Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the event industry. With the continued increase in customer reviews, fans are looking to their fellow event goers to inform them of the best events to attend. The only problem is, fans are going through information overload, so how do you get your event noticed?
Fortunately, influencers can do a lot of the work for you! Ranging from celebrities, to experts, to enthusiasts, these are the people who already have an established following in your industry, through their own personal networks.
Influencers come in many shapes and sizes. Finding the best fit for you and your audience starts with understanding where to look. Read on to learn about a few of the most common influencer types to get you started.
Celebrities
Engaging with celebrity influencers has the potential connect your brand with millions of people. Some of the largest events can thank celebrities for helping to drive ticket sales, increase engagement, and raise their social profiles. For example, Walker Stalker, a con based on the hit television show The Walking Dead, hosts a number of different actors and actresses at each event. Throughout the con, celebrities like Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira, and Andrew Lincoln interact with thousands of followers, causing a dramatic spike in social media activity around Walker Stalker Con.
Experts
Known for their specific area of expertise, professional influencers are very motivated in delivering great content and getting their message heard. These type of influencers are great for B2B events, especially in the tech industry. Three of the best ways to get the most out of your professional influencer’s visit is to invite them to speak, host meet and greets, and ask them to engage with fans and attendees before, during, and after your event. Make note that professional influencers are more likely to work with events that give them the best platform to connect with their audience. We suggest doing research on previous events they attended, and crafting a personal pitch that helps them understand why your event is such a great fit.
Enthusiasts
Some of the most valuable and willing influencers are those that have large social media followings and a genuine interest in your event. They may have a popular blog, host a podcast, or simply be well connected and engaged with the audience that matters to you most. These authentic influencers typically do not need any kind of convincing to promote your event because they’re already fans! To find these influencers, check out popular community sites in your industry or explore your own social properties for popular, highly engaged followers.
Once you’ve identified the right influencers for you, it’s time to reach out and make a connection. Stay tuned for part 2 in our series with some great tips on building and maintaining a vibrant community of influencers for your brand.
For more information on influencer marketing, check out the rest of our Influencer Series!
I. Influencer Marketing for Event Organizers Part 1: Identifying Influencers
II. Influencer Marketing for Event Organizers Part 2: Connecting With Your InfluencersÂ
III. Influencer Marketing for Event Organizers Part 3: Promoting Your Influencers