Promoting an event isn’t just about putting up a few flyers or sending out emails. If you’re looking to sell out your next event in St. Louis, video marketing for event promotion should be front and center in your strategy.
Think about it: How many times have you watched a video and been completely hooked? Whether it’s a Facebook ad that made you pause your scrolling or a YouTube teaser that had you setting a reminder for a concert, video content has a unique way of grabbing attention.
In this post, we’ll explore why video marketing for event promotion is so effective, break down different types of event promo videos you can use, and dive into best practices for creating killer event videos that drive results.
Why Use Video Marketing for Event Promotion?
It’s no secret that video is one of the most engaging forms of content. Studies show that people retain 95% of a message when they watch it on video, compared to just 10% when reading it in text. That’s a mind-blowing statistic, right?
But the power of video goes beyond just retention—it’s about engagement. Videos generate 1,200% more shares than text and image content combined. That’s a huge win if your goal is to generate buzz around an upcoming event in St. Louis.
Whether you’re promoting a music festival, a corporate conference, or a charity fundraiser, video has the unique ability to humanize your event. It makes it feel real, exciting, and, most importantly, something that potential attendees don’t want to miss.
Types of Videos for Event Promotion
Not all videos are created equal. When it comes to video marketing for event promotion, there are several styles of videos you can create. Each type serves a specific purpose in promoting your event, so it’s important to choose the right one depending on your goals and audience.
1. Teaser Videos
Teaser videos are designed to build hype. These are short, attention-grabbing clips that introduce your event without giving too much away. Think of them as the movie trailer of your event marketing plan. Teasers should be short—ideally under 60 seconds—and focused on creating intrigue.
If you’re promoting an event in St. Louis, use teaser videos to showcase glimpses of the venue, highlight key speakers or performers, and create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers or early bird tickets.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Videos
People love to see how things come together. Behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos offer a sneak peek into the planning process, making your audience feel more connected to your event. Whether you’re setting up a stage, preparing swag bags, or rehearsing for a keynote, behind-the-scenes content adds authenticity to your promotion.
For example, if you’re hosting a big gala in downtown St. Louis, a behind-the-scenes video showing the venue setup or your team in action could spark excitement. It helps build anticipation by showing viewers the effort and detail that go into making the event happen.
3. Event Trailer Videos
If teaser videos are the appetizers, then event trailers are the main course. These videos are typically longer, ranging from 1-3 minutes, and provide more details about the event. They might include interviews with organizers, a closer look at the event lineup, or testimonials from past attendees.
A well-crafted event trailer can work wonders in the St. Louis market, where potential attendees may be looking for just a bit more info before committing. It’s your opportunity to showcase the “wow” factor and highlight exactly why people should buy tickets.
4. Highlight Reels
This type of video is perfect for post-event promotion or to generate excitement for recurring events. A highlight reel showcases the best moments from past events, giving viewers a taste of what they can expect in the future. If you’ve hosted a successful event in St. Louis before, showing that off in a highlight reel can help attract even more attendees next time.
Think about it: People love seeing others having a great time. Highlight reels are a great way to create FOMO (fear of missing out) and encourage people to mark their calendars for your next event.
5. Live Streaming
The world of video marketing doesn’t stop at pre-recorded content. Live streaming is a powerful tool for video marketing for event promotion, especially for virtual or hybrid events. You can stream snippets of your event in real-time to engage with your audience and give them a front-row seat, even if they can’t physically be there.
In St. Louis, where community events and large-scale gatherings are frequent, live streaming can help you reach a wider audience. It allows those who couldn’t make it in person to still be part of the action, all while promoting future events.
Best Practices for Video Marketing for Event Promotion
Now that we’ve covered the types of videos you can create, let’s dive into some best practices. Creating videos is one thing, but making sure they actually resonate with your audience and drive event registrations is another. Here’s how to get it right.
1. Know Your Audience
The first step to any marketing campaign—video or otherwise—is understanding who you’re talking to. Are you promoting a corporate event to local businesses in St. Louis? Or maybe a music festival aimed at a younger crowd? The tone, style, and message of your video should be tailored to fit the audience you’re trying to reach.
For example, if you’re hosting a tech conference in St. Louis, you might want to focus on showcasing industry experts and cutting-edge technologies in your video. On the other hand, if it’s a family-friendly outdoor festival, your video might lean more into fun, light-hearted visuals and energetic music.
2. Keep It Short and Engaging
When it comes to video marketing for event promotion, shorter is almost always better. Studies show that videos under two minutes get the most engagement. Teaser videos and quick event promos should be 30-60 seconds, while longer videos like trailers can go up to 3 minutes.
The key here is to grab attention quickly. Start your video with an attention-grabbing hook—whether it’s a powerful visual, a bold statement, or exciting footage from a past event. The first few seconds are crucial to keeping viewers engaged.
3. Include a Call to Action
What do you want viewers to do after watching your video? This is a question you should always be asking. A strong call to action (CTA) is crucial for converting viewers into attendees.
Whether it’s a “Buy Tickets Now” button or a message to “Learn More” with a link to your event page, your video should clearly direct people to take the next step. Make sure to include your CTA not only at the end of the video but also in the video description and social media captions.
4. Optimize for Social Media
Social media is one of the most effective places to share your event videos. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are hotspots for video content, and they’re perfect for video marketing for event promotion.
When posting on social media, make sure to optimize your video for each platform. Use square or vertical video formats for mobile-friendly viewing, and always include captions since many users watch videos on mute.
Also, be sure to take advantage of Instagram Stories, Facebook Events, and LinkedIn posts to spread the word about your event in the St. Louis area.
5. Utilize Geo-Targeting in St. Louis
If your event is local to St. Louis, geo-targeting is your best friend. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube allow you to target specific locations, ensuring that your videos are seen by the right people in the right area. You can narrow down your audience based on proximity to the event venue or focus on specific neighborhoods that are more likely to attend.
By optimizing your video content for St. Louis and using geo-targeting, you’ll get more relevant views, higher engagement, and ultimately more ticket sales.
Video Marketing for Event Promotion in St. Louis: The Bottom Line
Whether you’re throwing a massive concert, hosting a professional conference, or organizing a charity gala, video marketing for event promotion in St. Louis is essential for making your event a success. It’s the most engaging, shareable, and memorable form of content out there—and it works.
For St. Louis businesses and organizations, video marketing offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with local audiences, showcase your event, and drive registrations.
Ready to create compelling videos that will make your next event a hit? At Piper Media Group, we specialize in helping St. Louis businesses craft engaging, professional videos that capture attention and convert viewers into attendees. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life and promote your event in a way that stands out from the crowd.
