Most Christian event planners already know the importance of advertising their event(s) in order to maximize attendance, visibility and excitement – all with a heart for ministry and outreach. You understand that the more people in attendance, the better the chance you are reaching people who need the very message you want them to hear! Planning meaningful events is a lot of work before, during and after the event itself. As you’re settling on the details, however, and what you want the event to look like, don’t forget to include your entertainers/ entertainment in your ads. Here are some reasons why:
Target Audience
Is your event for adults, children or families? How you advertise should obviously make this very clear. Think about the entertainment that you’re bringing in. If it’s a comedian, make sure you know what their preferred audience is. If it’s a Christian band, who would they say is their favorite audience makeup? The artists themselves are a wonderful resource so make sure you ask them! There’s nothing worse for entertainers to think they’re booked for a family event and show up to see a huge crowd of preschoolers. Yikes! Planning fun events and inviting the community is an awesome opportunity for your church or ministry to welcome in new families who might not have otherwise come to your campus.
Timely Ads
If you’re new to planning large gatherings and not sure when the best time is to start getting the word out about your special event, speak with other ministry leaders who have put on similar events. The reality is that last minute ads will probably only attract people who make last minute plans. You want to get the word out in time for people to add your event to their calendars and their social media sites. Give them something to be excited about and talk about within their circle of influence! There are so many things people can choose to do in their down time and attention-getting ads will help them pick your event. Christian entertainers/speakers can certainly post their upcoming appearance schedule on their own social media, but don’t let that be your only source of advertising. Take advantage of any free ads that your local media might be willing to provide via newspaper (do people still read those?), radio, local tv, social media, etc. Most artists can provide you with a written description of their act, a bio, as well as digital photos & videos. Don’t forget about your weekly bulletin – whether it’s mailed out, online or passed out on Sundays, your special event should appear there weeks in advance to give people enough time to make plans to attend. Showing a short video of the act during your weekly services is a great way to tease what’s ahead!
Vendor Success
Allowing outside food/amusement vendors to be part of your ministry event is definitely something to consider. To ensure their success, list them in your ads and build excitement for what they will offer. Count on them also using their own advertising and/or word of mouth so that their followers know where they will be set up on any given date. If you are bringing in amusement vendors, get the word out! Also make sure they have inflatables/rides for all age levels, including the little ones.
But What About …
The answer is YES! Your variety entertainers (think jugglers, magicians, BMX riders, comedians, stilt walkers, unicyclists, etc) deserve to be advertised, too. This is very likely how most of them make their living. Post their photo with their name and where/when their stage performance(s) will take place. Include information about their preferred audience, if needed. Make sure you don’t assume that every Christian magician, juggler or ventriloquist is just for the kids. That is most definitely NOT the case. Many are geared towards kids/family audiences and some prefer teens and adults. Make sure you know this information in advance so you can advertise accordingly.
The same goes for your roving entertainers which are often overlooked in ad campaigns. They tend to be the most visible since they’re moving around your entire event site. So do make sure they’re acknowledged by the performer’s name (NOT their business or agent’s name) and description of their act on your website, social media, advertisements and bulletins.
By keeping your ads (and events) fresh and new, it will pay off in the end with happy event goers and hopefully bring in some new families to be part of your ministries!
