Whether you’re running a conference, a community meeting or launching a new program, using Twitter means you can expand the size of the audience taking part and spread the word about the great work your organisation does.
Here’s our tips for using Twitter to promote your event.
1. Give your event a unique hashtag before you send out invites
This allows other people to follow the event and contribute comments before, during and after it’s over.
2. Announce your hashtag at the same time you announce your event
Make sure you include it on all your promotional material.
3. Co-brand if you’re holding your event in conjunction with another organisation or umbrella event.
For example, if you’re launching a new program during Adult Learners’ Week use #ALW2016.
4. Encourage people to follow you on Twitter
Add your Twitter handle to staff signature blocks, pressreleases, on emails, posters and flyers, your website and other social media such as Facebook.
5. Tweet using your hashtag before the event
Build interest by sharing relevant and interest in information. For example, tweet fun tidbits or interesting facts, pictures from last year’s event, or program announcements. Mention any guest speakers so they can spread the word about their involvement ahead of time too.
6. Nominate a live tweeter or two before the day
Brief your tweeters on ways to increase interaction and engagement with followers on the day.
7. In your welcome address, announce that you will be tweeting live and remind people what the hashtag is
Ensure any signage or presentation material features your event hashtag as a ready reminder.
8. Encourage people to tweet their observations, opinions, or pictures during the event
When people tweet live, they promote your event to people not there who may want to become involved as a result.
9. Follow your event hashtag yourself
You can get immediate feedback on successes and issues, so you can respond in real-time. For example, if the keynote speaker is inaudible to people in the back row? Fix that microphone.
10. After the event tell people how successful it was
Describe what was accomplished, and include a link to your website or mailing list for people who want to stay in touch.
Photo credit: Live blogging, CC BY-SA 2.0