The Fourth of July is one of the most anticipated holidays in the United States, filled with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and a myriad of community events. For event organizers, this presents an incredible opportunity to attract large crowds and create unforgettable experiences. However, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday, it’s crucial to ensure your event stands out and engages the right audience. One of the best ways to do this is through SMS marketing.

SMS has an impressive 98% open rate and is the most direct way to reach your audience instantly. Whether you’re hosting a local fireworks show, a charity run, or a community festival, SMS marketing allows you to keep your attendees informed, engaged, and excited about your Fourth of July event.

In this post, we’ll explore how to effectively use SMS marketing to promote and engage attendees for your Fourth of July event, keeping them informed and ensuring a fantastic experience.

1. Send Event Reminders and Updates

Event reminders are crucial for ensuring that your audience shows up and knows the important details. Whether it’s the day before the event or just a few hours ahead, SMS is the perfect tool for sending quick reminders and updates. Use SMS to provide crucial event information, such as the location, time, parking details, or any schedule changes.

Example: “Reminder: [Event Name] is tomorrow at [Location]! Join us for fireworks, food trucks, and fun starting at [Time].”

2. Offer Exclusive Discounts and Promotions

SMS is an excellent way to send special offers directly to your customers. Whether it’s discounted tickets or limited-time food and drink specials, SMS marketing can create a sense of urgency and prompt immediate action.

Example: “Get 15% off tickets to [Event Name] when you buy in the next 24 hours! Use code JULY4 at checkout: [Link].”

3. Create Urgency with Last-Minute Sales

If you have last-minute tickets or special deals available, SMS is a great tool for pushing these sales. Send a message just before the event to encourage your audience to act quickly before tickets sell out. The immediacy of SMS makes it the ideal channel for creating urgency and driving last-minute action.

Example: “Last chance to grab tickets to [Event Name]! Only a few left. Buy now: [Link].”

4. Send Real-Time Event Updates

During the event, SMS allows you to send real-time updates about the schedule, guest speakers, or any last-minute changes. Keeping attendees informed with real-time updates ensures they don’t miss out on important announcements or activities.

Example: “The fireworks show is starting in 10 minutes! Head to [Location] for the best view!”

5. Send RSVP Reminders

If your event requires RSVPs or ticket purchases in advance, SMS is an effective tool for reminding people to reserve their spot. Whether it’s for a specific VIP experience or a community picnic, sending SMS reminders will help boost your attendance and ensure that people show up to your event.

Example: “Reminder: Please RSVP for our VIP seating area at [Event Name]. Reserve your spot today: [Link].”

6. Engage Your Audience with Polls and Surveys

SMS isn’t just for sending information—it can also be used for engagement. Use SMS to send out polls, surveys, or questions to get feedback from your audience, build excitement, and create a two-way conversation. You can ask attendees to vote on their favorite performances, share feedback about the event, or even suggest activities for next year.

Example: “What’s your favorite part of the Fourth of July celebration? Text 1 for fireworks, 2 for food trucks, or 3 for live music.”

7. Send Thank You Messages After the Event

After your event is over, don’t forget to send a thank you message to your attendees. SMS is a great way to show appreciation and let your audience know how much you value their attendance. You can also take this opportunity to share highlights from the event, ask for feedback, and build anticipation for future events.

Example: “Thank you for attending [Event Name]! We hope you had a blast. Stay tuned for more events. Text JOIN to [Shortcode] to receive updates!”

8. Collect Feedback to Improve Future Events

Feedback is essential for improving future events and making them even better next year. SMS makes it easy to send out quick surveys or ask for feedback after the event. Since people tend to read SMS messages immediately, you’re more likely to get a quick response compared to email surveys.

Example: “We’d love your feedback! Please take 2 minutes to fill out a survey about your experience at [Event Name]: [Link].”

9. Use SMS to Build Your Subscriber List for Future Events

Every event is an opportunity to grow your SMS subscriber list. Encourage your attendees to opt in for updates about future events by sending a quick message asking them to join your SMS list. You can offer incentives such as discounts or early access to tickets as a reward for signing up.

Example: “Want to be the first to hear about our future events? Text JOIN to [Shortcode] to receive exclusive offers and early access to tickets!”

10. Promote Social Media Engagement via SMS

SMS can also be used to drive social media engagement. Encourage your attendees to share their photos and experiences on social media by including hashtags or asking them to post pictures from the event. Offering a prize or recognition for the best posts can help drive excitement and create a sense of community.

Example: “Share your best moments from [Event Name] using #OurEvent2024 on Instagram for a chance to win a free ticket to next year’s event!”

Conclusion

SMS marketing is a powerful tool for promoting and engaging attendees for Fourth of July events. From sending event reminders and last-minute offers to providing real-time updates and gathering feedback, SMS can help you create a seamless and engaging experience for your audience. By leveraging SMS for event marketing, you can increase attendance, enhance customer satisfaction, and ensure that your event is a huge success.

Ready to unlock the power of SMS marketing for your Fourth of July event? Learn more about how Mobiniti’s SMS platform can help you drive attendance and engagement at your next event!