How to Create a Successful Facebook Event in 2024: The Small Business Guide

As a small business owner running events, Facebook is one of your most valuable marketing platforms for boosting awareness and driving attendee engagement. But with its ever-changing algorithms and features, it can be tricky to fully utilize Facebook for your events.

In this comprehensive guide for small business owners and entrepreneurs, I’ll share step-by-step instructions optimized specifically for 2024 on how to create a Facebook event that attracts high interest and attendance. You’ll learn insider tips covering:

• Event settings for maximum visibility
• Targeting relevant audiences
• Promotion strategies proven to boost event reach
• Key differences when hosting virtual events
• And much more!

Let’s dive in…

Step 1: Set Up Your Facebook Account

Over 2.9 billion people actively use Facebook each month. Tapping into even a fraction of this audience can greatly amplify awareness for your business events.

But first, you need an optimized Facebook account.

If you don’t already have one, go to Facebook.com and click Create New Account. Follow the prompts to set up your profile.

Pro Tip: Add a clear profile and cover photo along with details on your business to establish credibility with potential attendees.

Once your account is ready, you can start setting up events.

Step 2: Access Facebook’s Event Creation Tool

The event creation and management tool is available both on desktop and the Facebook mobile app.

On Desktop

• Click on the Events tab in the left menu
• Click Create Event red button

On Mobile App

• Tap the Menu icon (3 horizontal lines in top right)
• Scroll down and select Events
• Tap the Create Event button

Easy enough so far! Now comes…

Step 3: Select Your Event Type

Facebook gives you flexibility to create both online and in-person events. Based on 2022 Facebook data, online events saw 58% higher member engagement compared to in-person ones.

But which type makes sense for your business? Let‘s compare.

In-Person Events	Online Events
– Happening at a set location offline – Allows for face-to-face connections – Requires travel for attendees	– Hosted over video chat or livestream – Convenient for attendees to join from anywhere – Miscommunication risks without visual cues

Once you decide based on the above, choose the corresponding event type Facebook offers:

• In person
• Online

Let’s assume in this case you selected an online event for your small business.

Step 4: Build Out Event Details

Now it’s time to add info to your event page visitors will use to learn more and decide whether to attend.

Event Name

Keep your event name short, clear and attention-grabbing. For example:

✅ “2023 Small Business Masterclass”

Date/Time

• Specify exact date and time range
• Note the time zone to avoid confusion
• Allow ample lead time for guests to schedule (~2-4 weeks)

Location Details

Since you selected an online event, choose the platform you‘ll use to host:

• Facebook Live
• Instagram Live
• Zoom
• WebEx
• GoToMeeting
• StreamYard

Enable joining info and details on how attendees can participate.

Visual Media

Make your event more eye-catching by uploading relevant images or video. This drives up interest and RSVPs.

For example, share pictures of:

• Previous events
• Your products/services
• Speakers/special guests

Description

This is your chance to get attendees excited about participating!

❌ "Join our small business webinar to learn something"

In your description, cover:

✅ What specific topics will be discussed
✅ Benefits of attending
✅ Ideal attendee (customer avatar)

Use an enthusiastic, conversational tone and friendly language. Break content down into short, easily digestible paragraphs.

Let‘s recap your key learnings for setting up event details:

Step 5: Configure Your Settings

As you create your event, Facebook allows configuring settings related to:

Visibility

Control who can discover and engage with your event:

• Public: Anyone searching Facebook
• Private: Only people you invite
• Specific friend list

Pro Tip: Consider a targeted friend list for small scale beta testing before making fully public.

Co-hosting

Assign additional hosts with the ability to also update event details and message attendees. Great for team collaboration!

Groups

Associate your event post directly with relevant Facebook groups tied to your target audience. This allows you to easily inform group members.

Take advantage of these options to customize exactly who can access and interact with your event page.

Step 6: Spread the Word with Event Promotions

You took the time to create an awesome online event. Now’s the time to promote it across Facebook to drive sign-ups!

📝 Post it Yourself

Share your event across your personal profile, business pages, relevant Facebook groups and more.

😃 Encourage Word of Mouth

Leverage your employees and existing customers. A personal invite makes people feel special and boosts opt-ins!

💰 Boosted Facebook Ad

Consider paying to promote your event post. Facebook’s ad platform makes it easy to target very specific demographics and user interests relevant to your event message and offerings. Well worth the small ad spend!

Use a mix of owned, earned and paid strategies to maximize how many people learn about and hopefully RSVP to your event.

Step 7: Manage RSVPs and Follow-Ups

Even after all your hard work creating and sharing your event post, your work isn’t done!

Following up with those interested is critical for:

👥 Confirming who will attend

🙋 Answering individual questions

😀 Building personal connections

Leverage Facebook’s messaging tools to directly communicate with interested people. Send reminders as the event nears. Make attendees feel welcomed and valued.

During and after you conclude your online event, follow up again to gather feedback and encourage engaging with your business.

You‘re Ready to Create Your Own Facebook Event!

And there you have it – a step-by-step blueprint to create online events on Facebook tailored for small business owners!

As you design your event, focus first on crafting an engaging offer your target customers will find valuable. Integrate visual media that grabs attention. And promote actively across owned, earned and paid channels using Facebook’s powerful ad tools.

Here‘s a handy checklist to reference covering the key steps:

The tips I’ve shared here have helped me successfully host events as a solopreneur that regularly see 60%+ engagement and attendance rates.

I hope you‘re able to take these learnings to create your own phenomenal Facebook events that translate to more customers and revenue! Reach out if you have any other questions.