Ever wondered how to trend on Twitter? Those of you who use Twitter for marketing purposes will know how much engagement can be gained by using a hashtag which is currently trending. Using a trending hashtag will get you some engagement, but, creating a trending hashtag? Doing so will see your engagement skyrocket!
When we run our networking events and awards in TravelMedia.ie, we always use the hashtag #TMevents. For the Travel Media Awards in September 2015 we again used this hashtag. But this time we tried something different. We created a strategy specifically for Twitter, which was handled and executed by one person. The result? #TMevents trended number 1 in Ireland during the event.
Read on to find out what we did and to find out how to trend on Twitter.
How to trend on Twitter – Pre-event tips
- A few weeks in advance of your event, start to use the hashtags and handles of anyone that is involved in your event i.e. guests, sponsors, venue, entertainment, bloggers. Making connections and engaging is key at this stage
- The week of your event, start to share your Twitter handle and the event hashtag across all of your social media platforms. Email key members of the media with these details and encourage them to tweet before, during and after the event.
- Draft all tweets that you will send out during the event. In advance of the Travel Media Awards, our social media guru Annette drafted well over 200 tweets that included the hashtags and handles of winners and sponsors. Draft a tweet for anything that you know is definitely going to be happening. For ease, save these tweets in order of the event running order.
How to trend on Twitter – Event-day tips
- Remind people of your handles and hashtags. Communicate this information across all of your social media platforms. Tweet information to give guests an idea of what to expect. This will build anticipation.
- Throughout the event, continually display slides which clearly show the handles and hashtags for your event.
- Ask your MC or host to remind guests to tweet during the event.
- Be aware of what is going on around you. Watch what guests are doing. Listen to what they are saying. Keep your ears open and listen for things to tweet about!
- Upload pictures as they are snapped. Tag people and their companies.
- Invite social media savvy people to your event. We made sure to invite bloggers and social media leaders to the Travel Media Awards. These guests contributed greatly to the success of the event on Twitter as they tweeted their way through the day and always used the hashtag.
- Engage with people that engage with you. If people take the time to engage with you on Twitter then make sure to return the favour, whether this be in the form of a favourite, retweet or reply.
How to trend on Twitter – Post-event tips
- Monitor your Twitter account for any mentions. Guests will continue to post pictures and tweet messages following the event. Continue to engage following the event.
Your strategy will, of course, depend on your event – the above is what worked for our event. Have you trended on Twitter? What tactics did you use? Tweet us @TravelMedia_ie and let us know what you think of our tips on how to trend on Twitter.