5 Simple Steps to Start Marketing Your Event
Event marketing is a large part of the events business, but there is no one-size-fits-all single solution to guarantee success. The effectiveness of your marketing plan hinges on hard work and a multi-faceted approach to capturing leads and generating buzz. You have a marketplace full of vendors who are relying on you to bring in enough traffic to support their sales. The reputation of your event is going to benefit or suffer from whether or not those vendors feel like you providing the tools they need to be successful. No one can generate sales off of an empty market. That is why I have compiled this list of 5 simple steps you can take to start marketing your event and boost your exposure today.
1. Flyers
Pass them out and make them available for your vendors. Many local businesses will gladly display flyers for a local events. Reach out to your own community and you might be surprised to see who is willing (and excited) to help. Local churches, gyms, daycares, coffee shops, etc, are all potential connections waiting to happen. Don’t have an event flyer yet? No problem! DFW Craft Shows can design a custom event flyer tailored specifically to your event.
2. Website
Post your information on event or arts & crafts related websites. If you have graphics, be SURE to include them. There are many, many events competing for your target audience’s attention, and graphics are the most effective way to captivate readers. If your event is happening in the extended North Texas region, DFW Craft Shows specializes in promoting events in your area. We have an extensive network of vendors and shoppers looking for arts & crafts related events to shop and sell at, and we offer a number of advertising solutions to help you reach them. Submit your event information to get started.
Pro Tip: Many local websites offer banner advertising services. Banner ads are small advertisements placed throughout websites to help generate traffic. They are usually billed per click or per 30 days. DFW Craft Shows offers both design services and banner advertising spaces for local events and businesses.
3. Social Media
In this day and age, social media is never to be ignored. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to connect well beyond your personal network. Events submitted to DFW Craft Shows are sent out across our numerous social media channels to help events maximize their exposure. There are many ways that you can put social media to work as an event marketing tool.
Create a Facebook event and invite everyone you know near your event. Create a post and ask them if they will share it as well. It is good to have an official event page for vendors to use when they want to help spread the word. Share your event graphics on Twitter and Instagram to help increase your exposure.
It may seem like a lot of this revolves around banners and graphics, and that’s because it does. If your event has a graphic, Facebook will start suggesting it to locals as something they might be interested in. If your event does not have a graphic, the algorithm will not pick it up. I know designing an eye catching image can be daunting. If you need help, DFW Craft Shows has a full service design menu specializing in event marketing and all things arts & crafts.
4. Radio
I know, I know. This sounds like advice from 20 years ago. But the fact of the matter is, many stations allow event listings on their websites–some of them will even mention local events on the air. For example, NPR frequently does coverage for Art & Seek, which is another great way to reach North Texans.
4. Signs
This old school approach to marketing is not to be ignored. Start your research ahead of time to determine when and where you can post signs, and make sure you have prominent, eye catching signage up the weekend of your event (and well before, if allowed). Do not limit yourself to simply advertising at the venue alone; covering the general event area in signs will help you capitalize on local traffic patterns and maximize word of mouth and attendance. Just make sure to check your local city ordinances and surrounding businesses to see which spaces may be available for your event marketing needs.
Event Marketing is for everyone
These event marketing methods are not exclusive to event coordinators. Whenever I work an event, I do everything I can to help promote it. It’s just smart business–more marketing means more exposure, which easily translates into more traffic and sales. Of course, traffic doesn’t guarantee sales, but I can guarantee that if you have no traffic, you will have no sales.
Live Event Coverage in North Texas
DFW Craft Shows offers a number of event marketing solutions tailored specifically to your local event. From event listings to extra shout outs and live event coverage, we are here to help you reach your target audience and boost your event’s exposure. Learn more about how our Event Marketing services can help your event today.
Originally posted on April 04, 2021.
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Hi, I'm Tania!
Thanks for stopping by DFW Craft Shows! Our blog is home to tons of creative inspiration, gift guides, tutorials, featured artists, and tips for small businesses trying to make their mark in the arts & crafts world.
