One of the most popular ways to launch a product or service and promote an event online is by hosting a Twitter Party. Think of a Twitter Party as a social media experience where people can attend by using their devices vs. meeting in-person.
Two of our expert Twitter Party hosts, Stacie Connerty (@StacieInAtlanta) and Diane Nassy (@PhilZENdia), shared their expertise and insight. They have experience working with national brands and hosting Twitter Parties that trend nationally.
The Basics of Hosting a Twitter Party
Consider the goal.
What is the purpose behind the upcoming Twitter Party you’re hosting? Is the goal to promote an upcoming in-person event or discount code for shoppers? Ask your client what results they’d like to see. A definitive goal will help you create relevant and engaging questions to ask participants during the Twitter Party.
Promote the party.
One of our Twitter Party pros, Stacie from the DivineLifestyle.com recommends announcing the event in a blog post the same week it’s happening instead of weeks in advance. “Those posts tend to lose momentum. Posting the week of the party keeps it fresh in the mind of partygoers.”
Create promotional images for the event. Collect RSVPs in a Facebook event. Ask participants to add their Twitter handles in a linky, Google form or in the comments of a blog post.
Co-hosts for the Twitter Party can help promote the event, as well as engage with participants during the event. Consider hiring co-hosts with a niche that’s relevant to the purpose of the party. For example, a DIY blogger would be a good fit for a Home Depot event. Beauty bloggers are ideal to promote an event for a hair or fashion brand.
Schedule your tweets.
Once the Twitter Party script is approved, schedule the party questions using applications like Hootsuite, Tweetdeck or Buffer.
RELATED POST: How Bloggers Can Connect with Brands on Twitter Without Looking Desperate
As the host your job is to interact with participants during the event, answer their questions and keep the party on-topic.
Remind attendees about the party prizes.
In return for the participation, Twitter Party attendees are eligible to win prizes. Diane from Philzendia.com reminds hosts and brands that “Gift cards are the most popular gifts, but people also go crazy for electronics, like tablets or cameras, and travel vouchers.”
Create a report.
Did your Twitter Party trend nationally or locally? Which Twitter party questions got the biggest response? How many people clicked the RSVP link or retweeted the brand. Create a Twitter party report with a look at impressions for the hashtag throughout the day of the event and the duration of the party.
Comment below: Have you hosted a Twitter Party for your blog or a client? What went well? What would you like to do differently?
The Network Niche has hosted Twitter Parties for major brands including Nike, Hairfinity, HBO and Home Depot. Review the list of services The Network Niche provides and contact our CEO Nadia Jones for a proposal on how working with our influencers can help grow your brand.
