Creative Ways to Get More People to Your Event
When you’re planning an event, simply pushing ticket sales isn’t enough. Today’s attendees want value upfront—something that speaks directly to their needs before they even register. That’s why event marketing strategies that focus on engagement with your event are far more effective than just hoping for last-minute sign-ups.
A robust event promotion approach might include leveraging social media, tapping into brand ambassadors, and using email marketing to nurture interest. Consider offering early bird incentives or bundling tickets with high-value event content like exclusive workshops, webinars, or VIP networking opportunities to make your event more appealing.
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Make sure to watch the video, honestly, I’m much better on video than writing and there’s great info on event conversion strategies in the video that we could not fit into the blog.
Boost Attendance with Smart Incentives
Want an easy way to increase attendance? Try a bring-a-friend campaign that actively encourages people to sign up for your event with a special discount or bonus content when they refer someone. This isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about getting people to attend who are already excited about the topic and likely to engage.
Past events show that these referral-style campaigns can increase attendance by 15-20%—a great way to boost attendance without increasing your cost per attendee. Plus, event planners who build an event journey that fosters connections before, during, and after the event see higher engagement with their event and stronger long-term retention for future events.
Leverage Joint Ventures, Influencers & Affiliates
One of the most effective marketing strategies for event organizers is working with joint venture partners, affiliates, and influencers. But cross-promoting your event effectively means more than just asking people to share a post.
Instead, offer brand ambassadors and affiliates real incentives—whether it’s a commission on sales, access to exclusive event content, or the chance to be featured on your event website and social media channels. Influencer marketing can also play a big role here, especially if you choose influencers who are directly relevant to your target audience.
Using an event app or a dedicated event landing page can make it easy for affiliates and brand ambassadors to track referrals and get rewarded instantly.
Planned Promotion: The Key to a Full Room
A well-planned event promotion strategy starts months in advance—not weeks before the big day. The most successful event planners don’t just try to market their event when it’s time to boost attendance—they build momentum throughout the year with ongoing email marketing, strategic landing page optimization, and consistent social media contests and giveaways to build brand awareness.
To make your event as compelling as possible, focus on website and social media outreach that highlights:
- The event theme and keynote speakers
- The unique aspects of your event that set it apart from similar in-person events, virtual events, and hybrid events
- Social proof from past events, including cashflow testimonials and speaker success stories
Turning Event Attendees into Long-Term Fans
People don’t just attend events for information—they show up for connection. The stronger the audience engagement, the more likely they are to attend your event again, recommend it to others, and stay involved in your event platform long after it ends.
One way to promote your event beyond ticket sales is by offering exclusive access to post-event resources, discounts on future events, or entry into a VIP group that helps them stay connected.
A smart event marketing strategy doesn’t just develop an event—it builds a long-term audience that’s excited to show up every time you launch something new.
Ready to make your next event your biggest success yet? Start with these strategies, and watch your attendance soar.
