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How to promote your event
4 min read5 sections
Get more people to discover and attend your community event.
Write an irresistible title and description
Your event listing is your first impression. Make it count:
- Be specific: "Sunday Coffee & Books" beats "Book Club Meeting"
- Include the vibe: "Casual", "beginner-friendly", "family-welcome"
- Use active language: "Join us" and "Discover" over passive descriptions
- Highlight what's unique: Why should someone choose YOUR event?
Choose the right image
A good image dramatically increases engagement:
- Show real people: Authentic photos of past events work best
- Avoid stock photos: They feel impersonal and generic
- Consider the venue: A beautiful space photo works if you don't have event photos
- Keep it bright: Well-lit, colourful images stand out in the feed
Timing matters
When you post and when you schedule affects turnout:
- List 2-3 weeks ahead: Enough time for planning, not so far people forget
- Avoid major conflicts: Check for public holidays, big local events, footy finals
- Consider your audience: Parents prefer daytime; professionals prefer evenings/weekends
Cross-promote strategically
Expand your reach beyond this platform:
- Local Facebook groups: Canberra has active community groups for many interests
- Nextdoor: Great for neighbourhood-focused events
- Instagram: Visual events like markets and art shows do well here
- Local notice boards: Libraries, cafés, and community centres often have boards
Always link back to your event page for RSVPs.
Build anticipation
Don't just post once and forget:
- Countdown posts: "3 days to go!" creates urgency
- Behind the scenes: Show your preparation
- Attendee spotlights: Highlight repeat attendees (with permission)
- Reminders: Send a day-before reminder through the event page
Ready to put this into practice?
Create an event