Leverage Existing Relationships to Drive Ticket Sales for Your Next Event

I've been getting lots of questions lately about how to raise awareness of your live event, especially if you don't have a huge following. There are many things you can do to get get the word out but the most impactful will be to lean into existing relationships.

By leveraging these relationships, you can drive ticket sales and increase the overall success of your event. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Tap into your existing email list. If you've been collecting email addresses from past attendees or subscribers to your newsletter, make sure you're using these contacts to promote your upcoming event. Send out an email blast with all the important details, including the date, time, location, and pricing. You may even want to offer a discount code exclusively to this group to incentivize early ticket purchases.

Utilize social media. Social media is a powerful tool for promoting events, and you likely already have a strong following on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use these channels to post about your event, including teasers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and information about special guests or performers.

Encourage word-of-mouth referrals. Reach out to your network of past attendees, sponsors, vendors, and other partners and ask them to help spread the word about your event. You may even want to create a referral program that rewards those who bring in the most ticket sales.

Partner with other organizations. Look for other organizations in your industry that may be interested in partnering with you to promote your event. This could include industry associations, related businesses, or even local media outlets.

Offer early bird discounts to past attendees. Reach out to past attendees of your event and offer them a special discount code to purchase tickets early at a reduced rate. This can incentivize them to commit to attending again and can also create buzz for your event by word-of-mouth referrals.

Host a pre-event networking reception. If you have a list of sponsors or key partners, consider hosting a pre-event networking reception or cocktail hour exclusively for them. This can help build excitement around your event and give attendees a chance to connect with each other before the main event begins.

Create shareable content. Create social media posts, graphics, and videos that your existing network can easily share with their own audiences. This can help increase your reach and attract new attendees who may not have heard about your event otherwise.

Reach out to local influencers. Identify local influencers in your industry or niche and reach out to them to see if they would be interested in attending and promoting your event. This can be a powerful way to reach a new audience and drive ticket sales.

Utilize event ambassadors. Identify key attendees or volunteers who are passionate about your event and ask them to become event ambassadors. They can help spread the word about your event to their own networks and can also serve as a valuable resource for answering questions and providing support during the event itself.

Remember, the key to leveraging existing relationships is to be authentic and genuine in your outreach. Take the time to personalize your messages and make sure you're offering something of value to your contacts. With a little effort, you can turn your existing network into a powerful tool for driving ticket sales and ensuring the success of your live event.

Best of luck with your next event!