We all know about Tweetups and online events, but what about events that you didn't specifically invite the Twitterati to attend? Conferences, meetings and parties are all events that might not have started online, but which can definitely benefit from online promotion and mention.
Leverage your offline event with some smart social media marketing. Here are seven ways you can maximize exposure of your event using online tools.
1. Blog About It
SXSW attendee Allen Stern liveblogged several sessions at the 2009 event. His blog posts are little more than notes from the presentation, but they do a good job of relaying the highlights to readers quickly.
2. Post Photos on Flickr
Make sure your organization or business doesn't have legal objections to you tweeting from the event. If the event covers trade secrets or other sensitive stuff, you may be entangled in more legal issues than you can shake a stick at if you're not careful. The NFL banned tweeting from football events this season, for example, and is imposing fines for those that violate the ban.
6. Use Hashtags
The easiest way to track tweets and other mentions of your events on social media platforms is to ask all participants to use a # with a designated keyword or phrase when discussing it.
For example, in 2009, BlogWorld New Media Expo used the hashtag #bwe09 on Twitter to track all mentions of it. Many presentations used this hashtag or one relating to a particular topic as a way to field questions and comments during the presentations. For those unable to attend, following the hashtag was a great way to stay updated on soundbites from the conference.
7. Livestream Your Event
If your event is a conference or educational platform, consider livestreaming it via web video. Using services like Justin.tv or Ustream.tv, you can broadcast your event live over the Internet. This helps expand your audience and interact with them, even if they are not present in person at your event.
Wrapping it Up
Remember that you can get the most out of online promotion if you start long before the event. Map out a strategy that includes what you will do prior to the event, during, and after. Ask employees and attendees to assist you by posting their own take on the event through their blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr accounts. Make it as easy as possible for anyone to share their content and photos of your event online.
More social media resources from Mashable:
- 5 Levels of Effective Communication in the Social Media Age
- Zen and the Art of Twitter: 4 Tips for Productive Tweeting
- How Social Media Has Changed Us