21 Social Media Event Promotion Hacks for a Sold-Out Crowd
If it’s not on social media, did it even happen? Social media is one of the most powerful tools for promotion. Just one viral post, and BAM—your event is the talk of the town! Whether you’re hosting a conference, trade show, or live event, social media can be your magic wand to boost attendance and build excitement.
Need help with your social media event promotion strategy? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! From picking the right platforms to running ads that actually work, this quick guide has all the tips you need to make your event stand out from the crowd.
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What is Event Promotion
Before we move on to the tips and tricks, it’s important to define what event promotion is. Event promotion is basically getting the word out about your event and making people excited to attend. It can be anything from posting on social media and running ads to sending out invites or teaming up with influencers. The idea is simple: grab attention, spark interest, and fill those seats (virtual or in-person).
Why is it so important? Because no matter how amazing your event is, it won’t matter if no one knows about it. Promotion is what puts your event on the map, makes people want to show up, and builds excitement before it even starts.
It’s also the secret sauce to better ticket sales, higher attendance, and more buzz around your brand. Whether you’re hosting a trade show, webinar, or something else entirely, a solid promotion plan can turn your event into something people will talk about long after it’s over. And when it comes to choosing the most powerful tool for event promotion, social media stands out as a clear winner.
Why Event Promotion on Social Media is a Must
The role of social media can’t be underestimated, especially in today’s digital age, where your online presence often determines the success of your business or event. Social media has truly become a game-changer when it comes to promoting events and for good reason. It’s one of the best ways to spread the word and get people excited about what’s coming. Here’s why it works so well:
- Massive Reach
With billions of active users across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, social media gives you the chance to reach a huge audience—whether you're hosting a local event or something on the global stage. It’s like having a megaphone for your event that can be heard by millions!
- Targeted Audience
One of the coolest things about social media is how easy it is to target specific groups of people. You can tailor your posts based on interests, age, location, and even behaviors. This means you’re reaching the people who are most likely to be interested in your event, which can lead to better engagement and attendance.
- Real-Time Engagement
Social media isn’t just about posting content, it’s about having conversations. You can chat with potential attendees, answer their questions, and get them excited in real-time. Whether you’re sharing live updates or replying to comments, this instant interaction helps build a connection and keeps people engaged.
If you’re looking for even more ways to promote your event, don’t overlook channels like email marketing and partnerships. These can complement your social media efforts and help you reach even more people. Plus, if you’re hosting your event on a virtual event platform like Remo, you might have access to built-in marketing tools that can help promote your event even further.
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When to Use Social Media
Leveraging social media for event promotion requires planning and precision. To get the most out of social media, timing is everything. Here's how to break it down:
Pre-Event: Build Excitement and Awareness
Get people talking about your event well in advance.
- Share teasers and sneak peeks
- Introduce special guests or speakers
- Announce giveaways, early bird promotions, or exclusive content
- Create a countdown to generate urgency
Why it matters: The more anticipation you build, the more likely people are to register, share, and show up.
During the Event: Keep Engagement High
Make attendees feel involved and keep the buzz alive.
- Post live updates and behind-the-scenes moments
- Highlight key sessions, speakers, or announcements
- Encourage attendees to use event hashtags and share their experiences
- Run live polls, Q&A sessions, or interactive challenges
Why it matters: Real-time engagement makes your event feel dynamic, encourages participation, and boosts visibility.
Post-Event: Keep the Conversation Going
Your event doesn’t end when it’s over—keep the momentum strong.
- Share event highlights, recap videos, and key takeaways
- Thank attendees, speakers, and sponsors
- Post testimonials and success stories
- Ask for feedback and tease future events
Why it matters: Post-event content strengthens relationships, increases retention, and builds excitement for what’s next.
By using social media at all stages—before, during, and after your event—you can keep your audience hooked and make sure your event is one they'll remember. With the what, why, and when covered, let’s move on to some examples of social media event promotion.
Expert Tips for Social Media Event Promotion
When it comes to promoting your event on social media, there’s a lot to consider. From choosing the right channels to engaging with your audience, these expert tips will help you get the most out of your social media strategy and ensure your event stands out.
