Invite Your Guests with Social Media!

Top Notch has seen the following scenario all too many times.

The party was planned, Top Notch was booked as the DJ, decorations were hung, and the venue was reserved; yet the day of the party, the guests count that arrives is extremely low. It's an unfortunate situation, especially when the anticipation for the event is huge! Furthermore, when one is planning a party and the “lack of guests” factor is present, the event can often turn into more of a small get together or hang out rather than a fun, successful event. This scenario does happen on occasions, often times involving teenager events such as Sweet 16's quinceaneras, or graduation parties. Below, Top Notch provides 5 creative, and effective ways to invite friends to your next party or event that are worth considering

1. Social Media Flyer- Notice that I did not say “ post a flyer”. In today's modern times, hard copy invitations are not necessarily needed. What IS NECESSARY, is plenty of advanced time to spread the word to your guests about your party. A social media flyer provides an image that your guests can not only remember and relate to your event, but they can also share the image on their social media sites as well which helps “spread the news” and ultimately, hopefully create a buzz about your event. Creating an event on facebook and inviting your closest friends a few days before the party, WILL NOT ALWAYS WORK. Facebook's event invite should be only one tool used for the party, along with all other social media resources such as twitter, instagram, email, etc. A great resource for creating fun and attractive flyers is postermywall.com. It is important to make sure your flyer fits the theme of the party as well. 
   
   
   
   
2. Invite your guests with a twist- They know your having a party, clearly your invitation and flyer tells them so. Including something either mysterious or benefitting to your guests can make them curious and prone to RSVP early. Methods of doing this include mentioning a surprise guests appearance, a surprise event during the party or even simply a prize or large favor will may be distributed to a lucky guests that arrives. Tricks such as these are very common to use at holiday parties, (ie. A surprise visit by our CEO or local celebrity, a live performance by a well known co worker or raffle drawing for a 50 inch plaza will be taking place) are all common methods used, however, I see them used very infrequently for other parties or events. They get guests involved, and guests become curious, and therefore want to come to your party to see exactly what the “surprise” that you're promoting is all about. 
   
   
   
   
3. Ask a question- Similar to tip #2, this tip is also a fantastic way to get your guests involved in the party planning stages so that they feel they are a part of the event even before they arrive. When inviting your guests, it may be effective to asks your guests certain inquiries such as “What Songs would you like the DJ to play for you while you're here?”, Would you like to see (insert well known guests, popular co worker, or student's name here) do the moon walk or do an Elvis impersonation”, Would you like soda or punch to drink when you arrive” “if you could name one activity or fun thing you would like to do at the event, what it would be?” are all questions that could potentially involve guests, resultantly making them feel a part of the event and compelled to come. 
   
   
   
   
4. Create a Website- Does this sound a little far fetched? It's not. Thanks to various resources like Godaddy, Wix and Weebly, websites can be created for less than $10, and take very little time to create. A website not only allows a place on the net for you to share your party announcement, flyer and invitation (which you've created using tip 1), but also allows you to share a link that you can spread all over the net. Furthermore, if you, the planner have taken the time to create a flyer as well as a website for the event, then it gives off the impression to your guests that your event is a BIG DEAL, which they don't want to miss! Similar to the flyer in tip 1, make sure to continue to share your website link all over your social media sites so that friends, family, and followers can see the event you're planning. 
   
   
   
   
5. Use the hashtag- Prior to the event, encourage your guests to share their pictures and experience on social media concerning your party. Methods of doing this involve, sharing the link of your website and flyer on their social media sites, using the hashtag (the #) sign on facebook, instagram and twitter, and “tagging” your name on their status updates on facebook. I've even seen some go as far as creating a Youtube video to remind their friends and guests of their party. If your guests are using the hashtag the morning of the event with posts such as “prepping up for “#Kaylassweet16” it's an automatic sign that they'll be present. Furthermore, that hashtag just told all of your friends followers that he or she will be present at your party (which assisted you in spreading the word). Encourage your guests to use the hashtag method heavily the week prior to the event, as this will create a “buzz” on your social media sites that may sway potential guests into coming.

The key in all aspects of social media invitations is being early. Be on the forefront of sharing and promoting all of the materials mentioned above (flyer, website, invitations, etc) and guests will have your party date ingrained in their minds by the time the day of your event arrives. Begin creating and sharing these materials approximately 45-60 days before the event. It's important to keep in mind that everyone is busy in today's society. The earlier your anticipated guests are made aware of your event, the likely your chances are that they will be present and not busy with other plans. Lastly, make it fun! Have fun creating and planning your party. By getting your guests involved in the planning stages of your event, creating a flyer and utilizing the strategies mentioned above, your party or event will be a huge success for you, as well as all of the guests involved, and you will have the social media results (the instagram album, hashtag, etc) to show it!