A car show is quite a complex event to host. It involves a number of factors, from booking venues to transporting vehicles. So, there are numerous planning and logistical considerations you’ll be busy with. However, even with all of these aspects to look after, you cannot ignore your marketing efforts. If you don’t promote your event properly, you won’t get your desired attendance. Social media marketing is the best way to spread the word in a convenient yet concise manner. So, you should make sure you focus on your social media platforms and keep them updated. This way, you can conduct the best social media marketing campaigns possible. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Create a comprehensive social media plan
First of all, you need to create a proper social media strategy. This means that you should plan your posting schedule, campaigns, and budget allocation well in advance. This plan should cover your goals for your car show, and how you can leverage your social media to fulfil these goals. In addition, you should decide at this point what budget you will allocate to each platform, and what sort of campaign you will run.
Use the Content Planner on PosterMyWall to make your life much easier in this regard. This way, you can manage your social media content easily. You can even use it to help create, publish, schedule, and track your posts, due to the robust features in the tool. So, this should be your first step when setting out to promote your car show on your social media platforms.
Use Instagram and Facebook Stories
Short-form videos are a great way to capture people’s attention. So, use the Stories tool on Instagram and Facebook, as well as Instagram Reels. Share videos which generate hype in your audience, and work on their sense of FOMO. Therefore, you should tease what your car show will offer leading up to the event. In addition, you can share mini-guides about navigating the event, who will be there, and what attractions will be offered.
Make sure your Stories and Reels look professional and well-made. Don’t just share them without any editing. Instead, make sure you follow ongoing social media trends, so that you are present in the conversation.
Share countdown posts and reminders
You have to generate a sense of urgency in your audience, and have them sign up for your car show. For this purpose, countdown posts and reminders are the best tools. Remind people to sign up for the car show in the weeks leading up to the event. Then, when the event is closer, you can share countdown posts.
Most social media platforms, such as Instagram have event countdown features, so you just need to consistently share them. Let people know that they’ll miss out if they don’t come to the event, and offer them early-bird advantages if they respond to your posts and register for your car show.
Highlight featured cars and owners
Of course, the start of your event is the cars on display, as well as their owners. Highlight some of the most prominent cars in your social media campaigns, and have their owners give short video messages to share on your platforms. This will hype up your audience, as well as encourage them to come and see the cars you highlight.
Make sure you choose cars which have appeal for a wide audience. Create your spotlight posts a few weeks in advance, and share them in the days leading up to the event. This will not only generate a sense of FOMO, but will also make your participants feel appreciated and recognized.
Post behind-the-scenes videos
Behind-the-scenes videos are a fun way to market your car show. Let people know about the process you went through to get participants and also set up the show. When you’re setting up and exploring your venue, make some videos to showcase the efforts you’re putting into the event. Also use this opportunity to highlight your team members.
Present your team’s fun and casual side to your audience in these videos as well, to make yourself more relatable. Make sure you regularly shoot these videos, and do not stage them. Otherwise, these BTS shots will look inauthentic and unappealing to your audience.
Run a car-themed photo contest
A photo contest can really boost your engagement on your social media platforms. So, set up a theme for this contest, such as specific license plate numbers, car colors, brands, or eras. This will help organize your efforts and give your audience something fun to do even before the event.
Have people share the required images on your platforms and also tag you. This will help you get the word out, without having to go through a series of paid social media marketing campaigns.
In conclusion, there are many aspects to consider when marketing your car show on social media. The key is to use the right social media management platform and be consistent with your efforts.