1. Choose the Right Social Media Channels
Why: Not all platforms are created equal, and not every platform is suited for every event.
How: Take the time to understand where your target audience hangs out. For instance, LinkedIn is ideal for professional and B2B events, while Instagram and TikTok are great for visual and youth-centric events. Facebook has a broad audience and is useful for community-building. Knowing your audience’s habits helps you pick the best platform to get your message in front of them.
2. Leverage Hashtags for Reach
Why: Hashtags help increase your event’s discoverability and make it easier for people to find your posts.
How: Create a unique, catchy hashtag for your event and encourage attendees to use it. This also makes it easy for you to track conversations. You can also jump on trending or widely used hashtags that align with your event’s theme, just make sure they’re relevant. Using hashtags strategically can get your event seen by a larger audience.
3. Create Shareable Content
Why: Content that’s easy to share has the potential to reach a wider audience and boosts event visibility.
How: Think about using content types that are known for high engagement, like infographics, memes, and behind-the-scenes footage. Create posts that evoke emotion or provide valuable information in a fun, easy-to-consume format. Encourage your followers to share their excitement about the event by posting their own content and tagging your event.
4. Utilize Event Countdown Timers
Why: Countdown timers build excitement and create a sense of urgency as the event draws closer.
How: Post countdown timers on Instagram Stories, Facebook posts, and even Twitter. These reminders remind your audience how much time is left until your event, keeping it top-of-mind and building anticipation. It also adds a bit of excitement as they tick down toward the big day!
5. Engage with Your Audience Early
Why: Starting the conversation early helps build momentum and get people excited before the event even begins.
How: Respond to comments, run polls on Instagram Stories, or ask questions about what attendees are most excited about. Engage with people on your posts and get them talking. The earlier you connect with your audience, the more invested they’ll feel in your event.
6. Create Event Teasers
Why: Teasers spark curiosity and excitement, which can drive more people to attend.
How: Share sneak peeks of special guests, give a glimpse into event sessions, or show off unique features of the event. Teasers build anticipation and make people want to know more. The key is to leave them wanting more so they’re excited to find out the full details closer to the event date.
7. Promote User-Generated Content (UGC)
Why: UGC helps build trust and gives your event an authentic feel. Plus, it can help your event go viral.
How: Encourage your followers to post about the event on their own social media accounts. Set up a branded hashtag, ask them to share experiences, or even offer incentives like free tickets or exclusive content for the best posts. UGC spreads your message and creates social proof that can help attract even more attendees.
8. Run Social Media Ads
Why: Paid ads give you the power to target specific audiences and increase your reach beyond your organic followers.
How: Use the targeting tools on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to narrow down your audience by demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can create customized ads that directly speak to your ideal attendees, whether they’re professionals or event enthusiasts. Ads can also help drive ticket sales or sign-ups.
9. Collaborate with Influencers
Why: Influencers already have a built-in, highly engaged audience that trusts their recommendations.
How: Reach out to influencers who align with your event’s theme or industry. Have them share posts, run giveaways, or even do a live session to talk about your event. The right influencer can bring a ton of new attention and trust to your event, making their followers more likely to sign up or attend.
10. Offer Exclusive Content or Discounts to Followers
Why: Offering exclusivity creates excitement and incentivizes people to engage with your social media channels.
How: Give your social media followers something they can’t get anywhere else, such as discount codes, VIP access, or early-bird registration. Offering something exclusive makes them feel like part of a special group and motivates them to act quickly.
11. Use Live Streaming During the Event
Why: Live streaming brings your event to a wider audience, especially those who can’t attend in person.
How: Use platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or YouTube to broadcast key moments of your event, such as keynote speeches or panel discussions. Live streaming lets remote attendees experience the event in real-time, while also adding a sense of immediacy and excitement to your content.
12. Host Giveaways
Why: Giveaways drive engagement and create excitement around your event.
How: Offer tickets, swag, or other event-related prizes in exchange for engagement—like sharing your posts, tagging friends, or using your event hashtag. Not only does this increase awareness, but it also creates FOMO for your event.
