Top Tools for Event Planners to Promote An Event With Social Media

Event planners are constantly looking for new ways to spread the word about their event and build an audience. I have the pleasure of speaking at over 40 events every year, and I also try to help promote events to make the event bigger and better. Through my experience I’ve found that some tools work better than others.

These days budgets are tighter and travelling to conferences, conventions and events might not be at the top of a priority list. That being said, I know first had that live events provide tremendous value for participants to get excited, empowered and educated. One of the key challenges is spreading the word about an event and staying top-of-mind with potential participants.

Here are the top tools that I’ve seen event planners use to promote their events with social media.

1. Facebook

With over 1 billion users, Facebook is a force to be reckoned with. The reality is that these days most people are on Facebook, and they spend a lot of time on it (an average of 7.5 hours per month). This means that Facebook must be a part of your playbook for promoting your event. Even if your event is in the B-to-B space, your audience is spending time on Facebook. Between groups, pages, events and advertisements, Facebook offers plenty of opportunities for marketing.

2. LinkedIn

Many events are targeting professionals, and LinkedIn is THE professional social network. This means that you should include it as a part of your strategy to promote your event. While LinkedIn recently removed events from the mix, in my opinion, they weren’t very effective anyways. Groups are the primary opportunity for event promotion on LinkedIn where you can either create your own group or share your event in other relevant groups. Remember not to be too promotional and encourage your speakers to help promote the event as well. LinkedIn ads can also provide an excellent opportunity for promotion, especially if you have a specific target that you are trying to reach.

3. Event Sites

There are countless event sites like MeetUp, EventBrite and many more where events can be listed for free (or close to free). If you have a general event that has broad appeal, these sites can make all the difference. If you have a more specific event these event sites can help you with Search Engine Optimization where your audience can find information about your event. Look at these sites as a way to spread awareness.

4. Twitter

While many people still don’t “get” Twitter, it is one of the most powerful social networks. Twitter has broad reach. In addition to promoting your event on Twitter ask speakers, sponsors and participants to help spread the word to make the event bigger and better. Twitter can reach many people quickly. Don’t underestimate it’s power.

5. Blogs

Blogs are an oldie and a goodie when it comes to spreading the word. Build excitement by promoting speakers, new sponsors, venue details or other information. Don’t discount the opportunity to generate interest around announcements.