The wonderful world of content marketing may well be an online-focused industry, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for some face-to-face interaction.

 

It’s very clear that events such as these can produce leads, brand exposure and some incredible results. Hosting your own digital marketing event takes it to the next level, with people attending purely to see you and your company in action. You create a more personal connection with those in attendance and can turn fleeting visitors into fully-fledged members and supporters of your brand.

But, for it to be a success, you need bums on seats – and a way to spread the word to interested parties about the event. Sounds like a pretty expensive advertising job, right? Well…

In this podcast episode, we chat to someone who defied this logic. Chris Marr is the founder of Content Marketing Academy, along with its popular annual live event CMA Live. The event brings CMA’s members together, offering them some invaluable advice and insight, along with the chance to exchange tips with fellow members. The true beauty of CMA Live, though, is how Chris has spent barely a penny on advertising the event. No paid ads. No expensive deal with advertising networks. Nada. Yet, Chris has managed to take CMA Live from a gate of 25 or 30 members and friends, to an annual sell-out show of returning supporters, in well under five years.

Chris tells us how content marketing played a significant role in this rapid growth, spreading the word organically through targeted content and consistent outreach. He talks us through how the “Oversubscribe” technique has been used to great effect, creating a sense of scarcity and urgency that has catalysed interest. He also stresses the importance of networking and growing a community of passionate people has helped drive that success.

“Build it and they will come” is an expression that rings true in the case of CMA Live, as they have built an event so beneficial that members want to make their own contribution to the event, as well as implore others to come along and be a part of it. If you’re looking for more cost-effective ways to generate exposure than throwing money at paid ads, listening to our chat with Chris should give you plenty of inspiration.

For show notes and to get a free review of your website and digital marketing, complete with a tailored plan to increase your leads and sales online, head to https://exposureninja.com/episode67