Hash tags aren’t just for trending topics, articles, social slander, inside jokes, or long nonsense you make up to be clever. Public events can benefit as well. And these are normal PUBLIC events; I’m not talking about the Emmy’s or Grammy’s here.

So lets use an example of a recent event I attended over this past weekend. Formula Drift Round 4: The Gauntlet at Wall Stadium in Wall, NJ. And for those of you, who aren’t familiar with the world of drifting, it happens to be a grand spectacle of driving sideways, the crisp smell of burning rubber and a smoke engulfed track and spectator stands.

So how did Formula Drift use social media to promote the event before during and after?

Step 1: let the people know what to use.

And for the visual learners…

 

(via Instagram)

 

Step 2: Create excitement

 

Step 3: Give the people “front row seats” to the action, via updates throughout the day.

I cannot stress the importance of visuals…

 

Step 4: Show ’em what they are missing!

 

Step 5: The post event

You can find the full gallery here.

 

Shall we recap?

1. Let your public know what hash tags to use. I don’t want to fumble around social media for half a day looking for coverage and pictures.

2. Create excitement around the event; remember you will reach further than your followers so why not try to reel them in.

3. Constant updates. Provide those “front row seats” to those not able to attend. You may get them next time.

4. Show everybody how cool and legit your event is!

5. Make sure to provide a summary of the even via visuals! Really show everyone how awesome it was again and again and again.