Getting the Most Out of Social Media & Event Postings

From the Desk of John David Van Hove
Re: Event Postings 

"Gratitude is the attitude for altitude and abundance." 

Dear Members,
The most popular feature on the Ashland Resource Center has been the posting of events and the events calendar on the home page. Since our inception on September 21st, 2008, we've helped promote over 1,300 events in Ashland and southern Oregon. By our estimates there are over 500 events produced EVERY MONTH in southern Oregon.

Whew, that's a lot of events!

My question is how many events event get noticed? To get noticed requires much more than just posting flyers about town, posting an event listing on a local portal or Facebook though they are all great.

We're more than happy to continue to support you in informing the community about your events and organization, now and into the future.  

A. SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS

Here's a few suggestions for improving the effectiveness of your event postings and getting the most out of your social media experience. As a form of networking, social media has it's own parameters as does traditional marketing and communications.

Keep this little guidebook handy along with these links for when you need it most.

• FAQ's & Tutorials
• Daily Tips

B. EVENT POSTING & DESIGN TIPS

1. Each event should have at least an "Event Image" uploaded and basic formatting of the text under the "Description." If you don't have a personal profile photo then add one under "Settings." This only takes a few extra minutes to do.
2. Each event should have a beautiful "Event Flyer" designed, the same one you'll post about town and hand-out. Then you can upload the flyer as a .JPG or .PNG under "Description" instead of just putting in text. This makes your event stand out from the crowd. If you don't have one ARC can design your "Event Flyer/Banner/Display AD" you can use again and again for all your social media and event postings.
3. You can elect to be featured and receive extra exposure through one of our event promotion programs. ARC can feature your event on the website, network and broadcast email for a nominal weekly or monthly fee. (800) 640-5947.
4. Post your events at least a week if not two weeks in advance for maximum exposure. Deadlines for event postings are every Wednesday morning at 10 AM.
5. Make an announcement at your events in gratitude for our free service at: www.AshlandResourceCenter.com

C. BUILD YOUR "MyPage," BLOGGING & NETWORKING TIPS

1. You can build a powerful web page on your "MyPage" that tells a story about who you are and what you do. This also directs traffic to your primary website if you have one. The importance of this cannot be underestimated. ARC can
   accomplish this with you in a one-hour private session or a small class setting.
2. You or your organization can utilize the "MyPage" feature for many purposes including maintaining your events calendar (as you have been),
   uploading photos, creating photo albums & slideshows, blogging and
   building your own "web page." Blogging is a great way to reach your
   "friends" through social media. Post news articles as a blog and share with your friends.
3. Social networking is about connecting people through social media whether events, photos, videos or blogs, etc. So just posting an event is not quite enough. Engage other members and make new friends with any of the 800+ and growing members.
4. "Invite" your own mailing list of people directly under "Invite More People" on your event page. Simply "Download a .CSV file of your
   Mailing List" and follow the instructions. If you need assistance give
   us a call at: (800) 640-5947.
5. "Invite" your own mailing list to become free members at: www.AshlandResourceCenter.com

D. SUPPORT ASHLAND RESOURCE CENTER
These are the first steps in building a sustainable, local economy. This is how we elevate social media to the realm of social entrepreneurship. Truly, by circulating energy we create a healthy economy and your contribution goes a long way to keep all of us vibrant and alive!

ARC provides an important, free daily service to thousands of people, organizations and businesses in the local and regional community. Like you we cannot exist without financial support. ARC is supported only by your donations, event promotions/advertising and sponsorship programs, design, marketing, web and membership services.

At the very least we ask you become a "Community" member to help us sustain our operations and volunteer staff. "Business" and "Associate" membership also available.

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Enjoy!

John David Van Hove, Founder & ORGANIZER
Ashland Resource Center
Institute for Communications Resource
258 "A" Street, Suite 1-102
Ashland, Oregon
Toll Free: 800.640.5947
Email: arc@icresource.com
Website: www.AshlandResourceCenter.com

[AshlandResourceCenter.com] – Your local resource center for sharing events, projects, information and media!