Organizing an event is a smart, successful, and enjoyable method to increase client loyalty and attract new customers. There are numerous types of events to pick from, but not all will be the greatest fit for every type of business.
Unfortunately, small firms frequently have a limited marketing budget to deal with, making promotion difficult. The good news is that you can sell yourself to your consumers without spending any (or much) money.
To make things easier for you, we’ve collected a list of some of our favourite event ideas that are specifically tailored to small businesses in this post.
1. PARTNER ACTIVITIES
If your company is newer and you don’t have a large customer base to invite to your event, look for a complementary business in your community that would be willing to cohost with you. A complementary business might be a children’s swim instructor collaborating with a daycare provider. This is an excellent strategy to reach an audience that is likely to be interested in what you’re selling. In addition, collaborating with a well-established company provides legitimacy to your own.
2. CONTESTS
Organize a fun contest in which neighbours and customers can participate. You can incorporate the theme into your brand and urge people to submit entries and demonstrate their spirit. Some libraries, for example, offer an Edible Book Festival, inviting patrons to build exhibits based on their favourite novels. Scavenger hunts are a low-cost solution that may allow you to collaborate with other local businesses.
3. HOBBY-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Building a Facebook group around activity is a simple but effective method to become involved with a community. A craft business, for example, may form and monitor a club for specific hobbies in a given region. It’s a means for people to learn new things and share information, and you may use such a group activity to boost your brand’s image. This will enhance online traffic among your consumer base over time.
4. WEBINARS
Short on cash? No problem! Hosting an online event, like a webinar, is an inexpensive way to connect with your customers for pennies on the dollar. Topics for webinars can be wide-ranging, such as:
- Introducing your company or owner
- Hosting a demo
- Knowledge-based webinars (ex: informing customers of changes in legislation affecting your business and their relationship with your services)
- Enlist the help of loyal customers to share their experiences with your business
- Q&A Sessions
5. CHARITY EVENTS
Consumers want to support companies that share their ideals. Hosting an event to raise exposure for not only your company but also a worthwhile cause will benefit your brand and allow you to tap into an existing pool of supporters, individuals who are already active with your selected charity. If you decide to donate to a charity, try to select one that is closely related to your sort of business. Do you own a pet shop? Consider donating to a local shelter. Restaurateur? Help your neighbourhood soup kitchen!
Consult with the charity to see if they’d be willing to publicise your event in their newsletter, website, or social media platforms.
6. SPORTS EVENTS
Consider sponsoring a local sporting event, such as a baseball or football team from a high school or college. This is a terrific way to get your name out there while also giving you an excuse to take a day off and watch some sports!
7. SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
A small business could hold a speaking engagement with its own employees serving as product specialists. As an incentive for attendance, you may provide a concession code. Following the presentation, you might have a live product demo so that customers can get a hands-on feel and speak with professionals. The discount incentive and one-on-one time with industry specialists would entice new customers.
8. “HOW-TO” SEMINARS
Consumers adore learning new skills and how to use items correctly. A presentation of your products is a simple method to add value to your services and entice visitors through your door. This is applicable even to service-oriented enterprises. For example, if you operated a juice shop, you would want to host an event where you demonstrate how to make one of your most popular cocktails.
Workshops can also be classified as ‘How To’. Teaching individuals practical skills is a significant value addition. Many home improvement companies, for example, began implementing workshops to teach their consumers how to do their own home repair projects.
9. VOLUNTEERING EVENT
Small businesses must be good stewards of their communities and the environment. Arranging a traditional beach cleaning or litter pickup along local hiking trails is an excellent opportunity to get people together to do something good. According to Sydney event planners, these gatherings can provide an opportunity to meet people who wish to make a difference in the community by doing something beneficial.
They not only sell everything needed to accomplish a project, but they also show you how to do it like a pro.
10. A VALUE-BASED EVENT
A great neighbourhood event can combine education, entertainment, and generosity. Begin simple, provide value and entertainment, and demonstrate your company’s principles. People want to get out and socialise again in a safe environment, therefore live events are reviving. Use that passion to your advantage.
Promotional Ideas for Your Event
You’ll need to select how to publicise your event once you’ve decided on the type of event you’ll be presenting. The greatest way to spread the word is to use multiple platforms.
Social networking sites
Advertise your event on social media by routinely posting about it or creating a Facebook event to formally invite followers. Include key facts into each piece, or select sections of the event to spotlight on a weekly basis. Don’t forget to include registration pages here as well.
Email Campaign
If you have a large email list, create an email blast or a simple series of emails to send in the build-up to the big day. The first step should undoubtedly be to tap into your distribution list. Consumers that have provided you with their contact information are willing to receive correspondence from you and are more likely to attend your event. Provide relevant information such as the date, time, and venue, as well as any other details attendees may require to ensure a smooth evening (like parking information, street closures, maps, etc).
Contact information and a clear call to action, such as a registration button or link to your website’s event home page, are just as crucial as these logistical details.
Mailers
Mailers, while not as popular as electronic invitations, maybe a very successful offline marketing tactic if done correctly. If you want to use the pony express, send postcards rather than cards in envelopes. Consumers are more inclined to read anything that is already open and has appealing graphics.
