10 Affordable Outlets To Consider Event Promotion

• March 16, 2021
• 0 Comment
• Tips
• Posted by Erin Zimdars-Gagnon

1. Google My Business – Posts

• This is super easy and free! You should have a Google My Business Account set up already. This is where you can respond to reviews, add photos and add posts. You can access Google My Business through the Gmail account you have signed up with. You will go to the Google My Business App and click on Posts. You can select Event, What’s New, or Offer. Fill out the info, add an image, and publish. 

2. Add Event Link To Your Signature With Wisestamp

• Wisestamp is an amazing free feature to upgrade your signature. There is a premium package you can buy, but the free version will do great for your event. Here is the link to connect your Gmail to Wisestamp. Go to the Apps section and click the custom button to create your Event button. You can also add an event Youtube video if you have one. 

3. Local Chambers of Commerce Calendars 

• Some local Chamber of Commerce has community calendars that you can submit your event to. You may have to be a member, but Chambers are a great resource for your business and a good membership to consider. They may even have more benefits to help you promote your event as a member. 

4. Email Marketing ** Very Effective 

• There are many email platforms you can use to help promote your event, so use the one that works for your company. Create your email and plan out a schedule at least 6 weeks (8 is perfect) out from your event and start promoting. Please, do not become spam, but it is okay to promote weekly. Make sure to add in info as your event is planned. Get creative on when you will announce speakers or topics. Don’t feel you must overload your audience with the first email. A simple save-the-date with basic info can be the start, and add from there. 

5. Event T-Shirt Pre-Order Sale 

• I love this one! There are a lot of local printers that you can work with for pre-order sales. This way, you do not have to worry about inventory or high upfront costs. Have an event T-shirt, mug, etc., for people to order before the event, and ask them to share their photos with their gear at the event. Provide them with your event hashtag as well. Make sure to do this at least 8 to 10 weeks before your event to give time for design, orders, printing, and shipping. 

6. Media Kits

• This takes a little time but can be very helpful. You have your event JPEG or PNG flyer. Now write up a little social media and/or email blurb for speakers, volunteers, staff, etc., to share on their social media or email. Do not force but ask if they would be willing. The easier you can make it for them, the more likely they are to share. Think of an email you would like to receive to help promote an event and how easily you would like it written up for you. That is how they would want it. Do not send them just a PDF. You need a JPEG or PNG to post on social media. 

7. Local Newspapers or Radio

• Call your local newspaper and/or radio station and create a relationship with them. Find out if they have free or low-cost online event promotion, and based on your target market for the event, the local paper or radio station may be a good investment for an advertisement or commercial. 

8. Facebook Event 

• This is free and easy to set up. You can choose to spend money advertising if you would like. If you use Eventbrite, this will be even easier to set up! Located in your Eventbrite event dashboard on the left-hand side, you will see Invite and Promote. Click on Add to Facebook. Follow the steps and then log in and view the event on Facebook. Sometimes the transfer may not space things out the way you set it up, so review it right after to make sure you are set. Share away on Facebook and enjoy extra exposure!

9. Website  

• Your website is your storefront. Promote your event on your homepage with an image or banner. If you use Eventbrite, use the free Eventbrite button feature to make it easier for your audience to buy tickets. Create an event page with key details, images, or videos to help promote your event.

10. Facebook or LinkedIn Groups 

• These groups are becoming more and more popular. Search to see if your local community has one, and reach out to see if you can share an event. If your event is focused on veterans, look to see if there are local veteran groups in your area that may allow you to share the event. Message for permission to promote, but please, do not become spam.

There you have it. 10 affordable ways to promote your event! I hope this was helpful, and stay tuned for more blogs by Focus Digital.