Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Where do you go to learn about the latest events in your area? I have a few tried-and-true resources I can count on and I bet you do too! Why not use those sources to promote your next event?
As an event marketing pro, I can confirm that it’s essential to make the most out of your area’s calendar mentions, both in print and online. This strategy will make it easier for your audiences to find you. Think about it. You’ll reach:
- People casually surfing online for something to do that day
- People reading the “Calendar of Events” section in your local daily and weekly newspapers
- People who sign up to receive e-lerts or mobile phone push notifications from event-based websites, notifying them of events
Calendar Mention Tips:
Tip #1. Streamline your online posting time. If you are aware of a blog or website in your area that promotes events, go to https://similarsites.com and type that website into the search bar. SimilarSites.com will create a list of similar websites. Additionally, be sure to mention your events to LinkedIn Groups that are geo-specific. Popular event listing websites include: Eventbrite.com, Bing.com/Local/, Patch.com (covers most U.S. cities) and Zvents.com.
Tip #2. Ask print publications about their online versions. Every newspaper and magazine has an online presence in addition to its print version. It’s always a good idea to speak with the Calendar Editor and ask if there is an online editor who updates events for their website. Also, check the publication’s website for online submission forms.
Here are a few publication types you may want to target:
- Regional Magazines for your area.
- Special interest newspapers for your area.
- Regional business magazines for your area
- Local weekly suburban newspapers
- Local daily newspapers
Tip #3. Have all of your details handy. Some event listings will allow you a small amount of space for a promotional paragraph. Others may allow you to link to both your event website and the venue website.
Tip #4. Reach an audience through your local TV stations. Here in the Twin Cities, all TV stations have online event listings. I will pitch producers with an event much like I pitch a news story. I work with anchors to announce events on the air, and with producers to post the details on their website.
And remember to create an calendar event on your company’s Facebook page. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact us. We have people who can design the graphics, create the Facebook event posting and even write a compelling description of your event.
