Three Free Ways to Market Your Event on Facebook
Your speakers are exceptional. Your content is on point. Your destination is top notch. And your pre- and post-conference activities are exactly what appeals to your audience. Now how do you let potential attendees know the conference of the decade is planned and ready to knock their socks off?
This is usually where the ugly “B” word sticks her nose into the conversation: budget. We felt you shudder.
The sales team at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism is sharing ideas to help you make your event marketing budget stretch.
Ways Around A Budget

Facebook Events
Put this at the top of your Facebook marketing list. Just like you keep your website updated with the latest news about your meeting, your Facebook event needs to be current. Those who have tapped to attend (or possibly attend) your event will be notified each time there is an update, keeping your meeting top of mind. In addition, it acts as a virtual meeting space for attendees to ask questions and stay engaged. Facebook’s tagging and sharing capabilities make it easy for your guests to spread the news to their colleagues. Don’t neglect the ability to add ticket links to your Facebook event, too.
Pin Posts
Continue to be noticed by your association’s members and industry professionals by pinning important posts and registration information on your business page. If you have an exciting speaker or destination announcement, be sure to pin it.

Gaining Page Likes
Don’t miss out on earning additional page links to help spread your message. When someone “likes” one of your posts, Facebook gives you the ability to send them an invite to like your page. This is often an ignored function, but could help you gain dozens, hundreds or even thousands of new fans to market your event to.
Additional Facebook Marketing Tool
You’ve officially entered the “not free” zone. To reach the largest possible audience, you may find it necessary to use Facebook ads. Facebook provides you with the ability to target specific people, including those who match your event’s demographics or who have been to an event website. You can also target friends whose friends have shown interest in an event. Re-targeting ads can also be effective. These track visitors who have viewed an event website and provide a reminder ad when the visitor opens Facebook again.