Two weeks ago we talked about the first five tips I picked up along the way as I planned for my very first book launch party. The party was a blast! You can check out Part 1 here. Five more event marketing tips coming at ya today:
6) Give people the opportunity to stay connected after the party
Something like a launch party or book signing can be a great one-time interaction between you and readers, but how much better is it if you can find a way to stay connected after the party? I mentioned in Part 1 that I did a pretty big giveaway as part of my launch party. We had five grand prizes, worth about $25 a piece. In order to enter, though, people had to sign up for my newsletter list. I now have an avenue for staying in touch with these readers.
Other ways you could stay connected: Send a “thanks for coming” eblast to attendees, give them an incentive to visit your website after the party, post party photos on Facebook and invite attendees to tag themselves, etc.
7) Collect information
Going along with that last tip, because your attendees cared enough to come out to your event, they’re people you’ll want to consider for future launch teams or other book promotion opportunities. So don’t miss this chance to data-gather. Collect names and email addresses, for sure!
8) If possible, get the media involved
The goal of an event isn’t just a good time–but to market! Yes, you’re “marketing” to the people in attendance. But what if you could also market to non-attendees? That’s why it’s great to get the media involved, if possible. Invite the local newspaper and radio station, even TV personalities if possible.
9) Make it about the attendee
Good event planners know a successful event isn’t so much about the person at the center of the party–but about the attendee! So whether you’re planning a book-signing, a launch party, an author panel, any kind of book-related event…think about the takeaway for the attendees. What memory are you going to leave with them?
I wanted my launch party attendees to walk away with an upbeat, personable feeling…the same kind of feeling I want them to have when they’re reading my book. Fun and laughter–those were my two goals. So I looked for ways to make sure attendees didn’t just come and buy a book, but had a good time.
10) Be you and have fun
Don’t worry about putting on the perfect show, snagging over-the-top attendance numbers or impressing every person in the room. Enjoy yourself…chances are, if you’re having a good time, your attendees will as well. 🙂
Any questions about putting on a marketing event??
Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned romantic comedy author. Her debut novel, Made to Last, is out now from Bethany House. In addition to her nonprofit day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy. Connect with Melissa at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Twitter (@Melissa_Tagg).