Finally, your event app is designed and ready for the app store. But even before it goes live, you can start promoting it to your attendees at least two months in advance. The earlier you start, the more likely it is that you’ll increase awareness of your event and attendance. You’ll also see a rise in app downloads and usage. All you need is a solid marketing strategy.
One of the easiest ways to promote your event app early on is to spread the word on social media—from both your personal account and your organization’s account. Before your app is live, you can let people know when it’s coming through a tweet on Twitter or a post on Facebook. The key is to show excitement and tell them two things: 1) your event has a mobile app 2) it’s coming out soon.
Good example of early promotion before the app is live:
ClarkCountyFair
This is going to be huuuuuge. Can't wait to talk more about our upcoming mobile app for the Clark County Fair.... http://fb.me/1rCYKA5Wr
Positives: They promoted their mobile event app on Twitter, showed they were excited, and linked to a picture of their mobile app campaign.
Another way to promote your event or conference app is to point out the benefits or reasons why someone should click on the link and download your app. This is where you think about what type of event you have and your audience. You know why your event app is going to be awesome; now you just have to show everyone else.
Good example of promoting the benefits of a mobile conference app:
EAPA
#EAPA2012 conference app includes schedules, directories, maps & more! Download at crwd.cc/EAPA2012
Positives: They included the link to their conference app and pointed out the features that would interest people most.
And of course, don’t forget to promote your app the day of your event.
E2MAssoc
Stay in touch at #RedDiamond2012 with this app --> http://ar.gy/1M34 Download Now!
Positives: They reminded attendees of their mobile conference app and created a hashtag people could use and re-tweet.
The key during an event is to keep the momentum going and make sure everyone gets the best experience possible. One way to do this is to ask questions and start a discussion. While you want to promote your event, you don’t want people to feel like they’re being talked at.
Promote parts of your event without sounding promotional:
IABC
World Conference Question of the Day: What session did you attend today and what were your key takeaways #iabc12 http://bit.ly/OmLJZV
Positives: They were generally interested in what their attendees thought and started a ongoing video campaign on YouTube called “Question of the Day.” Attendees shared valuable insights, which IABC linked to in their tweet.
After your event is over, the experiences live on. Let your attendees know you plan on being back next year.
Inspire them now to look forward to your event in the future:
ISAKOS
We're excited to work with @CrowdCompass again to create an amazing mobile app for our next Congress! #ISAKOS2013
There are many more ways to create buzz before, during, and after your event. We’ll break them down one by one as we forge ahead with how to promote apps for events, conferences, and tradeshows.
