How to promote small business via free conferences?

contentcouple

Hi guys,
I'm going to organize a small local conference to attract attention to my business. You know, a kind of offline content marketing ;)

Do you have any experiences in this? What should I remember about? Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

charu

Don't forget to talk about unique features of your business.  Give educational talks to groups of potential customers. But more than this, to be a successful speaker you must provide value to your audience, which means truly sharing your expertise and not just promoting your business.

contentcouple

@charu, thank you for your tips.

Ryan O'Bleness

@contentcouple, I would suggest leaving time for your guests to network with each other as well, maybe through "breakout sessions" or a lunch period.  

As, @charu points out, your guests expect value in return for their time. So, don't make this about your business. Be sure to attach your business' name as the sponsor, and cite examples or case studies from your business experience, but the conference itself should focus on content and how your guests can better their businesses in one way or another. What benefit are they receiving for attending the event? So, have things available like knowledgable speakers, interesting data, tips and tricks of the trade. 

Would this be a free event? 

contentcouple

@Ryan O'Bleness, yes, it's gonna be a free event. Thank you.

Ryan O'Bleness

I guess that makes sense given the title of this discussion thread haha. Good luck. 

contentcouple

We've decided to create an event on facebook and promote it locally by FB Ads. Also, we've invited some other experts to share their knowledge. Every interested person can register on a specific day since every day we will cover another topic. I think it will be OK :)