I know that most businesses I come across spend most or all of their marketing efforts online, and in the process missing out on major opportunities with in-person events. I’ll be the first to say that online marketing is essential, but it’s not everything.
People like doing business with other people, not businesses. They want to know that there’s a real person behind the brand, and they want to build relationships of trust. And you can’t do that without getting out from behind your computer and interacting with people face-to-face.
No matter how small your business is, you can use events to attract new customers and grow your bottom line.
Here are three events you can run right now to get started.
1.Host an open house even if your business isn’t new
Maybe you want to show off a new look for the season or promote a new offering. Whatever the reason, an open house is a great way to get people in the door. Make sure your open house offers something special, such as refreshments, giveaways, or discounts. And be sure to promote it in advance so people know to come.
The benefits of hosting an open house about your business are that it can:
- Get new people in the door – this is a great opportunity to meet people who might not have otherwise found out about your business.
- Create a sense of community and good will – when you show that you’re invested in your community, they’ll be more likely to support you in return.
- Help you make sales – if you’re promoting a new product or service, an open house is the perfect time to get people interested and make some sales.
2. Host a networking event
A networking event is a great way to meet potential new customers and partners.
You can partner with another business to co-host the event or reach out to a local organization that represents your target market.
To maximize attendance, offer free food and drinks and promote the event through your channels and those of your partners.
The benefits of hosting a networking event is that it can:
- Help you make new connections – when you meet new people, you open up the potential for new partnerships and customers.
- Get your business name out there – networking events are a great way to raise awareness for your business.
- Help you build relationships – by meeting people in person, you can start to build the trust that’s essential for doing business together.
3. Put on a “how to” event
People love learning how to do something new, especially if it will save them time or money. That’s why a “how to” event can be such a hit.
Choose something that’s relevant to your business and offer tips and advice on how to do it.
You could show people how to use your product, use a new service, or even just give some general tips on starting a business.
The benefits of hosting a “how to” event is that it can:
- Help you build trust – when you show people that you’re an expert in your field, they’ll be more likely to do business with you.
- Get people interested in your product or service – if you can show people how your product or service can help them, they’ll be more
Events are also a great way to get new customers in the door. If you can offer something special, such as a discount or giveaway, you’ll be more likely to attract new people who might not have otherwise found out about your business.
So if you’re looking for ways to grow your business, don’t forget about in person events!
Imagine if you could spend a single day with an event marketing strategist like myself developing your entire end-to-end plan for a successful event, rather than running on the never-ending hamster wheel!
Now you can! Book your 90 Minute Marketing Strategy Road Map call and we’ll create multi-layered, community-building experiences that are enjoyed and remembered by your audiences and keep them coming back for more. CLICK HERE to book your road map call now!
