Filling It Up! Marketing Plan for Your Seminar

A seminar with empty seats is definitely a sore sight. Promoting your seminar is just like selling a product. You find people that will be interested and persuade them to buy it. Sounds easy, right? It definitely sounds easier than you think. There are a few more technicalities to consider such as:



Different people with different interests

Skeptics that doubt the effectiveness of your seminar

Costs of your seminar space, promotions, etc.

Man's innate characteristic of only paying if they think they are getting their moneys worth



The key to solving these problems and creating a successful and profitable seminar is marketing. Marketing is a fundamental process in any business venture. It involves the advertising and selling of your service to the public. A good seminar marketing plan must be strategic and well-planned. Below are steps in marketing that will reap rewards for your seminar.



Step 1: Know your market.

First, you have to know your market. You need to know what the people want and need. Research their social backgrounds and interests. This will be a little tricky as people have different lifestyles and tastes. This is where picking your audience comes in. Your target audience will be your focus in promoting your seminar.



Step 2: Create a good title and theme.

Your seminar title needs to be catchy in order to appeal to the public. You should clearly state what the seminar will be about and what they can learn from it. One tip is to make a list of potential titles for your seminar and ask for opinions from other people on which one is more attractive.



Step 3: Set the budget and registration price.

You have to work on a budget to guarantee a profitable seminar. Think of the costs of your location, speakers fee, designs and promotions. Be cost effective but do not compromise quality. After you know your budget, set your registration fee. The fee should be able to cover all your costs and generate a profit. Remember though that your audience will not attend a seminar that's overpriced. It will also be helpful if you get someone to sponsor your seminar.



Step 4: Promote your seminar.

Pick a date that your target audience will most likely be available but also consider the time for promotions. Put up posters, flyers and hand out brochures weeks before your event. Send out invitations if you have contacts to your target audience. The most effective way is to personally endorse the seminar.



Step 5: Final week, polish your seminar.

The final week should be reserved for last-minute promotions and polishing of the program. Make sure that the facilities are in place and that your presentation is ready.



Step 6: Finally, deliver a great seminar.

The best way to promote your business is through building a good reputation. When your seminars work, people will come back. Remember to always deliver your best each and every time. And for sure, there will be no empty seats at your seminar.