Local events are one of the most powerful ways for small businesses to connect with their community, build brand trust, and create memorable customer experiences. Whether you’re hosting a workshop, grand opening, product launch, charity drive, or seasonal celebration, promoting it correctly is the key to driving awareness and attendance. At 99 Creatives, we help business owners master social media event marketing so their events reach the right people at the right time.
Social media has become the most effective and accessible way for small businesses to promote events. Instead of relying on posters, flyers, and word of mouth alone, social media event marketing allows you to reach thousands of people in your local area instantly. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn have tools specifically built to help you spread the word, build hype, and track results.
This guide breaks down everything business owners need to know about social media event marketing, including strategy, content creation, paid promotion, engagement hacks, timing, messaging, and event-day posting. Whether you’re new to digital marketing or ready to elevate your next event, this guide gives you the blueprint for success.
Why Social Media Event Marketing Matters For Local Businesses
Events thrive on visibility. The more people who see your invitation, the more seats you fill. Traditional advertising is often limited by cost and reach, but social media event marketing provides:
- Immediate audience access
- Local targeting capabilities
- Engagement tools to build excitement
- Cost-effective promotion options
- Real-time communication with attendees
- Shareability across personal networks
- Analytics to measure results
Understanding The Psychology Behind Social Media Event Marketing
Successful social media event marketing works because it taps into human behavior. People love:
- Being part of a community
- Joining exciting local activities
- Supporting local businesses
- Sharing experiences with friends
- Attending unique or limited events
Choosing The Right Platforms For Event Promotion
Each platform plays a different role in your social media event marketing strategy.
Best for:
- Local event promotion
- RSVP tracking
- Community groups
Best for:
- Visual storytelling
- Reels and Stories
- Influencer collaboration
TikTok
Best for:
- Viral short videos
- Trend-based content
Best for:
- Business seminars
- Professional workshops
YouTube
Best for:
- Long form previews
- Recaps and highlights
Crafting A Strong Pre-Event Social Media Strategy
Your pre-event window is where momentum starts. Strong social media event marketing relies on:
- Announcing early
- Posting consistently
- Building curiosity
- Sharing new details weekly
- Encouraging early engagement
Creating High-Impact Announcement Posts
Your announcement should include:
- Event name
- Date and location
- Purpose or theme
- Clear call to action
- Strong visual design
Using Visual Content To Boost Engagement
Engagement skyrockets when visuals are used strategically. Effective social media event marketing visuals include:
- Teaser videos
- Countdown graphics
- Behind-the-scenes clips
- Speaker or performer introductions
- Venue walk-throughs
Writing Captions That Drive Action
Captions work best when they:
- Focus on benefits
- Build excitement
- Invite interaction
- Use clear CTAs such as “Save your spot,” “Register now,” or “Tag a friend who would love this”
Building Event Momentum With A Content Series
A consistent content series helps your audience remember the event. Examples include:
- Weekly countdown posts
- Vendor or speaker spotlights
- Activity teasers
- Behind-the-scenes preparation updates
Using Facebook Events Effectively
Facebook Events allow you to:
- Collect RSVPs
- Send reminders automatically
- Boost event visibility with ads
- Reach friends of people who respond
This tool is essential for strong social media event marketing.
Leveraging Influencers And Community Partners
Micro-influencers bring huge value to local events. They can:
- Promote your event with posts or Reels
- Attend and share live content
- Introduce your event to niche audiences
- Strengthen trust and credibility
Incorporating Paid Ads Into Your Strategy
Paid ads amplify your reach dramatically. The best platforms for social media event marketing ads include:
- Facebook Ads
- Instagram Ads
- TikTok Ads
- YouTube Ads
You can target:
- Location
- Age group
- Interests
- Behavioral patterns
- Past event engagement
Using Hashtags And Geotags To Increase Reach
Hashtags help potential attendees discover your event. Use:
- Local hashtags (#WaxahachieEvents)
- Industry related hashtags
- Your branded event hashtag
Geotags place your content in front of nearby users, increasing local visibility.
Encouraging Audience Participation Before The Event
Encouragement increases anticipation and shares. Try:
- Polls
- Q&A sessions
- Tag to win contests
- Comment-driven giveaways
- Voting on event elements (themes, music, food)
Creating Shareable Content For Attendees
Make your event share-worthy. Ideas include:
- Branded photo spots
- Selfie backdrops
- Event frames and stickers
- Hashtags attendees can use
- Digital invites they can repost
Day-Of Posting Strategy
Event day is your highest engagement opportunity. Share:
- Live videos
- Real time updates
- Photos of attendees arriving
- Behind-the-scenes clips
- Special announcements
- Giveaway reminders
This boosts attendance and builds hype for future events.
Post-Event Content To Extend Your Momentum
Your event’s value doesn’t end when the doors close. Great post-event content includes:
- Highlight reels
- Photo albums
- Thank you messages
- Testimonials
- Announcements for the next event
This strengthens long term social media event marketing strategy.
Measuring Social Media Event Marketing Success
Track your performance with:
- Engagement rates
- Reach
- Shares
- Message inquiries
- RSVP numbers
- Ticket sales
- Follower growth
- Conversion rates
These metrics help you optimize your next event.
How 99 Creatives Supports Small Businesses With Event Promotion
At 99 Creatives, we help business owners:
- Plan effective social media event marketing campaigns
- Build branded graphics and content calendars
- Manage ads that increase attendance
- Coordinate influencer promotions
- Create professional Reels, Stories, and highlight videos
- Cover your event day content online
We make event promotion easier, faster, and more effective for growing businesses.
Final Thoughts For Business Owners
Local events strengthen community ties, boost visibility, and create lasting relationships with customers. With the right approach to social media event marketing, your business can attract more attendees, improve engagement, and make every event memorable. No matter the size of your business or your budget, strategic online promotion can turn your next event into a standout success.
At 99 Creatives, we help business owners grow through smart, results-driven social media event marketing. Whether this is your first event or your next big opportunity, we provide the tools and strategies you need to promote confidently and effectively.