Promoting special events on the Internet offers unique advantages and opportunities.
Most events are annual endeavors, so it's wise for community event organizers and not-for-profit fundraisers to consider Web promotions for their events.
Usually Internet advertising for special events is limited to annual event directories or monthly event calendars. Information is condensed and with event calendars, the announcement usually appears only two to three weeks prior to the event.
A good compliment to these listings is an Internet promotion with a Web address unique to the event such as www.ourcommunityevent.com. This is fairly easy to arrange.
The best approach to getting your Web promotion online would be to work with your current media partners.
Ask the marketing or community relations department of the local newspaper, radio or TV station to add a Web promotion to their sponsorship package. As with traditional media, they can coordinate your content and produce the promotion. A registered Web address and hosting plan can be provided or arranged through services such as InMotionHosting and GoDaddy. An alternative, of course, is to contract a professional Web designer to develop the promotion for you.
Even though your organization may have its own Web site, there are many advantages to arranging a specific Web address to promote a specific event.
By posting a simple Web promotion consisting of one to three pages of facts and photos, you have an effective, interactive information source that can contain lots of information in an exciting format that enhances your traditional advertisements.
You can develop the Web promotion in phases.
Get your promotion up well in advance of the event. This is a good time to use the Web site for vendor and sponsorship information. Use it to attract and update volunteers. Add to the content as information becomes available, inviting readers to check back regularly.
As the event date nears, having a specific online promotion makes it is easy to refer the readers and listeners of traditional ads to the Web address for your event.
When using traditional media, such as print advertisements, broadcast spots, or flyers and posters, it's important to always include your event's Web address. You may also want to include a banner ad in your promotion budget or sponsorship arrangement. And, of course, link to it from your organization's Web site and in emails.
On the Internet, new or changing information can easily be added or updated, such as ticket winner announcements and schedule changes.
Another advantage, sponsors appreciate the added exposure of having their interactive logo with a link to their Web site. A little extra traffic is always appreciated. This is a helpful sell to obtain and keep event sponsors.
And when the event is over ...
The event's Web address is active throughout the year. Recap the event and announce the date and theme for next year's event. Post photos, list kudos and use the space to thank volunteers, community leaders and sponsors. And, get ready to update and develop the content for next year's event.
Your Web presence is an integral part of your identity. It is important that your online promotions reflect your organization's image. Always work with professionals to take full advantage of all that Web promotions can offer.
If you would like to discuss how professionally designed event logos, Web promotions and Internet marketing can benefit your organization's next special event, contact Route 1 Design.
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