Event Marketing vs. Experiential Marketing For Small Business

You've probably attended an event this week to network. If so, that's an example of event marketing. But what is experiential marketing? I can hear you thinking, "wait, isn't an event an experience?" Well yes, yes it is. But it turns out that while the two have some similarities, they are also different.

Let me explain... 

Event Marketing:

Event marketing is a specific event such as a trade show conference, product launch, festival or any time where businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products or services. Maybe you've hosed a seminar or webinar, that would be event marketing. 

The primary goal of event marketing is often to promote a brand, product or service within a particular event. It aims to create awareness, generate leads and facilitate face-to-face interactions -- either virtually or in person. 

Event marketing involves engaging with attendees through activities such as product demonstrations, giveaways, sponsorships and networking opportunities. The emphasis is on creating a positive brand experience within the event setting.

Success in event marketing is often measured by the number of leads generated, brand impressions and the overall impact on brand awareness within the event's audience. To measure brand awareness you might promote the use of a hashtag and later measure who shared photos. Or perhaps there is a user generated content (UGC) photo competition with a prize to urge people to participate. 

Experiential Marketing:

Experiential marketing is broader in scope and is not tied exclusively to a specific event. It's also called engagement marketing which gives you a visual right away. It's about getting people involved. If you're going to be an experiential marketer, you'll be creating a strategy for a client's live, interactive marketing campaigns.

Experiential marketing focuses on creating immersive brand experiences that resonate with consumers on a deeper, emotional level. Your goal: provide a memorable and meaningful experience. These experiences may take place in various settings, including events, pop-up shops or even everyday locations. Remember the Barbie movie and the the Barbie selfie's everyone was sharing - now that's immersive! 

Experiential marketing seeks to engage consumers in a new way. It often involves interactive and participatory elements that allow you to directly experience a brand's values, products or services. 

Success in experiential marketing is measured by the impact on consumer perceptions, brand loyalty, and long-term relationships. Metrics may include social media engagement, consumer feedback and overall brand impressions. 

Key Differences with Event Marketing and Experiential Marketing:

1. Scope:

   • Event marketing is event-specific and revolves around a particular occasion, while experiential marketing is a broader strategy that encompasses a range of experiences, both event-based and otherwise.
     
     

2. Time Frame:

   • Event marketing is often time-limited, tied to the duration of a specific event. Experiential marketing, on the other hand, can occur over an extended period and may involve ongoing brand activations.
     
     

3. Emphasis on Engagement:

   • Both strategies prioritize engagement, but event marketing's engagement is centered around a specific event, whereas experiential marketing aims to create ongoing, immersive brand experiences.
     
     

4. Goals:

   • The goals of event marketing are event-specific, focusing on achieving objectives within the context of the event. Experiential marketing has broader, long-term goals related to building brand loyalty and emotional connections with consumers.
     
     

Examples of Experiential Marketing

Here are some examples of how small businesses can leverage experiential marketing:

1. Pop-Up Shops:

   • Set up a temporary pop-up shop in a high-traffic area or during a local event. Allow customers to physically interact with your products, provide exclusive discounts and create an experience that reflects your brand.
     
     

2. In-Store Events:

   • Host in-store events such as product launches, workshops, or interactive demonstrations. This allows customers to experience your products firsthand and engages them in a memorable way.
     
     

3. Partnerships with Local Events:

   • Collaborate with local events or festivals by sponsoring a booth or creating an interactive experience. This not only increases brand visibility but also provides a platform to engage with a diverse audience.
     
     

4. Themed Promotions:

   • Create themed promotions or events tied to holidays, seasons or local traditions. For example, a bakery could host a themed cupcake decorating event for Valentine's Day or Halloween.
     
     

5. Interactive Social Media Campaigns:

   • Launch interactive campaigns on social media platforms that encourage user participation. This could include photo contests, challenges or polls that showcase your products or services.
     
     

6. Mobile Experiences:

   • Take your brand directly to the target audience by creating mobile experiences. This could be a branded vehicle, decked-out food truck or brand-themed fun vehicle shaped in a way that matches your brand. 
     
     

7. Collaborations with Influencers:

   • Partner with local influencers or micro-influencers to host events or create content that showcases your products or services. Influencers can bring their audience to your brand, enhancing credibility and reach.
     
     

8. Interactive Installations:

   • Install interactive elements in your physical location that engage customers. For example, a clothing store could have a photo booth with props or a digital screen where customers can virtually try on different outfits.
     
     

9. Customer Appreciation Events:

   • Host events specifically to show appreciation to your existing customers. This could be a VIP night, exclusive sales or a special event with entertainment and giveaways.
     
     

10. Interactive Workshops:

    • Offer workshops or classes related to your industry. For instance, a home decor store could host DIY workshops on topics like home styling, painting techniques or crafting.
      
