10 Creative Ways for New Event Planners to Market Yourselves

Welcome to the 6th edition of Event Pulse, a free weekly newsletter dedicated to strengthening the vibrant events community. Whether you're a seasoned event producer, someone who organizes meetings and events as part of your day job, or thinking about entering this dynamic industry, this is the place to go for up-to-date information on the latest happenings, tips on best practices, and much more.

I'm Camelia Yeung, an experienced event architect with over 28 years in the business. I'm here to build a community of people who share a passion for this ever-evolving industry and its resilience. But community isn't about me speaking at you - it's about us having a conversation. So give that comment section a workout! Every comment will receive a response, and who knows, your name could be on the next by-line.

Seeking fresh marketing ideas to promote your event planning business? This week's article, 10 Creative Ways for New Event Planners to Market Yourselves, is a must-read. Packed with handy tips, it covers both traditional and unconventional tactics to boost your brand's visibility - perfect for newcomers to the industry or a veteran looking to reinvigorate your marketing strategies.

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here as a charter subscriber.

Congratulations! You have decided to strike out on your own as an event planner. What's next? How do you get the word out there? Here are 10 creative ways for you to market your brand and your services. The first five are more traditional, followed by 5 unconventional ones. Read them, digest them, and at the end, we'll talk about how to use them to give you the most impact.

1. Utilize Social Media Platforms

Establish a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Share engaging content such as photos and videos of your events, client testimonials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and tips for event planning. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and participating in relevant conversations. You can also run targeted ads to reach potential clients in your area.

2. Networking and Collaborations

Attend networking events, industry conferences, and trade shows to connect with other event professionals, potential clients, and vendors. A list of upcoming industry events can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. Building relationships within the industry can lead to referrals and partnerships. Collaborate with local businesses, venues, and suppliers to cross-promote each other's services and expand your reach.

3. Create a Professional Website        

Create a polished website to highlight your portfolio, services, pricing, and contact details. Boost your online presence by optimizing for search engines (SEO). Sharing insights and industry trends through a blog can help position you as an expert in event planning. When it's time to launch your site, consider platforms like Namecheap for domain registration and hosting to ensure a professional online image for your event services.

4. Offer Special Promotions and Discounts

Attract new clients by offering special promotions, discounts, or package deals for first-time customers or seasonal events. It could be something as simple as offering a 1-hour initial consultation for free. Consider partnering with complementary businesses (such as caterers or photographers) to create bundled packages that add value for your clients. Limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency and encourage potential clients to book your services sooner rather than later.

5. Host Workshops or Webinars

Position yourself as an expert in event planning by hosting workshops, webinars, or seminars on topics related to your niche or specialty. These events can provide valuable insights to attendees while also showcasing your expertise and personality. Collect attendees' contact information to follow up with them afterward and offer your services for their upcoming events.

6. Host a Pop-Up Event

Instead of waiting for clients to come to you, take your event planning skills to the streets by organizing a pop-up event in a high-traffic area. This could be a mini-exhibition showcasing your talents, a themed party, or a live demonstration of your event planning expertise. Engage with passersby, hand out flyers or business cards, and offer special promotions to attract potential clients.

7. Create Interactive Online Content

Stand out from the crowd by creating interactive online content that allows potential clients to experience your creativity and skills firsthand. This could include hosting live Q&A sessions on social media, creating interactive polls or quizzes related to event planning, or even developing a virtual reality tour of a past event you've organized. The goal is to provide valuable, engaging content that showcases your expertise and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

8. Partner with Local Influencers

Collaborate with local influencers or micro-influencers in your area to reach a wider audience and gain credibility. Identify influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic and propose mutually beneficial partnerships, such as sponsoring an event they're hosting or offering to plan a themed event for their followers. Their endorsement can help increase your visibility and attract potential clients who trust their recommendations.

9. Offer Pro Bono Services for Nonprofits

Give back to your community while showcasing your event planning skills by offering pro bono services to local nonprofits or charitable organizations. Volunteer to plan and execute fundraising events, galas, or charity auctions for causes you're passionate about. Not only will you gain valuable experience and exposure, but you'll also build meaningful relationships with potential clients and industry contacts who share your philanthropic values.

10. Create Branded Experiences

Think outside the box by creating unique branded experiences that leave a lasting impression on attendees. For example, host a themed scavenger hunt or interactive game that incorporates elements of your event planning services. Partner with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts or prizes to participants, and encourage them to share their experience on social media using a branded hashtag. This interactive approach not only promotes your services but also promotes engagement and word-of-mouth referrals.

By implementing these strategies, sometimes embracing unconventional ones, event planners can differentiate themselves from the competition, attract attention from potential clients, and establish a memorable brand presence in their industry. Remember, you don't have to do them all. Just pick the one that speaks to you the most, where you already have resources, contacts or expertise to make it happen quickly. Just don't wait, make it happen now.

Need a quick reference guide for the 10 creative marketing strategies covered in this article? Download this FREE infographic - print it out and keep it handy as you implement these tactics.

Ready to dive into exclusive content? Don't miss out! Click here to become a free subscriber today.