How to Use Social Media to Promote an Event or Product Launch

Kim Reynolds is a key part of the team behind the yearly Social Media Marketing World event hosted by Social Media Examiner – and she stopped by #Bufferchat to share some of her expertise in using social media to publicize an event or product release.

Check out a the full recap here!

What are the most important things to know when first promoting an event/launch?

From Kim:

• It’s super important to have a solid marketing plan in place. Know your audience and know what will motive them.
• The value proposition is key. Make sure your audience knows WHY they should participate.

More great insights:

• “Have confidence in your audience as well. Word of mouth

is powerful!” @dswebsme

• “Keep your audience involved in the process. Create an event or product they’ll love based on their feedback.” @ThinkSEM
• “Before promoting an event, I ask myself the good ol’ 5 W’s. Specifically: WHO is my audience, WHY should they attend.” @ayylookitstoni

How do you determine when is best to start publicizing an event or product release?

From Kim:

• For an event, timing depends on the size of the event. For #smmw15 we actively market starting about 6 months out
• However, we start planning almost a year ahead of time. For smaller events, lead time is little more flexible.
• The type of event/launch matters also. For a new movie (which is like an event/launch), start at least a year out.

More great insights:

• “Challenge is surfacing above all of the noise. Announce asap, but look for current trends to help craft memorable promos.” @FelixSTL
• “If the event includes corporate attendees, publicize well in advance to allow for budget and travel approvals!” @Jane_Hare
• “Timing is key – too late and too early are both problematic! As always, listen to your audience.” @berlintern

What websites or tools are best for gathering information or RSVPs?

From Kim:

• That absolutely depends on the type and scope of your event. Facebook Event pages are very handy for RSVPs
• Google events and communities and LinkedIn groups for your event are all great ways to keep the excitement level up.

More great insights:

• “For an event that one of the organizations I volunteer with is hosting, we’re using @tikly. So easy to use!” @danielleirogers
• “The Chimera of MailChimp/Facebook Events/Eventbrite. It covers all the bases and integrates together” @johnsies
• “Eventbrite works for smaller events – bigger events we have no control so it’s Ticketmaster or the like” @stratrev
• “Choosing a tool also depends on related goals. Eventbrite and others are super handy, but don’t send traffic to your domain.” @SES_Elizabeth

What are some useful tools to help with social media promotion for an event?

From Kim

• My favorite topic: Tools!!! I use different tools at different stages. @buffer (of course)! @canva to create graphics
• I absolutely RELY on @socialbro for creating lists of attendees. @Camtasia for editing video.@themarkrapp app for social graphics
• It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of email in promoting an event, so @aweber is an invaluable tool.
• Consistent messaging, at times when you can reach ALL of your audience is so valuable, so @buffer is my daily go to.
• Since I love video so much, another great little tool is #Videohance from the makers of @WordSwagApp Super easy to use!

More great insights:

• “Schedule w/ @Buffer. Make sweet graphics with @Canva or the new #Pablo from Buffer. Review analytics – native or @SumAll.” @christinkardos
• “@buffer (obv) and @hootsuite for scheduling/monitoring convos. @Inboundorg for posting marketing-focused events. ^Hayley” @unbounce
• “Not sure if Twitter cards functions as a ‘tool’ but they are perfect for promoting an event. One click to join the list!” @stacyannhayles
• “If you’re looking for an event sponsor might be worth checking out @snapsponship” @BeckyLadleySQ

What are some best practices for the day of an event or launch?

From Kim:

• Monitor your hashtag! Maybe even set up a special dedicated hashtag for people to use if they need support/help.
• Make your audience feel involved and welcome. Walk up and thank them (if it is a non-virtual event)! Take pics & share them!
• Have extra staff around to draw out attendees who are shy or feel lost. Put yourself in their shoes…be a friend.

More great insights:

• “Ensure to record the event and share. Helps draw audience for next events and for those who miss, easy catchup!” @_peregrine_
• “Continuously acknowledge and thank sponsors, presenters, volunteers, etc. Appreciation goes a long way!” @samdunsigner
• “Have a back-up plan and don’t stress to much when things don’t go perfectly. And have lists lists lists! Oh and coffee.” @LauraA87

What sort of follow-up or analytics do you track that you might improve upon?

From Kim:

• If it is a recurring event, how many people sign up right away for the next one, Twitter stats like @TweetBinder.
• Post event survey, general feedback from attendees, presenters, sponsors.
• The most important to me is human intel. Talk to attendees. Sit at the bar afterward and listen to what they have to say.

More great insights:

• “I’d suggest tracking signups and analyzing tweet volume, text, and sentiment related to your event/product!” @JulHeimer
• “Surveys paper ones and electronic ones (depending on event type). get staff/volunteer reactions too” @cathywebsavvyPR
• “Use Google Alerts to keep track of press mentions post-event!” @jessherbs

Any final advice on promoting an event or product launch?

From Kim:

• Always remember to keep your attendees’ needs front and center. They pay your bills, make sure to give them what they need.
• If it is a physical conference, consider having a virtual component so more of your community can participate.
• If it is virtual, think of ways to facilitate mini-meetups IRL. Bring both groups together with one unified hashtag.

More great insights:

• “Simple stuff. Smile. Have fun. People WANT what you’re offering… so enjoy it, don’t let stress bog you down” @dubblebee
• “Surround yourself with good teammates and partners. Makes the job fun & easy plus increases your chances for success” @alliekosela
• “If charging to attend the event, offer scholarships to people (seniors, students, financial hardship)” @artofpowr
• “Kinks are inevitable, don’t kill yourself over them. Just learn from the experience and apply it to the future!” @brucerpdx

Thank you so much for everyone who joined in on this great chat!Catch #bufferchat each Wednesday at 9 am Pacific/noon Eastern and join our Google+ community for the latest news.

Do you have any comments or answers to these questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!