      

11. Virtual Experiences:

    • In the age of digital connectivity, consider creating virtual experiences. This could include online webinars, virtual tours or interactive live sessions on social media.
      
      

12. Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences:

    • Incorporate AR elements into your marketing strategy. This could involve creating AR filters on social media, allowing users to virtually try your products or experience your brand in a unique way.
      
      

13. Loyalty Programs with Experiences:

    • Enhance your loyalty program by offering experiential rewards. For example, loyal customers could gain access to exclusive events, early product launches or personalized experiences.
      
      

14. Storytelling Events:

    • Host events that tell the story of your brand. This could involve sharing the journey of how your products are made, introducing the people behind the brand and creating a personal connection with your audience. 
      
      

15. Community Engagement Projects:

    • Undertake community-based projects or initiatives that align with your brand values. This could involve sponsoring local events, participating in charity activities or collaborating with community organizations.

How Small Businesses can Use Event Marketing: 

1. Host Launch Events:

   • Use events to launch new products or services. Hosting a launch event allows you to generate excitement, gather feedback and create a memorable experience for attendees.
     
     

2. Participate in Local Trade Shows:

   • Attend or exhibit at local trade shows relevant to your industry. This provides exposure to a targeted audience, facilitates networking with other businesses and allows you to showcase your latest offers. 
     
     

3. Organize Workshops or Classes:

   • Host educational workshops or classes related to your business. This positions your business as an authority in your industry and provides value to attendees. Workshops can cover topics ranging from product usage to industry trends.
     
     

4. Collaborate with Other Businesses:

   • Partner with complementary businesses to co-host events. This not only expands your reach by tapping into each other's networks but also adds variety to the event, making it more appealing to a diverse audience.
     
     

5. Customer Appreciation Events:

   • Host events to show appreciation for your existing customers. This could include exclusive sales, VIP nights or special events with discounts, giveaways and entertainment to thank customers for their loyalty. 
     
     

6. Sponsor Local Events:

   • Sponsor or participate in local community events, sports tournaments or festivals. This not only enhances your brand's visibility but also demonstrates your commitment to the local community.
     
     

7. Create Networking Opportunities:

   • Organize networking events to connect with other businesses and potential customers. This can be especially beneficial for B2B (business-to-business) companies looking to establish partnerships and collaborations.
     
     

8. Utilize Social Media for Promotion:

   • Leverage social media platforms to promote your events. Create event pages, share behind-the-scenes content and encourage attendees to engage with your brand online. Use event-specific hashtags to increase visibility.
     
     

9. Offer Exclusive Discounts or Promotions:

   • Attract attendees by offering exclusive discounts or promotions during the event. Limited-time offers create a sense of urgency, encouraging attendees to take advantage of special deals. 
     
     

10. Create Interactive Booths or Displays:

    • If participating in trade shows or exhibitions, design interactive booths or displays that capture attention. Incorporate demonstrations, product samples, or interactive elements to engage attendees and leave a lasting impression.
      
      

11. Capture User-Generated Content:

    • Encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media. Create photo opportunities, hashtags, or contests that incentivize attendees to generate user-generated content, extending the reach of your event.
      
      

12. Offer Product Demonstrations:

    • If applicable, provide live product demonstrations to showcase your offerings. This hands-on experience can significantly impact potential customers' understanding and perception of your products.
      
      

13. Collect Customer Feedback:

    • Use events as an opportunity to gather feedback from attendees. Set up feedback stations, conduct surveys or incentivize feedback submission to gain valuable insights for future improvements.
      
      

14. Host Contests or Giveaways:

    • Generate excitement by hosting contests or giveaways during your events. This can increase engagement, attract a larger audience and create a positive association with your brand.
      
      

15. Follow-Up with Attendees:

    • After the event, follow up with attendees through email or social media. Express gratitude for their participation, share event highlights and provide any additional information or promotions to keep the engagement alive.

By strategically planning and executing events, small businesses can capitalize on the opportunity to connect with their audience in a meaningful way, build brand loyalty and drive business growth. The key is to align event activities with business objectives and create experiences that resonate with those who show up.  

To Sum Up Experiential and Event Marketing 

Remember, the key to successful experiential marketing for small businesses is authenticity and creating experiences that align with your brand. By engaging customers in meaningful and memorable ways, you can build stronger connections and leave a lasting impression.

And while event marketing is a component of experiential marketing, the latter is a more comprehensive and continuous approach to creating meaningful brand experiences. Both strategies play important roles in engaging consumers and building brand awareness.  

If you'd like to explore how experiential or event marketing might fit into your business, feel free to reach out and we can chat about possibilities! 

Show the form