Events are Marketing Gold!

Photo Courtesy VisitFingerLakes.com

As I was driving through Canandaigua this afternoon I noted the tents and grounds getting prepped for the Annual Granger Christkindl Market.  It had me thinking...the festivals, farmers markets, and other local events are fun, but they're also a great place to market your business.

Events allow you an opportunity to connect with your potential customers and showcase your products and services in a way that online advertising just can't offer.

Any opportunities to talk to the community face to face are especially valuable.  People remember a friendly face behind the brand, not a Facebook ad.  Customers can also get hands on experience with your product.  Scientifically speaking, sensory experiences (touch, taste, etc.) create stronger memories.  Add to that the community exposure you get just by being there, and your visibility and credibility both rise exponentially.

But how do you choose your events?  Not all are created equal, but find events that fit your business and your audience.  Local festivals and street fairs, like the Christkindl, are great for handmade goods and foods.  Chamber of Commerce events are good for networking.  Pop ups and Farmers Markets are great for their low cost and high visibility to promote your services.  These events often attract visitors who are ready to spend.

To make the most of your event, there are 5 key steps. 

1. Plan Ahead

2. Engage the Audience

3. Capture the Moments

4. Promote 

5. Collect Leads

Plan ahead and reserve your spot early.  Have signs prepared, and make sure your brand is clearly and properly represented by your booth.  Engage the Audience.  Encourage conversations, run small contests, or offer free samples.  Give the people a reason to remember your brand.  Capturing Moments with photos, videos, and testimonials make for great Social Media content.  Promote the even before and after.  Use your social media pages and email blasts to let people know you'll be there, and share the experience of the event on all your social media accounts.  Finally, collect leads.  Offer coupons, or have a mailing list sign up sheet.  These can help turn event visitors into repeat customers.

In our region, people support businesses that support community.  Taking part in these local events shows you're invested in the area and gives your brand a human face. 

Want to get started?  I would love to help out.  Reserve a spot on my calendar or shoot me an email at aaron@flworkplace.com to get rolling!

Cheers!

Aaron