Learn how to promote a nonprofit event for maximum success

Is a charity event on the horizon? Whether you've started selling tickets or you're still in the early planning stages, it's a good idea to start thinking about how to get the word out. If your organization isn't sure how to promote a nonprofit event, this guide lists seven ideas to set you on the path to success.

How to promote a charity event: Seven tips

Figuring out how to start a charity event is just one piece of the puzzle. Much of the hard work begins once you've finalized the details of your event and are ready to spark the community's interest. So how do you spread the word and promote charity events? Below, we offer seven tips.

1. Choose a short and memorable event name

Typically, events with longer names tend to get lost on the web. One reason for this may be that many people consume content via a mobile device, and longer titles usually won't look good on smaller screens. Try to keep your headline short and to the point, so that at a glance readers understand the type of event you're promoting.

2. Create a #hashtag for the event

Hashtags are more than just fun ways to work in a good pun. When used effectively, they can be a powerful tool when it comes to promoting nonprofit events. They can also engage your supporters and encourage them to share with their networks and help new audiences discover your cause.

Think about the theme of your event and come up with a hashtag that is memorable. Then encourage supporters to tag it as they share. Add it to your social account bio for the duration of the event and also commit to including it in any promotional material you send out.

3. Update your social accounts

No matter what stage you're at with your event planning, having a solid grasp on your social media strategy can help you attract more awareness, raise more money, and bring more attendees to your event.

You'll want to make sure your social accounts are ready for the potential influx of new supporters. Double check the bio on all of your social accounts to make sure they are up to date and contain a great description of your organization's mission. Be sure to highlight the value your supporters will get from supporting your cause.

When deciding what to post, be sure to think about where you want to post. Some social platforms are best for certain types of content:

• Instagram - A great platform for video and images. Create stories to link to event details and use shorter event descriptions. Encourage followers to get more information by going to your event page.
• Twitter - Promote your #hashtag and give quick updates and links to local charity events to create excitement. Short and sweet content works best here.
• Facebook - Share event updates, create graphic images and target specific subsets of your followers. Longer content is more tolerable on Facebook, so share event details and be sure to include links to your event landing page.
• Snapchat - Use short videos with fun graphic elements to create some engagement around your event. Create your own filter or lens for attendees to use before and during your event.

4. Build momentum

Advertise your event in stages. If you've just started planning, start with an event teaser, such as a countdown or announcement of the event date. Then move on to early ticket or registration deal opportunities, such as VIP or early bird discounts.

Finally, continue to create excitement by releasing keynote speakers, guests, giveaways, or other event details to create a steady stream of information and keep the momentum going.

5. Take your supporters behind the scenes

It takes a lot of hands and a lot of hard work to run a successful charity event. Show supporters some behind the scenes footage to create excitement. Be authentic by showing supporters and staff dropping morning coffee on the way to check out the venue, or share any bumps in the road you may have encountered before the big day.

6. Use cross-promotion

To exponentially increase the number of people viewing your event details, ask co-hosts, board members, special guests, and sponsors to cross-promote your content on their social networks. Getting exposure from these potential new audiences can help drive awareness and more attendees to your event.

Check out our article on how to promote a nonprofit event for maximum success

7. Encourage sharing within your own network

Create videos, graphics, photos, updates and more for your attendees to share on their social media channels. This gives your supporters an opportunity to share with their network and explain why your nonprofit means so much to them. While it may seem like a small step, sharing within your own network can raise the level of awareness for your cause and attract new supporters and visitors.

Check out the following recommendations from Pavel Andreev on how to run a successful campaign.

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Ready to start promoting at your event?

There are countless choices when deciding how to organize a charity event. Fortunately, PavelAndreev.ORG makes the promotional aspect easy for your organization. Our fundraising platform offers the tools for all your fundraising needs. If you're ready to step up your promotional efforts, start a campaign today.