I haven’t even had my first full cup of coffee yet as I started writing my thoughts out, so forgive the over use of bold and ALL CAPS.
We all have been to events right? From birthday parties, receptions, luncheons, BBQ parties, holiday parties . . . and don’t even get me started on conferences.
With each event there was probably a different way to register or RSVP for each individually hosted event. Some folks may have put all the info on their website, some may have embedded the Eventbrite registration, some may have sent you an old fashioned invitation via snail mail with a QR code.
Most folks overlook one simple thing when promoting an event online – educating your fans/followers/co-hosts on how to promote the event online that delivers more traction and a sell out event.
I want to share an example that I learned from last year where poor cooperation across teams meant that execution resulted in a less than stellar attendance. >>
Example A : I hosted an event last year where the folks “in charge” told me that they couldn’t put the Eventbrite registration code I sent them (they were co-hosting event) on their website because it was malicious. They had a brand new website, with lots of other events listed. I even sent them links directly to Eventbrite explaining how it works and how to easily add the code to their website.
They did have info on the site, no it wasn’t helpful. They didn’t even put a link up to the event registration page – but instead told folks to email them directly or call.
I learned later the hard way that the registrants who emailed them to register were registered but by one person using her own email. When I sent out an event reminder via Eventbrite – NONE of those folks got the notification and many did not show up for the event.
Another lesson was when the leaders of this organization also discouraged me from including their social media folks on any planning emails or calls for event. *face palm* I should have seen the warning signs, but by then was too invested.
I was frustrated and confused at why folks would purposely make things difficult. Instead of having an educated TEAM of folks driving traffic to THEIR website, I instead had to share a direct link to the Eventbrite page or the blog post I wrote and got little to no support from their social media folks – who, rightly so, felt left out.
What’s my lesson from Example A?
Don’t let the people that stand between you and the other folks on their team (that know how to rock out some online promotion) ruin a great event because of petty ego. Most folks who don’t understand social media, websites or the importance of online education, registration and promotion sometimes fight to remain relevant by unwittingly sabotaging efforts . . . often to the detriment of the organization they claim to love.
Regardless of how you choose to announce your event, make sure that everyone on your team knows the DOs and DON’Ts of promoting it online.
DO
- Like, tweet, pin, thumbs up, tag and share the Event Host :
– social updates relating to the event
– blog post or website event page link
– video promoting event
They have invested a lot of time and effort in creating and making the event information easy to share online. Support them.
If the host hasn’t made the event easy to share online – well, pick up the damn phone, send them a tweet, Facebook message them or email and let them know how they can make it better for YOU to share. Don’t bitch about it if you’re not willing to take the time to let them know how they could be getting more traction.
If you have ever hosted an event, you know how important it is to guide folks to the information in one central place that’s easy to share. YOUR WEBSITE.
>> DO NOT <<
- DO NOT create your own event invitation (Facebook, Eventbrite, Meetup)
If you are co-hosting/working/sponsoring an event, creating your own event could cause confusion for attendees who have not properly registered for the event and an even bigger nightmare for event host who may be depending on a solid head count.
Only promote and share event information from the hosts website and social channels.
- DO NOT copy word for word the event hosts blog post or announcement
Posting verbatim what the event host has on the event page as your own status update or blog post is a no no. Share a link to the blog post and tag the host instead along with adding any highlights your fans/followers/friends may enjoy and most of all SHARE YOUR OWN THOUGHTS.
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What tips would you offer folks in how to promote an event online? I know there are so many more ways to help spread the word and I’d love to hear a few of yours.
