Promoting an event on social media can be a game-changer when done right. Social media platforms offer event managers an opportunity to reach the target audience, create a buzz, and boost participation. However, success happens through strategy, knowing not just what to do but also what to avoid. Below, you will find the most important do’s and don’ts to effectively promote events through social media.

The Do’s

1. Create a Clear and Consistent Strategy

This being said, having a clear and consistent plan prior to engaging in any activities on social media can help you achieve the results you are looking for, effectively doubling them. A strategic plan acts as a roadmap that allows you to avoid going in circles, focus on your objectives, and achieve your goals with the minimum time wasted.

Similarly, a comprehensive promotional strategy is needed before posting on social media. Start by getting to know your target audience and choosing the social media platforms they frequent more often. Then, plan content that resonates with them. Furthermore, consistency is important, so make a posting schedule and stick with it. By following this disciplined approach, you’ll be sure that your efforts make the most impact.

2. Use High-Quality Visuals and Videos

In a world of social media platforms where content scrolls by in seconds, visuals get you to take notice. Top-quality images and videos are no longer excellent to have—they’re a necessity to stand out. Poor visuals will make your event look unprofessional, especially if they are low-resolution or poorly designed. On the flip side, sharp, engaging graphics or videos grab interest and create credibility.

Tools like Canva and Adobe Photoshop could create visually pleasing yet theme-aligned posts with the event’s details without clutter. Short videos with strong openings, animations, or countdowns that heighten the excitement optimized for specific social media apps. Besides, stick to familiar branding with uniform colors, fonts, and logos, and leverage polls or reels for additional interactivity with the consumer. 

3. Leverage an Event Management Platform

By using an event management platform, you can greatly reduce the work related to event promotion. With tools like Planzee, you can easily put together professional event pages loaded with all the necessary information, easily manage RSVPs, and automate tasks like sending reminders or updates. 

Centralizing your event management will save you time and avoid errors while providing analytics that will help you make your promo strategy more effective. These platforms have features meant for integration into the various social media platforms to make your event come up directly to your desired target market.

4. Engage with your Audience Regularly

Engaging with your audience on social media platforms is essential as it helps build trust and excitement for your event. Instead of just posting things like event announcements, actively respond to comments, answer questions, and start discussions about the event.

This interaction also proves how much you care about your audience and how important they are to you. It can create a sense of connection. Engaging consistently encourages people to anticipate and gives your event online clout, increasing your chances of higher attendance.

5. Use a Unique Hashtag

A branded hashtag specific to your event is a great way to join the conversation and reach more people. Tell attendees to use the hashtag while posting event-related content, photos, or videos—and yes, make sure you are actually using the hashtag throughout promotional content, too. 

While it tracks engagement, it also creates organic buzz, and the more people that discover and use the hashtag, the better. Having a unique, memorable hashtag means your event can be found easily, becomes memorable across all different social media apps, and offers a sense of community.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Ignore the Target Audience

It is imperative to create content that resonates with your target audience so that they find it relevant and continue engaging with it. Not tailoring the content according to the target audience’s preference is a common mistake brands make, so try to avoid it.

Moreover, it is not wise to create similar promotional material for all social media platforms. Consider the requirements of every platform and create engaging content accordingly, as misaligned content fails to engage and capture the attention of the target audience.

2. Don’t Overload Followers with Posts

Making relevant content to drive engagement is one thing, but posting a flood of content can irritate followers. So, balance is always a key- it is best to balance content posting and timing.

Overpromotion can lead to disengagement, so ensure the content only adds value to your brand and helps you stand out, not irritating followers who become uninterested in your event.

3. Don’t Rely Solely on Organic Reach

Organic posts are undoubtedly important, but they may not be enough to reach the size of your target audience. Relying solely on organic reach, especially to spread the word about your event, is a mistake. 

Thus, invest in targeted ads to amplify the reach so more people know about your event, especially outside the existing follower base.

4. Don’t Forget Mobile Optimization

While promoting events on social media, making content that is not mobile-friendly can be a huge mistake. Neglecting smartphone users could be a haunting practice, especially when you can multiply the reach by targeting audiences on different social media apps.

Create content that should be mobile-friendly, ensure the registration pages and event details are completely optimized for smartphones, and then you may invest in the targeted ads for better reach. 

5. Don’t Neglect Post-Event Follow-Up

Promotions don’t end with the event. You want your attendees to come again to your future events, so failing to engage with them post-event means you’re losing opportunities. 

Track attendees’ details using an event management application, like Planzee, and reach out to them post-event for feedback so they feel connected to you even after the event. This practice can boost engagement and loyalty and provide room for improvement.

Conclusion

When you start promoting an event on the right social media platforms with the right practices, it will boost your event’s success. If you concentrate on strategic planning, engaging visuals, and constant interaction without forgetting about overpromotion or not considering your mobile users, you will be able to build a buzz-worthy campaign that will be memorable for your target audience.

Use tools like Planzee, the best event management mobile app, to streamline the process and ensure your promotions are noticed. Satisfy your social media hunger this holiday season with this event’s do’s and don’ts!