Are you unsure what do with social media? You’re not alone. Many meeting professionals feel overwhelmed by the idea of establishing a presence in the social media world.
Social Media Marketing is on the tip of everyones tongue these days. Most though are unsure how to use these new mediums and struggle with understanding where to get started.
Fortunately, it’s easier than you think.
Meeting professionals that want to increase engagement, share excitement and better execute their events need to adapt and incorporate social media opportunities into their event strategies.
Social media marketing is being used to find and engage new attendees, provide core details and customer support, understand the needs/wants of attendees and increase brand awareness and publicity. However, one of the greatest advantages of using social media is it’s ability to bring together loyal fans and let them share their stories.
Here are 5 quick tips to help you get started.
Listen
Search for your company and key words that relate to your specific kind of events on social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to see what attendees and the public at large like and dislike. You can learn a huge amount by just listening to the comments people share. If you are going to jump into the conversation, remember to do so with an inquisitive tone. Like a cocktail party, the hard sell does not work here. Be positive and let attendees know you are listening.
Poke Around
Check out other events and your competition before beginning your own social media campaign. Look for elements that speak to you. Maybe it’s a style of writing or simply the way they designed their profiles. See what they are doing and how they are doing it. If it works for them, it could work for you!
Be Open
Approach online conversations about your events in an open manner and then engage your attendees in conversations with full disclosure. Let them behind the curtain and you will have an opportunity to engage them in a conversation that rarely happens. They become raving fans by feeling as if they are a greater part of the event. Ask what they think about the event, you might be surprised by the responses and ideas.What they are looking for are details, exceptional service and real‐life connections.
Share
Start creating your social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and with a blog. Then create links for these platforms on your Web site’s homepage, in your signature block and even on your business card. Initially you will have to do the legwork in building your community. As you explore the Social Media space, look for opportunities to comment and give back. When you do, include your Twitter Username, or a link your blog or Facebook. This helps people to track back and be introduced to your presence.
Daily Check up
So…..you’ve done the legwork, got the whole thing set up, now spend 30 minutes per‐day updating each platform. The key is to focus on sharing information, links, images and whatever else you can. The goal is to keep it all focused on content that is VALUABLE to your attendees. Be sure to keep your content fresh and look for opportunities to interact with your attendees.
Beyond that, it’s important to spend time learning each day. Spend a few minutes and search the web for articles about Social Media Marketing. Add the blogs of Chris Brogan, Gary Vaynerchuck, Michael McCurry, Jeff Hurt and Lara McCulloch-Carter to your favorites. And if you are still not sure about where to look for guidance on what constitutes good social media, turn to the experts and keep listening until you are comfortable diving in yourself.
