Why You Need to Hire a Social Media Manager for Your Next Event
As I celebrate my 10th year in business, one observation stands out at events: the consistent underutilization of social media for ticket sales and engagement.
Today's audiences crave immediate, live content. When it comes to events, they want to see who is going, who is speaking, what the general feel of the event is, what food will be served, and all the other juicy details that make attendees hit ‘buy’ on your sales page.
It isn't just about engagement; it's a strategic move to build anticipation for your event and ensure that potential attendees mark their calendars and purchase tickets as soon as they're available.
I mean, planning an event or conference is stressful. There are a hundred things to balance at the same time—as a co-founder of several annual events myself, I get it. Unfortunately, social media can add an extra mile to your already miles-long to-do list, and it’s often the first thing to fall by the wayside or become a stressor while you’re working behind the scenes.
The solution? Delegate the social media responsibilities to a skilled marketing coordinator or manager. This allows you to focus on the many other aspects of event planning and unexpected challenges that come up along the way.
Similar to hiring a wedding planner or an event coordinator—Hiring a social media manager for your event should be viewed with the same level of importance.
Hiring a Social Media Manager for an event, conference, or awards ceremony can offer several benefits that contribute to the success of your event:
Longer packages like my 3-month and 6-month package can help with:
Strategic Planning: We can develop a comprehensive social media strategy tailored to your event's goals, target audience, and overall marketing plan. This includes creating a content calendar, scheduling posts, and coordinating campaigns for maximum impact.
Consistent Branding: I can ensure consistent branding across all platforms, maintaining a cohesive and professional image for the event. This includes using the right logos, colours, and messaging to reinforce your event's identity.
Influencer Collaboration: I can identify and collaborate with influencers or thought leaders relevant to the event's theme or industry. This can help amplify your event's reach and credibility.
Cross-Promotion: I can leverage different platforms to cross-promote the event. For example, I might share Instagram content on Twitter or promote a Facebook Live session on LinkedIn, expanding your event's reach across diverse audiences.
Community Building: I can foster a sense of community among event attendees and online participants. By creating and managing event-specific groups or hashtags, I’ll encourage networking and conversation before, during, and after the event.
Promotion and Hype: Building anticipation before the event is crucial. I can create pre-event content, countdowns, and teasers to generate excitement and encourage attendance or participation.
Monitoring Trends: I’m adept at monitoring trending topics and hashtags. By leveraging relevant trends, your event can gain additional visibility and tap into larger conversations.
Sponsorship Activation: I can work closely with sponsors to ensure their branding and messages are effectively integrated into the event's social media strategy, providing value for sponsors and enhancing their visibility.
Ad Campaign Management: If your event involves paid advertising on social media platforms, I can handle ad campaign creation, targeting, and optimization to maximize the return on investment and reach the desired audience effectively.
“We put so much work into holding successful conferences that during the day of, time gets away from us. Having Kerra along side of us, capturing all of the memories, the details and the poignant moments in our conference was the best decision. She made sure our social media pages were filled with every moment. We highly recommend Kerra for any of your events, you won’t be disappointed.”
—Happy 2023 Client
Shorter packages, like my Day-of or Day-of plus post-event, can help with:
Brand Exposure: Live social media coverage increases your event's visibility by reaching a broader audience. It can attract new followers, generate conversations around the event, and increase the overall exposure of sponsors and partners.
Real-Time Engagement: I can provide real-time event coverage, keeping the audience engaged throughout the day. This includes live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and immediate responses to audience interactions.
Audience Interaction: Social media allows for direct interaction with attendees and online participants. A dedicated manager like me can respond to comments, questions, and feedback, creating a more interactive and engaging experience for both physical and virtual attendees.
Content Creation: I can create and share high-quality content, such as photos, videos, and live streams, showcasing key moments, speakers, and activities. (This content can be repurposed for post-event marketing and promotional materials.)
Crisis Management: In case of any issues or negative feedback, having a dedicated social media coordinator allows for prompt response and damage control. I can address concerns, provide accurate information, and maintain a positive online reputation for the event.
Post-Event Engagement: After the event, if you so choose, I can continue to engage with the audience by sharing highlights, testimonials, and gratitude messages. This helps to maintain the momentum and keeps the community connected until the next event.
“Kerra consistently goes above and beyond, delivering precisely what we ask for with a creative touch that truly stands out. One of her standout qualities is her promptness, especially when it comes to accommodating last-minute changes. This level of flexibility and dedication has made our collaboration seamless and stress-free.
Her commitment to capturing the essence of our brand and community is evident in every piece of content she creates.”
—Dartmouth Makers
The decision to hire a social media manager for your event in 2024 is a no-brainer! The diverse role of a social media manager extends far beyond mere content creation or live updates; it is a strategic investment that pays dividends in audience engagement, brand exposure, and post-event analysis for years and months to come.
In today’s world of ever-evolving social media platforms and trends, a dedicated social media manager is equipped to navigate this complex terrain, ensuring a seamless and impactful online presence for your event. From pre-event hype and real-time coverage to post-event reflections, my expertise in content strategy, community building, and data analytics is priceless.
As you envision the success of your 2024 event, consider the integral role of a social media manager. In the digital world, we are the key to unlocking engagement, connection, and enduring impact.
Looking to elevate your event, conference, or awards banquet in 2024? I'm here to help. Let's connect and discuss how a short-term social media manager can transform your event into an unforgettable digital phenomenon.
Don't wait – the opportunity to enhance your event is just a conversation away. Reach out now and let's make your 2024 event a resounding success!