Publicising your event

Good publicity is crucial to the success of your society or ensemble; with an increasing number of ensembles on campus and in the city, it's important to get your group noticed!  The following is a list of tips for publicity; it is by no means exhaustive!

How to advertise

There are extensive means of advertising an event or concert:

  • Posters and flyers distributed on campus and in town (design these carefully: key information clearly written,eye-catching design);
  • Online: Facebook events, the Extunes calendar and Arts Hub, the University newsletter, the "On your Doorstep" and Extunes mailing lists, e-mails to students via academic schools etc.;
  • Through the media: in Exposé, on Xpression Fm, XTV or Xnet, through local media (e.g. Exeter Times), and local radio stations
  • Through the various 'What's On' websites organised by ExeterList, Exeter city council, ThisisExeter etc.

Where to advertise

There are a number of key areas to display and distribute printed publicity materials on campus.  You can book a table in Devonshire house for ticket sales, and slots on the front steps for flyer distribution (enquire at the Guild Information Point).  In addition, consider putting posters up in catering outlets, Academic Buildings, Knightley (obvious, but often missed!), the Chapel, the library noticeboards, Halls of Residence etc.  NB. Any posters displayed on campus must be approved with a Students' Guild stamp.

Off campus, consider getting your society members to display posters in the front windows of their houses (particularly if they live on main roads!).  Also try local churches, librarires, and shops and cafés in town - Boston Tea Party in Queen Street has ample space for posters and flyers.

Other tips

  • Time your publicity right - you don't want it out there too early and forgotten about by the time of the event, but you also don't want it going out the day before!  Around two weeks before the event should be about right, with reminders (via Facebook, e-mails, last-minute flyering etc.) right up until the day of the concert.
  • When planning your event, do remember to check for clashes with other societies and events.  If there are ten other concerts or a University ball happening on your intended night, consider changing the date...  Check not only for events clashes, but also for clashes with big rehearsals etc., as much of your potential audiences lies amongst your musical contemporaries.
  • For really big events, stash can be a useful and eye-catching compliment to other publicity (and can increase solidarity and enthusiasm among your members), though you'll want to order it well in advance to get the most out of it.
  • Essential information to include on printed publicity: ensemble name, concert title/work to be performed, date, time, venue, ticket prices (plus discounts) and availablity (in advance, on the door etc.).