When generating excitement both during and in the build-up to an event, social media can be a powerful tool if used effectively. Take a look at what you can do before, during and after your event to create a buzz and get your audience talking online.

Before the event

Utilise email marketing

Whilst social media can be missed amongst a sea of other posts, email marketing is effective in communicating directly to the intended audience. Prior to the event, send out an email to your prospective and confirmed attendees with the agenda, bios of confirmed speakers and other essential content. It may be helpful to include travel information, available accommodation nearby and, if it’s over a few days, the best places to eat and visit outside the event.

Generate a buzz 

Make sure you post about your event with the aim of generating interest and anticipation amongst attendees. Use online countdowns, record preparations behind the scenes and share relevant GIFs and memes. Ask your speakers and sponsors to share your posts or provide them with images and content they can post themselves. This means your event will reach a much wider audience with minimal effort.

Post highlights from previous events

If you’ve held previous successful events, post images, videos and highlights from these to increase anticipation for your current event.

During the event

Consider using a live Twitter screen

If you have the resources available, it’s a great idea to display a live Twitter screen for your audience which shows in real-time the tweets which are being posted about your event throughout the day.

Appoint a designated poster

Get a willing volunteer from your business to be your official ‘poster’; someone who will be sharing live updates throughout the day across your social media platforms. Take note that Twitter is invaluable for this.  Share quotes from your speakers, record notable moments and share images of your attendees having a whale of a time. You could even live stream key moments of your event to engage with those who couldn’t attend.

Your designated poster should also interact with others who are tweeting about your event by liking, sharing and retweeting their posts.

Post polls and surveys

Engage with your audience throughout the event on social media. Set up quick polls such as “Best speaker moment” or “Favourite ice cream topping”. Keep these relevant to what’s being said during the event, so they resonate immediately with your audience and create a sense of community throughout the day.

Shout your hashtag loud and proud

Create a hashtag for your event and make sure that all your attendees know it. Ask them to use your hashtag for every post, image and video they share.

Run a competition

A sure-fire way to get your audience aboard the hashtag train is to offer an incentive, for example; the best post including your hashtag wins a prize at the end of the event.

Give your crowd something to share

Set up a social media station for your audience. Whether you provide a fun photo booth emblazoned with your logo, a giant photo frame, a witty banner or something else, it’s a good move to give your crowd something original to post about.

After the event 

Thank your attendees

Make sure you thank all your attendees shortly after the event, your gratitude will go a long way and all going well, it should encourage a number of positive responses from attendees.

Share the best moments

Whilst avoiding bombarding your social media, keep the momentum going after your event by compiling and sharing your best images and videos taken throughout the day.

Are you holding an event soon? Have you thought about the insurance policies you may need in place? Speak to our experts at Watkin Davies Insurance Consultants Ltd today who can assist you, call us on 02920 626 226.