How to Market Yourself as an Event Planner in 4 Steps
Why is marketing important for an event planner?
Event planners need to market because it helps them expand their businesses and raise awareness of particular events:
Marketing for business
To grow their clientele, event planners must market their business. Events for current clients may happen infrequently. Event planners therefore frequently need to market their services to draw in new customers and boost their income. Event planners can make more money by organizing more events or hosting elaborate gatherings.
Marketing events
Event planners must advertise particular events in addition to their expert services. Gaining interest in their events and drawing sizable crowds can help them attract repeat customers. Additionally, they can use their current responsibilities to subtly advertise their services to attendees. Successful events can generate leads and recommendations for new customers.
How to market an event planning businesses
The following actions can be taken to promote events or your event planning business:
1. Network
Getting out there and participating in your field can lead to beneficial marketing opportunities for your event planning company. Making business connections, promoting your services to others, and learning about news and trends in your industry are all possible through networking, usually at a low cost. Consider the following ways to network:
2. Take a marketing course
If you lack much marketing experience, think about enrolling in an online or in-person course. The fundamentals of promoting your company and events can be learned, including:
3. Determine your target market
Determine your target market to get the most out of your marketing budget. Your efforts should focus on the demographics most likely to use your services if you want to make sure your investment has the best chance of generating new clients. Depending on the event you’re promoting and whether you’re promoting a specific event or your event planning company in general, these people may change.
Spend time investigating your sector, region, and existing clients to help you define your target market. As you plan your marketing strategies, you might think about using the following categories:
4. Advertise
Your target market can be identified once, and you can create advertisements specifically for these audiences. Select topics and distribution methods that will appeal to potential customers and improve your chances of connecting with those groups. For instance, if you want to target parents of teenagers, you might want to create a social media ad for local users between the ages of 45 and 55 or inquire with the local high schools about placing an advertisement in their parent newsletter.
5. Use social media
Take advantage of social media marketing’s many advantages, such as lower advertising costs and a large audience. You can open social media accounts and gain subscribers for nothing. Posting engaging, frequent content can help increase your following. Social media marketing also allows you to:
6. Create marketing materials
Along with digital marketing, consider more traditional marketing materials, including:
To ensure that your materials accurately represent your brand and voice, you might employ a graphic designer or copywriter. To help potential customers recognize your brand, your marketing materials should have a consistent design and voice. Select visual elements, written content, and tangible items that best convey your brand to the public.
7. Send direct mail
More people can become aware of your offerings and events by using direct mail marketing. While taking this route can be costly, market research can help you focus on those who are most likely to use your services. For instance, if you are organizing an event for a charity that helps animals, you might only invite previous donors who have demonstrated a commitment to the cause. This helps ensure you use your marketing budget wisely.
8. Study other events
Attend local events to get inspired and keep up with trends. You can investigate aspects of the events that you can apply to related activities. If you’re organizing a community talent show, for instance, you might check out another event at the same location to see how the organizers handle parking and guest admission. Gaining new skills enables you to work more successfully with current clients, which can boost referrals from others and repeat business.
9. Hire a marketing professional
You can employ a marketing expert to ensure you dedicate enough time and funds to marketing your events and business. This allows you to concentrate on your core job responsibilities without having to forego your marketing efforts. Depending on your needs and budget, you might look for:
10. Be creative
Effective marketing engages an audience and encourages conversation and interaction. Be innovative with your design and strategy as you create your marketing plans. Consider how you can make your audience feel something, like surprise, shock, or joy. Create memorable ideas, images, or videos for your target market using what you know about them.
11. Hold event pop-ups
Consider holding local event pop-ups to give prospective customers an idea of the services you offer. To organize a mini party, you can work with other vendors like caterers and DJs. Bring your marketing materials so you can advertise the event on social media for little money.
FAQ
What does a marketing event planner do?
An event planner is skilled at juggling a variety of tasks as they are tasked with creating experiences and bringing visions to life. The role of an event planner typically entails scouting locations, soliciting bids, managing vendor relationships and client communications, creating and negotiating contracts, and managing budgets.
Is event planning under marketing?
Event planners must advertise particular events in addition to their expert services. Gaining interest in their events and drawing sizable crowds can help them attract repeat customers. Additionally, they can use their current responsibilities to subtly advertise their services to attendees.
How do I advertise myself as a event planner?
You must decide on five things: PRODUCT, PRICE, PROMOTION, PLACE, and PEOPLE. The internal and external marketing environments are always a factor, even though the 5 Ps are somewhat controllable. To learn more about each of the P’s, continue reading.