Whether you are planning a new menu launch, in-store demo, on-site workshop, new wine list, sponsoring a community charitable event, or even a Grand Opening, we have some great ways (mostly free) to make sure your event is seen online.
Use your Point of Sale to collect valuable customer data
Make sure you are using your Point of Sale to its fullest abilities to help you collect customer data. Send out email or text alerts to your customer base with details of your special event or sales. Don’t have a Point of Sale system that will do this for you? Contact us.
Facebook has a great events tool which enables you to set up a page for your special event, and to keep an eye on who is attending. You can create the event page… add the date, time and details about the event, then invite people directly from your Facebook contacts. Even more fabulous is when someone clicks “attending,” it shows up on their News Feed so that their friends and followers also see YOUR event!
Advertise on Social Media
Let’s say you may do a little bit of print advertising, running an add on one of your social media platforms is a cost effective targeted way to spread the news about your small business event. Make sure you continually schedule those organic posts to promote this event. Keep tagging your relevant supports or partners in the comments sections to enlist their help in spreading the word too!
TIP OFF the PRESS
Remember your audience. Not everyone is on Facebook! You have to capture your remaining online audience, and the effective way to do that is to reach out to relevant writers and editors for local, trade and national publications. Need ideas? Contact us; we’ll guide you in the right direction. Every day, your local news is giving you ideas of what to do “this weekend,” explain the purpose of the event and outline the “hook,” for them – the reason they and their readers and viewers should be interested. Offer them a press pass and ask them to write about (or talk about) the event in advance online (in print, to their viewing public). If there is a standout publication or station you want to target, consider offering them an exclusive interview with perks!
Plan an EMAIL campaign
Engaging content is a must, as is a link back to your page on your website with full details. Make your email short, snappy and attention grabbing, preferably with an amazing graphic. Simple is better. Give those who can’t make it an option to stay in touch, like: “Can’t attend this event but want to keep an eye on our other activities?” Follow us on Facebook.
RUN a COMPETITION
Guarantee attraction by running a competition to attract interest. Post the competition on all of your online platforms. Make sure to include “winner must be present,” language. Need ideas? We can help you.
Ask for HELP
Enlist volunteers, local support, customers, ambassadors, family and friends. Invite them along to your business event, and ask them to help you to spread the word online too!
Have questions? Call us…we answer the phone!
