It is wise to pick a theme for your event—you can even use a holiday as the theme. Summer is a good season in which to hold events; with the nice weather, it is easy to convince clients to check out your promotion.

You can use internet marketing and social media to help promote your event, but direct mail is proven to be the most effective way to advertise.

With local advertising resources, you can reach a significant number of households, ensuring a successful turnout for your event. Clipper Magazine mails to 50,000 homes in each market, in carefully researched and selected zip codes. Direct-mail advertising is considered the best method to promote sales events because it is measurable, as opposed to radio or TV ads. A reputable direct-mail resource will certainly increase your ROI. Most expert marketers recommend using a reputable, full-color direct-mail publication.

Checklist for Successful Sales Event Planning:

1-Brainstorm with your staff for sales event theme ideas, then choose a theme.

2-Advertise via direct mail; it is always wise to promote your event in advance to give your target audience sufficient time to plan.

3-Announce the sales event using internet tools. Communicate when the ad will be mailed, whether in Clipper Magazine or as a postcard;  it is always smart to inform your customers where you are advertising by advertising it in your email marketing, website and/or social media.

4-Prepare for the event: ready the facility, staff, etc.

5-SELL.

The point: With the recession, you need to work harder and be more creative. Events work for any type of business.