Here’s how to properly prepare for an upcoming event in 7 easy steps.
On August 24th, 2017, Red Door officially opened its doors to the public. In order to properly unveil their new location and turn the grand opening into a reality for their friends, families, staff and students, a thorough marketing checklist first had to be completed.
Checklist item 1: Create the event on the Red Door website
First and foremost, your website should always have a real-time calendar of upcoming events. Users will automatically assume that any events your business will be holding can be found on your website, so make your calendar as easy to access as possible.
Checklist item 2: Duplicate the event on Facebook
One of Facebook’s great features is the ability to join events. Any upcoming events should be added on Facebook so your followers and prospects can join or save the event if they are interested in attending. This way, you will have an accurate headcount of interested attendees.
Checklist item 3: Design an email blast
Emails are a great way to get the word out about upcoming events, even to past customers! In Red Door’s case, we created an email blast to be sent to current, past, and prospective student families. You can also segment your email lists so only certain lists receive the email blast you are sending, depending on the criteria.
Checklist item 4: Print an event flyer
Nothing says familiar and personal like a personally handed flyer. Print isn’t dead, and flyers are still an effective method of getting the word out.
Checklist item 5: Develop a press release
Opening a brand new facility is a big deal, and the public should be well aware of this accomplishment! Developing and publishing a press release is an extremely effective and impressive way to let readers know what you are up to.
Checklist item 6: Online marketing
The sky is the limit when it comes to marketing online. You can alter your budget to adjust how many viewers will see your ad, and you can display multiple formats of ads online – so the possibilities are endless. This is one step you do not want to skip when promoting an event, product, or sale of any sort. Online efforts also include social media posts, which you can pay to boost so more viewers see them.
Checklist item 7: Follow up
Show your followers what a success your event was! Be sure to complete this step 24 to 48 hours after your event. Otherwise, your content won’t be as relevant as to the date the event occurred. In order to finalize Red Door’s grand opening, we filmed, edited and shared a video recap of the event along with event photography on Red Door’s social media. We also created a blog post with the event highlights for all to see.
Do you have an event coming up and need help getting the word out? Let us know!