Start with a Facebook Event
More and more, people are using Facebook to manage their social calendars. Creating a Facebook event is an easy way to publicize your events because it reaches people who have already shown interest by following your Facebook page. Plus, it's simple for people to share your event out to their personal network of friends.
You'll also want to plan a series of Facebook posts to generate interest and remind people to attend as the event draws closer. Don't forget to cross-promote your event on any other social media channels you may have since some people prefer other social media channels over Facebook.
Be sure to submit a Promote an Event request to take advantage of on-campus promotion opportunities such as the WSU Update and Event Calendar.
Collaborate with Relevant Partners
Facebook events can be co-hosted by multiple pages/groups. Invite any departments or clubs that are partners in your event as co-hosts to reach their Facebook followers.
If you don't have any of your own department accounts, there is no need to start a Facebook page just to promote an event.
Reach out to other departments or clubs with similar interests or goals, and ask if they will help promote your event on their social media accounts.
Also, the WSU Social Media Team reviews Promote an Event requests on a weekly basis. If an event meets certain editorial criteria, it may be promoted on the main WSU Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat channels.
A General Promotion Timeline
5+ Weeks Out
Create a Facebook Event
4 Weeks Out
Share your event on Facebook with a "Save the Date" type message, including the time, date, location and reason to attend.
Share your event on any other social media channels your department/club has access to.
2-3 Weeks Out
Mix in posts about the upcoming event alongside your usual types of social media content across all your social media channels. You want to build up interest in your event, but not bore people who aren't able or don't want to attend.
Share fun details about the event, such as:
- a behind-the-scenes look at preparation or set-up work
- short video features of someone helping with the event
- what people can expect at the event
- information about the topic in general through related blog posts, videos, statistics or other commentary
- photos or videos from last year's event
If you require pre-registration, make this clear in your social posts and remind people of the final registration date.
1 Week Out
Continue sharing fun details, and also start posting reminders about the time, date and location. Consider sharing posts on your own personal social accounts, or encouraging people to you know to help promote the event on their social accounts.
If you require pre-registration, do not continue posting about the event after the registration window has closed or the event is full. Send reminders to the registered individuals through another platform, like email, rather than on social media.
This will avoid getting people's hopes up about an event that they are too late to register for.
After the Event
Thank everyone for attending and share your successes. You could also post a photo album or video capturing the highlights of the event.