Organising your own event surely sounds like a lot of work. So why would you even want to do it? The answer is that events are actually a great way to promote your company and to improve customer loyalty. You are probably thinking: where do I even start? When you are planning an event, the first things to consider are a location, catering and some guests. Of course that is just the beginning. But even so, hosting your own event does not have to be that hard at all, even on the smallest budget. With our 8 tips and ideas, your event will be ready in no time.
Tip 1. Determine your budget
It is important to set a maximum budget for your event in advance. Don't have a big budget? No problem: just be creative! For example, you can approach different organisations for quotes on the same service. Take catering, for example: request quotes from three different caterers and compare prices. Of course you can also make the snacks yourself. If your budget is not big enough for an external location, then why not use your own premises? Tidy up your shed and hold a demonstration there. Potential customers will immediately know where to find you!
Tip 2. Set your goals
What do you want to achieve with your event? If you want to attract new customers, it is important to take this into account when promoting the event because you want to reach as many potential clients as possible. Is the event for existing customers only? Then you should think about what message you would like to convey to them. Would you like to thank them, or maybe share knowledge with them, or show them something new in your business? These options are all great, but make sure what you are communicating is relevant to your customers. In short, before you plan anything else you should ask yourself: what is my message? And why is it interesting to my (potential) customers?
In addition to your target group, you could also invite local representatives. For example, consider local newspapers and media. This is likely to help promote your company and your event.
Tip 3. Communicate the event on time
Do not wait too long to communicate the date and basic details of the event. This way, you will increase the chances that your invitees will be able to be there. A detailed programme of the event can of course be shared at a later stage.
You should also think carefully about the timing of your event, as this must fit your target group. Is your target group more likely to have time to attend an event during the week, or at the weekend? The start time can also make a big difference: make sure your event does not clash with something else taking place in your area, and that it is easy for your target group to fit in their schedule. For example, if your event is on a Saturday, it would make sense to have it in the morning, so that visitors can have the option to do something else afterwards. Having to get in the car exclusively to join your event could be perceived as an obstacle by your (potential) customers.
Are you wondering how you could reach those potential customers? Approach websites that feature agricultural events listings and ask if they are able to add your event. This will be good promotion for your event and your company. You can also promote an event by using, amongst other things, flyers, mails and social media. Before you start promoting your event, it is important to think about who you want to invite and why, so you can use the right promotional tools.
Tip 4: Social media is your best friend
Social media is an efficient way to reach many people in a short time. You can easily share photos, videos and infographics with your target group through social media. Share a message on your Facebook page about the event with a link to your website, where they can find more information. In addition, you can create an event on Facebook so that people can let their friends on Facebook know that they will be attending the event. This could potentially give you a rough estimate of how many people to expect. Photos can also be easily shared on the event page afterwards, either by yourself or your guests. It is also a good idea to share photos of the event on other social media channels during the event and afterwards. This way (potential) customers who either weren’t able to attend or did not hear about the event in time to join will still be aware of what it was like and might be enticed to attend the next one.
Offline promotion in addition to online promotion is important as well. You could advertise in the local newspapers and put up flyers at local stores and supermarkets. It won’t be hard to put together a simple design and print the flyers in your office. You may want to make sure you clearly communicate that customers are welcome to bring a guest or their families to your event. This might make it easier for your customers to attend.
Tip 5. Find out what your customers want
Do you have doubts about the demands and needs of your customers? Then simply ask them what they want! For example: ask 10 customers what they would like to learn at your event (if your event is about learning). Customers really value relevance. Is your event far from relevant? Then your customers won't show up. Nowadays, factors such as time play a major role. It is common for people to cancel events that they are very interested in because they cannot attend due to unforeseen circumstances. So, play it safe and share your ideas with a handful of customers.
Tip 6. Tips for event inspiration
There are many different types of events that you can organise. Are you still looking for the perfect idea? Here are some examples you can get inspired by:
- An open house. Let your customers take a look behind the scenes! In the office, in the warehouse, in the shed or in the workshop. Or all of these! Show your method, this will certainly be appreciated.
- Thank your customers and give them something. Thank your customers for the collaboration and show them that you are happy with them. In this way you create mutual trust and strengthen the relationship.
- A workshop. Don't underestimate your own knowledge. Sharing knowledge is important. Organise a workshop about, for example, warehouse equipment or the assembly of certain parts.
- Organise a brainstorming / networking event and let your customers do the work. For example: come up with interesting statements about the industry and discuss them together while enjoying drink and some snacks. Or take customers to a trade show: the most important thing is that you are doing something together.
- Invite suppliers. Why not invite your biggest suppliers to showcase products or services? Give your customer a chance to see who you work with and why.
Tip 7. Hand out "presents"
Of course, you hope that your (potential) customers had a great day. Now the goal is to make your (potential) customers remember your event. You can do this by giving them something small with your company name or the event name on it, such as a notebook, a power bank or reusable drinking bottle. Or maybe even one of your own products!
Another creative idea for your event is a photo booth. You can rent this or create it yourself and place it on your event. Customers can then take the photos home or to work. If your customer shares this photo online, you even have the chance to reach even more potential customers. So, a photo booth is a mix between a good promotional tool and a very nice souvenir. Tip: Do not forget to put your company logo at the bottom of every photo.
Tip 8. Become part of another event
If you do not like to organise an event yourself or if this is your first time, there is also another option: being part of another event. This way you can keep it small and decide for yourself what you want to do. The choice is entirely yours!
Do you have any tips for organising an event? Let us know!
