Hashtags are like the secret sauce on a top-shelf burger. You might not notice it at first glance, but once you take a bite, you’ll realize that it’s that special ingredient that takes it from good to great. And if that burger was your event, and the secret sauce – your hashtag, you’d be sure that everyone is going to want a piece of it!
So, you’ve planned an amazing event, you’ve nailed down all the logistics, and now you’re left wondering how to get the word out. It’s no longer enough to just post it on your website and hope people show up. No, no. It’s time to bring out the big guns: event-specific hashtags.
The Power of a Hashtag
Think of a hashtag as a searchlight in the vast digital landscape. It cuts through the noise and shines a light on your event, pulling in attendees from all corners of the web. It’s like shouting “Free pizza!” in a dormitory at midnight; you’re bound to gather a crowd.
When you create a specific, unique hashtag for your event, you’re essentially creating a hub for all conversations and content related to your event. People can search the hashtag, join the conversation, and even contribute their own thoughts and images. The result? A snowball of exposure and excitement that grows bigger and faster the closer you get to the event date.
Creating the Perfect Hashtag
Now, creating a hashtag is not rocket science, but it’s not a walk in the park either. You can’t just stick a ‘#’ in front of the first word that comes to mind. No sir! A good event hashtag needs to be relevant, catchy, and unique. Think of it as naming a rock band; you wouldn’t name it something like ‘The Band’, right?
It should ideally include the event name or abbreviation and the year. This makes it specific to your event and allows for an easy transition year after year, creating a digital archive of each event.
Promoting Your Event Hashtag
Your event hashtag is the bridge between you and your potential attendees, but you’ve got to show them the bridge before they can cross it.
Begin by incorporating your hashtag in all your event promotional materials, from your email signatures to your website, and, of course, your social media platforms. This is your mantra, chant it everywhere you go!
Engaging Your Attendees
Getting people to use your hashtag before the event is one thing, but the real magic happens when the event is live. That’s when your attendees become your marketers, sharing their experiences, tagging their photos, and getting your hashtag trending.
One great way to encourage this is by showcasing a live feed of posts using your event hashtag. This gives attendees the thrill of seeing their posts displayed in real time, and it motivates others to get in on the action.
After the Event: Keeping the Momentum Going
Just because your event is over doesn’t mean the conversation has to end. Keep engaging with your attendees by sharing highlights, thanking them for attending, and building excitement for next year’s event. Remember, the goal isn’t just to host an amazing event, but to create a community that grows and evolves year after year.
At this point, you might be thinking, “This is all great, but it’s so much work! Is there an easier way?” Well, yes, there is. For all those who want to skyrocket their event promotion with the least effort and maximum returns, here’s your secret weapon:
