Social media has always been used as a major digital marketing tool, but its myriad of uses continue to grow in 2022. With more ever-expanding marketing options than ever, it is so crucial to keep up with the trending social media apps of the day. Your brand may be posting on social media channels to promote an upcoming event, or you may be eager to upload the best photos afterwards. However, many companies do not take advantage of social media during their events, neglecting some major benefits. Through the diversification of social media, brands are able to make their experiences reach a wider audience, and can more effectively promote future events.

Get Prepared

Preparation is a key focus in the events industry at large, and social media engagement is no exception. Just because you have the ability to tweet or post a photo with the one quick “click”, does not mean you should. There are a few key tips to maximize impact and avoid mistakes.

• Research is key. Have either a social media specialist or a team to seek out ideas from other successful events or campaigns in your industry. 

• Invest in ads. Social media advertisements are a great way to target a very specific audience based on data like location, interests, age range, and more. Make sure you have a strong understanding of your event’s target demographic.

• Use the right camera, audio, and lighting equipment. Sure, you can post photos directly from your phone, but having professional photos from your event only elevates the status of your page. 

Engage with Your Audience & Followers

 The absolute best way to connect with your followers and audience is through their very own social media pages. When your participants post on their personal channels, you reach an audience that is exponentially larger than any advertising money can buy. To successfully accomplish this, there are a few key points to administer:

• Create a unique hashtag. This will then put all of the event posts in one location. You can collect the best photos and audience testimonials and re-post them on your brand’s accounts.

• Collaborate with social media influencers that represent your target audience. Invite them to attend your event and ask them to promote it on their social media channels. You will reach a much broader group of loyal followers than ever expected. 

• Make your event photo-worthy! Include custom fabrications or an artful installation that is just calling for people to take pictures in front of!

• Make your event purposeful. People are more likely to post on social media if they feel they’ve done something meaningful. Zone in on whatever is likely to be a highlight of your event — whether that’s a speaker, meaningful exercise, or inspirational moment — and remind your audience to post on social media immediately afterwards in order to maximize engagement.

Live- Streaming

 Video streaming is the biggest trend right now in social media. Bring your online audience into your event with a live stream on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and/or Facebook. The live stream is an incredibly lucrative marketing tool that you should be using during each event. Don’t know if live-streaming is worth it? Here are some stats to show you how beneficial it could be! 

• 67% of your live stream audience is more likely to buy a ticket to your next event after watching a live video of your event or of a similar one.

• 80% would rather watch a video than read a blog post.

• Behind-the-scenes access is a huge draw for 87% of audiences.

• 96% of B2B organizations are using video as part of their online marketing.

If you want to learn more about creating the best live-streamed events, check out our recent blog, “Staging Strategies for the Perfect Live-Stream.”

Live Tweet

Although video streaming has been proven to be the most effective tool, live tweeting can be an even easier strategy. Our industry tips are designed to help bring your event to life on the screens of your potential audience:

• Be sure to include your event’s specific hashtags, and tag all relevant participants in every tweet!

• Take notes while watching a run-through of your speaker or panel before your live event. Save the most compelling quotes as tweets in your “Drafts” folder. Once the event is underway, fire them off in real time, saving yourself time and effort on the big day.

• Invite Twitter followers (both those watching the live stream at home, and those who are physically present at your event) to Tweet their questions during the presentation. 

These simple tips will take your social media presence to the next level.  Generate leads, increase your social media marketing impact, and draw in new customers by creating a sense of “FOMO”, or Fear Of Missing Out. No one wants to be left behind, and by making the most out of your event and sharing it via social media, will only motivate people to want to be a part of the magic. Contact Wizard Studios and get started on your next event today!