Every year clients are solicited offers to promote their event to a third-party marketing list. Typically, these list opportunities come in the form of email marketing databases or postal mailing list. "For this low price, we can get your message in front of X number of people." It's a tempting offer.
Let me make it easy for you. If you're offered some else's marketing list to promote your event, say "thanks, but no thanks." Most marketing lists aren't worth your time, money, and attention. Especially for event organizers.
In 20 years, I've seen only one third-party marketing list generate enough sales to justify the time and associated costs. Could there be a great third-party list out there? Maybe. But again, not worth your time.
So, what should you do?
Build your own house list. Even if your list size is zero today. Focus on the quality of your list, not the quantity on your list.
Ten years ago, an event started with a list of zero people. To date, the event has generated over a million dollars of ticket sales to something anyone can watch for free. Most of the event's ticket sales can be directly traced back to their house list.
Don't forget the quintessential part of having your own house list. When you have a house list you own the data, not Google or Facebook.
Treat your house list with the utmost respect and give them what they want, they'll pay you in spades. If you haven't already, get started on building your list today.
Here are links for building your own house list:
- An Important Event Web Site Statistic for Promoters and Event Planners
- Shocking Event Web Site Stat - Most People Only Visit Once
- Automatically Generate Leads for Your Event Year Round
- Event Marketing: Start Building Your List Early
- Your Opt-in Offer and Using Specific Words
- Form Placement and Growing Your List