Want to Get Booked as a Speaker? Social Media is the Audition Stage
When it comes to booking events, the organizers are not just looking at your proposal, your resume and your bio.
As both social media speaker and previous event organizer through BlogJam, I can tell you from both the organizer side and the speaker side that when it comes to getting booked for engagements, social media is your audition stage.
Organizers are pulling up your Instagram, watching your videos, checking your LinkedIn conversations and more before offering you the spot.
If you want to get booked, your content needs to do some of the selling for you. Here's what event organizers are looking for, and how to make sure your social media shows them exactly what they need to see.
Getting promoted for speaking at an event is such a strong addition to your social media strategy!
Why Event Organizers Go to Social Media First
Before we dive in, I want to start with why organizers love to look at your social media profiles first.
Think about it from their side of things. They're responsible for putting someone in front of an audience. That's a big deal. A written proposal tells them what you talk about, but your social media shows them how you talk about it.
They want to see your energy, and they want to get an idea of what your presence feels like. A resume, bio and one-off video can't do that.
This is why social media has become such a big part of how speakers get discovered and vetted. If you're hoping to land speaking engagements, your content is your audition reel.
What Event Organizers Are Actually Watching For
When an event organizer lands on your profile, they're paying attention to a few specific things.
Your energy on camera.
Do you seem comfortable? Are you engaging? Do you use your hands when you speak? These small things tell a lot about how you'll come across on stage.
The topics you cover.
Is your content consistent with what you say you speak about? There should be a clear connection between your expertise and what you post.
How you engage.
Are you responding to comments? Starting conversations? Showing up for your audience? That kind of engagement signals that you connect with people.
Event organizers know that being great at your job does not automatically make you a great speaker. They're looking for someone who can hold a room, not just someone with credentials. Your social media content is how you prove you can do both.
Don’t have video content of you speaking? Even a selfie of you at an event can tell people you can be booked to speak.
The Content That Gets You Booked
Now for the practical part. Here's what to start posting if you really want to position yourself as a speaker on social media.
1. Tell People You're a Speaker
This sounds obvious, but most people skip it. If you want to be booked as a speaker, say that you're available to speak. Put it in your bio. Say it in your posts. People cannot book you for something they don't know you do.
2. Share Your Expertise Regularly
If you speak on a topic, you should be posting about that topic. Share tips, insights, opinions, and lessons from your area of expertise. This builds credibility and shows organizers that you know your stuff.
3. Use Your Language as a Strength
If you speak more than one language, let people know! This opens doors to audiences and events you might not otherwise reach.
For example, I personally speak at both English and French engagements. Out of four recent speaking bookings, two were in English and two were in French. That bilingual ability has been a real asset for organizers, and it's something I make sure my audience knows about.
4. Post Videos of Yourself Speaking
A selfie-style video is one of the best tools you have. You don't need a professional setup, just talk to the camera the way you'd talk to a room. Let your personality come through to give organizers exactly what they're looking for.
Sharing event content makes you a team player! Plus, less content for you to have to think of!
5. Promote the Events You're Speaking At
When you're booked for an event, share it regularly. Post the event details, tag the organizers, and encourage your audience to attend if the event is open to the public. This shows you're a team player, and it gets your name in front of new audiences.
You can also share content directly from the event page. Repost their graphics, share their announcements, and show that you're genuinely excited to be part of it.
6. Share Before, During, and After Content
One speaking engagement can give you multiple pieces of content and you should be using all of it on social media!
Before the event, let your audience know you're speaking. Give them the details and invite them to show up if it’s a public event.
The day of, post something in the moment. A quick video from the venue, a photo before you go on, a story update. These posts help build up your reputation and also give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at what you’re up to!
After the event, share a recap. What was the topic? How did it go? What did the audience take away? Sharing your recap and what happened at the event keeps the momentum going and reminds future organizers that you're actively speaking.
Share content before, during and after the event.
Ready to Build a Social Media Strategy That Gets You Booked?
Knowing what to post is one thing, but having a clear plan on how to get your speaking engagements booked starts with an in-depth review of what you offer and how you’re coming across online.
If you want help building a social media strategy that positions you as a speaker and attracts the right opportunities, a VIP Day might be exactly what you need.
Find out more and book your VIP Day here