In a world where attention is currency, getting the right eyes on your event takes more than just a post or flyer. Whether you’re promoting an intimate dinner or a large-scale conference, these five event marketing strategies are tried, true, and designed to drive real results.
Social Media: Make the Build-Up as Exciting as the Event
Social media is your event’s hype machine – use it to generate excitement before, during, and after. Share teaser content, behind-the-scenes previews, speaker spotlights, and countdowns. Use event-specific hashtags and encourage attendees to share their own posts. Platforms like Instagram Reels, Tiktok, and LinkedInN are goldmines for storytelling and building momentum. Bonus: social buzz often drives last-minute ticket sales and FOMO-based engagement.
Dedicated Landing Page And Pop-Ups: Make It Easy to Convert
A sleek, mobile-optimized landing page with all the key info – who, what, where, why, and how to RSVP – is essential. It should highlight what makes your event unmissable, with bold visuals and clear call to action. Layer in well-timed pop-ups on your main site to capture attention and funnel visitors straight to your event page. Keep it clean, persuasive, and conversion-focused.
Alert the Press: Don't Skip PR
Local and niche press outlets are still powerful tools – especially for events with a strong angle ( community impact, celebrity involvement, innovation, etc.) Send a compelling press release to media contacts, bloggers, and industry insiders. Don’t forget online event calendars, podcast shoutouts, and partner blogs. The goal: increase visibility and reach new audiences outside your immediate network.
Incentive Marketing: Give People A Reason To Act Now
Time-limited offers, referral rewards, early bird pricing, VIP upgrades – incentives work. People love a good deal or a little extra value. Layer in scarcity (limited spots, exclusive access) to drive urgency. Make sure incentives align with your brand and audience, and use them strategically to boost early signups or ticket sales.
Email Marketing: Keep the Conversation Going
Email is still king when it comes to direct communication. Start with a strong announcement, then roll out a thoughtful campaign with reminders, sneak peeks, speaker intros, and pre-event tips. Post-event, follow up with thank-yous, recaps and replay links. Segment your lists (e.g. past attendees, VIPs, waitlist) for even more personalized messaging and better open rates.
Final Thoughts
Great event marketing isn’t just about spreading the word – it’s about building anticipation, creating connection, and making it easy for people to say yes. Combine these five strategies with a clear message and strong visuals, and you’ll set your event up for serious success.