13. Post Consistently
Why: Consistent posting ensures your event stays top of mind and keeps your followers engaged.
How: Develop a content calendar and stick to a regular posting schedule. Leading up to the event, share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and reminders. During the event, keep the momentum going by posting highlights and engaging with your audience in real-time.
14. Share Testimonials and Reviews
Why: Social proof from past events helps build trust and encourages potential attendees to sign up.
How: Share testimonials from previous event attendees, reviews from influencers, or any positive feedback you’ve received. This shows that your event is credible and valuable, which can help drive ticket sales.
15. Host Virtual Meetups or Q&A Sessions
Why: Virtual meetups and Q&As provide value and build community around your event.
How: Host live sessions to answer questions, share updates, and get your audience excited. These interactions build trust and provide a space for attendees to connect with you or other potential attendees before the event starts.
16. Encourage Check-ins at the Event
Why: Check-ins help increase your event’s visibility and can spread awareness through your attendees’ networks.
How: Encourage attendees to check in on platforms like Facebook and Instagram while they’re at the event. These geotagged posts not only let their followers know about the event but also give you valuable exposure to new audiences.
17. Use Polls and Surveys for Engagement
Why: Polls and surveys keep your audience engaged and provide valuable insights into their interests.
How: Use platforms like Instagram Stories or Twitter to run quick polls about your event, or create surveys to gather feedback and increase involvement. Engaging your followers through interactive content makes them feel more connected to your event.
18. Build Social Proof with Event Photos
Why: High-quality visuals create credibility and excitement.
How: Share professional photos from past events to highlight how great your event was and how amazing your upcoming one will be. Posting photos that capture the energy and excitement of previous events can entice new attendees to join in.
19. Integrate Social Media with Your Event Registration Process
Why: Streamlining the process encourages social sharing and simplifies sign-ups.
How: Add social media buttons to your event registration page so users can easily share their attendance with friends and followers. This not only boosts visibility but also increases the likelihood that their social circle will sign up as well.
20. Monitor Social Mentions and Interactions
Why: Monitoring social media ensures you can quickly respond to questions and engage with your audience.
How: Use tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to keep track of mentions of your event. Quickly respond to any attendee questions or concerns to keep the conversation flowing and show that you’re listening.
21. Post-Event Engagement: Thank Attendees
Why: Showing appreciation helps nurture relationships and keeps your audience engaged.
How: After the event, post thank-you messages, share highlight reels, and tease your next big event. This ensures the conversation doesn’t end when the event does and helps you keep momentum for future events.
And that’s how you make your event stand out! Simple, right? With just a bit of planning, your event is sure to become the must-attend event.
Ready to Promote Your Event?
Social media is hands down one of the best ways to get your event noticed and get people talking. By using these tips, from picking the right platforms to creating content that people want to share, you’re setting yourself up for success. So, what are you waiting for? Put these tips into action and watch your social media event promotion strategy go to the next level!
Oh, and if you're still looking for a platform to host your event, why not book a demo with Remo? We can show you how our virtual event tools can help make your event a standout experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Media Event Promotion
- How to use social media for event promotion?
First, choose the platforms where your audience hangs out. Then, create fun, engaging content like countdowns or teasers. Don’t forget to use hashtags to help people find your event! And, make sure to reply to comments and run polls to keep the conversation going.
- Which social media platform is commonly used for event promotion?
Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are the go-to platforms for event promotion. Facebook is great for creating event pages and building communities, while Instagram shines for visually exciting events. LinkedIn is perfect for professional or business-focused events.
- Which social media is most widely used for event promotions?
Facebook is still the most popular platform for event promotions. It offers event pages, groups, and ads to help you reach a wide audience. Instagram is catching up, especially for visually-driven events that need that extra flair.
- What are the advantages of using social media for event promotion?
Social media gives you a huge reach and allows you to engage with people in real time. You can target the right audience and measure your success without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to build excitement and get people talking about your event.
Zainab Asad
Zainab Asad is a Content Writer at Remo, contributing to the platform's mission of fostering authentic virtual connections. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for effective communication, she crafts engaging content that empowers event professionals to create memorable virtual experiences.
