Event Marketing

10 Event Marketing Ideas to Grow Attendance in 2024

Give your promotion calendar fresh energy with high-impact experiments that don’t require huge budgets. These 10 plays help you reach new audiences and convert them into lifelong attendees.

Idea 1: Partner with local influencers

Find 5-10 micro-influencers in your area who reach your target audience. Give them free tickets and ask them to share about your event on social media. Track who they bring using simple promo codes.

Idea 2: Create an event planning quiz

Build a simple quiz asking "What's your ideal event experience?" Use free tools like Google Forms or Typeform to collect responses and send personalized recommendations.

Idea 3: Share highlight videos from past events

Create short video recaps of your best moments and share them on social media. Include testimonials from past attendees to build credibility and excitement.

Idea 4: Host free preview events

Set up small pop-up events at local businesses or community spaces. Offer mini-versions of your main event to give people a taste and collect email addresses for follow-up.

Idea 5: Test different landing page designs

Create two versions of your event page - one focused on buying now, another on learning more. Use free A/B testing tools to see which converts better.

Idea 6: Cross-promote with similar organizations

Partner with related groups for shout-outs and shared promotions. Exchange email lists (with permission) and promote each other's events to reach new audiences.

Idea 7: Bundle digital content with tickets

For people who can't attend in person, offer live streaming access plus exclusive digital content like behind-the-scenes videos or downloadable resources.

Idea 8: Run social media contests

Ask followers to share their excitement, create memes, or submit photos for a chance to win free tickets. Feature winners on your social channels to build buzz.

Idea 9: Trade promotions with other events

Find events in different cities or seasons and agree to promote each other. Share each other's posts and offer discount codes to their audiences.

Idea 10: Reward repeat attendees

Create a simple loyalty program offering priority access, special seating, or exclusive perks to people who've attended before. Track this with a basic spreadsheet.

Ready to try these ideas?

Most of these strategies work with free tools and your existing website. InstantGate can help with ticket sales and basic attendee tracking if you need it.

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