your Event in front of potential attendees right when they are searching for exactly what you are offering.
Your Own Email List – What could be better than announcing your event to people that have already opted-in to receive updates from you?
I will keep adding resources in the future to this post…
