Tired of always doing it online? It sounds like it’s time to add some event marketing into the mix. By capitalising on local events, you can showcase your brand, connect with potential customers, and build enduring relationships in person. This guide will cover the top strategies for SME success in event promotion so you can hit the ground running marketing.
Choose the right events
Perth boasts a vibrant events scene, from cultural festivals to sports tournaments. To maximise your marketing impact, select events that align with your brand values and target audience. Who do you want to speak to? Where will they be this Friday?
Some popular options include the Fringe World Festival, Perth Festival, Perth International Jazz Festival, and City to Surf. As the CBD becomes a vibrant hub of activity, there are plenty of events to choose from, but it’s important not to lose focus and spread your budget too thin, so pick your battles wisely.
Get creative with brand activations
Once you’ve chosen your events, it’s time to think outside the box. Event marketing is all about creating memorable experiences for attendees. Consider setting up an interactive booth with games, photo ops, or product demos. You could also sponsor a lounge area with comfortable seating and charging stations, host a contest or giveaway to generate buzz and collect valuable leads, or partner with local influencers to promote your brand at the event. Remember, fortune favours the bold, so don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd! Make them remember you, and your next ad might just land a conversion.
Promote your presence
With your event marketing strategy locked and loaded, it’s time to spread the word. Use social media, email marketing, and local press to promote your involvement in the event. To maximise your reach, use event hashtags to join the conversation and reach a wider audience, offer exclusive deals or promotions for event attendees, and collaborate with other local businesses to cross-promote your participation. By making some noise, you’ll attract more visitors to your booth and build anticipation for your brand.
Measure your success
As with any marketing initiative, tracking your event marketing performance is essential. ROI is the goal, not vanity stats. Set measurable goals, such as leads generated, social media engagement, or event-driven sales. After the event, analyse your results and identify areas for improvement. This way, you can refine your strategy and make your next event marketing endeavour even more successful.
Building lasting relationships
One of the key aspects of event marketing is building lasting relationships with customers and local businesses. Networking at events allows you to make connections, exchange ideas, and potentially collaborate on future projects. By fostering relationships with other businesses, you can expand your reach, share resources, and create more growth opportunities.
Attendees at events are also more likely to remember your brand if you provide a positive and engaging experience. Follow up with leads and connections after the event to strengthen your relationships and increase the chances of turning prospects into loyal customers.
Event marketing is a powerful tool for SMEs looking to boost their visibility and community engagement in Perth. By understanding your audience, choosing the right events, getting creative with activations, promoting your presence, measuring your success, and building lasting relationships, you’ll be well on your way to succeeding in the marketing Perth scene. So get out there!
Need some help with event planning? Contact Perth’s outcome-driven marketers for advice on how to make your next endeavour a success.