Promoting events with social media

摘要

Social networking isn't just for tweens anymore. B-to-b audiences are flocking to the Web in their personal and professional lives-using sites such as Facebook and Twitter to network with others in their community. And savvy event marketers are taking advantage. Becoming part of the digital conversation can boost brand image, draw larger audiences to events and increase postshow participation. Not only that, but, according to Steve Ger-shik, VP-marketing innovation at Eloqua Corp., a lead-management company, it saves money. Marketers that use social networks to spread the word about their events, Gershik said, are "going to spend less money in search advertising because [their] word is going to be distributed virally, and that is free." Additionally, drawing the right type of audience into a conversation before, during and after an event creates a buzz that will allow even those who don't attend to feel like part of the action.