Which social networks are you using (personally and professionally)? Besides your website, where can your company be found on-line? With all of the new social networks popping up each day (have you joined Google+ yet?), it can be difficult to keep up. However, with a little planning and a lot of persistence, you can utilize these networks to reach your prospects, clients, and partners how it is most convenient for them. You don’t have to fully understand each platform to use it successfully; with social media, the most important part is showing up consistently! Here are a few ideas to get you started with promoting your future events on LinkedIn, Twitter, and your blog:
On LinkedIn
Best for professional connections
(Connect with me here)
Update your personal profile and company page (especially your current title and company offerings) – select applications to enhance your profile too.
Join the groups affiliated with your event and its hosting association to network with attendees and other exhibitors.
Send a message to professionals in your network who may be attending your event (or who are based nearby) to coordinate on-site meetings.
Position yourself as an expert by participating in group discussions and responding to questions posted in LinkedIn Answers section.
Don’t forget, LinkedIn doesn’t allow self promotion (outside of your personal profile and company pages) – respect their rules.
On Twitter
Best for immediate updates
(Follow me here)
Tweet about what you’re enjoying at the event. Tell your followers which educational sessions are interesting, who is hosting a fun reception, and where they can find the best giveaways.
It’s definitely a good idea to promote yourself too, just make sure that you’re promoting others more (a good rule of thumb is to self-promote once after every eight or nine other tweets).
Include the event hashtag (i.e. #Event) in each of your relevant tweets to ensure that your voice is heard by anyone interested in your event.
Don’t forget to think before you tweet (once you have tweeted something, it’s out there… in cyberspace… forever) – keep your tweets positive!
On Your Blog
Best for original content
(Read more great information here)
Write posts about your planning (everyone loves a good “behind the scenes” story), share your opinion about topics that matter to your industry, and allow the event experiences you enjoy most to inspire future posts as well.
Submit your best posts to article directories for publication and consider guest blogging opportunities (in which you create unique posts for other blogs that speak to your target audience).
Read popular industry blogs and add your brief but useful comments to increase your exposure with new audiences.
Don’t forget to integrate other types of media into your blog (like video and audio) to engage your audience with a more personal touch.
Robyn Davis - Owner, When I Need Help (WINH)
Robyn helps exhibitors improve their results at conventions and trade shows by providing on-site sales and marketing support, pre-/post-event consulting services, and convenient products. Contact Robyn to discuss your situation today!
