How to fill your next event without draining your budget
You don’t need a massive marketing budget to host a packed event. In fact, some of the most successful local events are built on strategy, not spending.
If you’re working with a small team, a tight timeline, or no marketing budget at all, this guide is for you. Here’s how to get the word out using free (or nearly free) tools that actually work, starting with your best local asset: Vero Vine.
1. Use the Vero Vine Calendar (It’s Free and Built for You)
Our event calendar is designed to help locals discover what’s happening in the community, and your event can be one of them. When you submit your event to Vero Vine, it gets exposure on our website, newsletter, and social channels. That’s thousands of potential eyes at no cost.
Pro tip: The earlier you submit your event, the better chance you have of being featured in our weekly email or highlighted on social.
2. Post in Local Facebook & Community Groups
People scroll through local groups daily, looking for things to do. Find active Facebook groups for your town or niche (like parents, foodies, artists, or fitness lovers) and share your event with a short, engaging description and a clean graphic.
Don’t just drop a flyer—write a quick message that explains what’s happening and why it’s worth attending. Make it feel personal and local.
3. Start a Simple Email Campaign
If you’ve hosted past events or have a customer list, email is one of the highest-converting free tools you have. Send a short series of emails:
-
Announcement
-
Reminder a week before
-
Final 48-hour countdown
Your subject lines matter—make them attention-grabbing, time-sensitive, or curiosity-driven. Example: “This Friday: Something Delicious is Happening Downtown” or “Only 10 Spots Left for Friday Night.”
4. Leverage Local Influencers and Community Pages
You don’t need a celebrity endorsement—just someone local with a loyal following. Reach out to local influencers, food bloggers, musicians, or active community pages and ask if they’d be open to sharing your event.
Make it easy: provide a ready-to-share graphic and a short blurb. Offer free entry, a free drink, or a vendor shoutout in return.
5. Cross-Promote with Vendors and Sponsors
If you’re working with local vendors, musicians, food trucks, or sponsors, they likely have their own audiences. Ask them to post the event on their socials and tag your account or event page.
You’re not just promoting the event—you’re promoting them too. It’s a win-win and can instantly expand your reach.
6. Turn Your Attendees into Promoters
Encourage early RSVPs or attendees to share the event. Offer a giveaway or incentive: “Share this post to your story and tag us for a chance to win VIP access.” Word-of-mouth is free and powerful when it’s coming from friends, not brands.
7. Make the Most of What You’ve Got
Consistency beats perfection. Reuse graphics, repost highlights, reshare comments, and keep reminding your audience. Post short video teasers, behind-the-scenes setup, or countdowns in the days leading up to the event.
You don’t need a full marketing team, you just need a plan.
You don’t need to spend thousands to make your event a success. With the right tools—like the Vero Vine event calendar, local partnerships, and smart organic promotion—you can fill your event without blowing your budget.
Have an event coming up? Submit it now at verovine.com and let’s help you get the crowd it deserves.