Hey there, creative people. This is Makayla Binter, Creative Catalyst at Charlotte Is Creative.
Each week, I receive tons of event promotion requests. And, I want to help as many of you as I can. But, to make that happen, I need you to help me help you. We cannot cover everything we get, but – if you make it easy on us – we’re more inclined to help.
Here are five simple and effective tips that will put you on the right path to helping us (and ANY media) more easily share your event across our social channels.
TIP ONE:
Make Information Easy and Accessible
When I get a promotional request, I look for the basics, first:
- What is it?
- When is it? (Date AND Time)
- Where is it?
- How much does it cost?
- Why are you doing it?
TO BE BLUNT, if you make me work to find these basic details, the chances we’re going to cover or share your event decrease dramatically. We may have to pass on promoting your event.
And, if I go to your website, Facebook page or Instagram feed and you’re not sharing links and details there … I’m out. This may sound harsh, but: Why should we spend time promoting your event if you’re not promoting your own event?
Please, package your information in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
- Clear Links: Make sure your event link is in your bio or LinkTree. This could be an Eventbrite, Partiful or a dedicated event page that answers all the basics.
- Essential Details: Send a short intro and a two-sentence event description that includes the title, time, location, and dress code if necessary.
- Organized Files: Even better, drop everything into a Google Drive or Dropbox folder with all the flyers and imagery, so it’s all in one place.
TIP TWO:
Design Social Media Graphics in All Sizes
Well-designed graphics can go a long way. Newsletters and social media are visual by nature. You need eye-catching graphics to tell your story. And, so do we. Providing multiple sizes and formats lets us post on a variety of platforms and increases your reach.
- Size Variety: If you offer graphics sized for various media, we’ll love you forever:
- 1080 x 1080 for Instagram posts
- 1080 x 1920 for stories
- 8.5 x 11 for printed posters.
JPEGs, PNGs, and even MP4s make it easy for us to post on multiple channels.
- Content Flexibility: Keep some flyers image-focused and others text-heavy for variety. This way, we can use them for stories, emails, or even reels.
- Add Visuals: Utilize photos from past events (if you have them). These visuals make your promo more dynamic and memorable. They give viewers a good sense of what your event will be like. Always remember to credit the photographers. ALWAYS!
TIP THREE:
Give Yourself (and Others) Plenty of Time to Promote
Good things may come to those who wait, but not in our world. COVERAGE comes to those who prepare in advance. Giving enough notice makes it way more likely your event will be featured or posted to our digital community.
NOTE: 24-48 hours is NOT enough time. Even if I drop what I’m doing and get your content up, that’s not enough time to educate an audience.
- Start Early: Aim to reach out at least four weeks before your event (if not more). On the media side, this allows time for us to add it to our social media calendar.
- Map Out Promotions: Develop a simple marketing plan that includes social posts, emails, and partner shares. When are you sharing information with partners and attendees?
- Use a Schedule: Think of it as a timeline for your event, detailing key posting dates. Here’s a sample we use to keep organized:
Four weeks may not be enough time to promote an event, but this is a quick example of the promoting schedule.
TIP FOUR:
Follow Up with Recap Materials
… and THANK YOUs!
Once your event is over (especially if it’s still going), keep the momentum flowing by following up with photos, videos and highlights.
These recaps let participants showcase the event’s success to build excitement for future ones and a sense of FOMO to those who did not attend.
- Thank Supporters: Tag partners and thank them for their support, whether it’s on social media or in a follow-up email.
- Share Event Highlights: Post photos, videos, or attendee testimonials to recap the event and keep people talking.
- Invite Engagement: Ask attendees to tag themselves in photos or share their experiences on social media. This helps to spread the word organically.
- Thank Those Who Cover You: If you asked for media to help you, and they did … circle back and acknowledge it. It’s the right thing to do and it will make them more inclined to help you in the future. Best of all, share their content and give them credit. That kind of reciprocal relationship is an investment in the next story you want them to write for you!
NOW … it’s YOUR TURN!
Click Here to Share Your Event!
We’re excited and WANT to help promote your event and support your work. Use the tips above, set up your promo materials, and submit them to us when you’re ready. Let’s make sharing as easy and impactful as possible for everyone involved! SUBMIT YOUR EVENT/OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSIDERATION HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot cover 100% of the events we’re sent, but if you follow the guidelines above, we promise it increases your chances with us and other media outlets.
