Promoting Your Event
So your event is listed and you’re ready to host – now it’s time to get the word out! Promotion is how your session grows from “one or two people writing together” into a thriving, committed writing group. The good news is you don’t need to be a marketing expert or spend hours on this. A little consistency and tapping into existing networks goes a long way.
Here are several promotion strategies, from easiest starting points to broader outreach. Pick and choose what fits your style and community:
Start with People You Know: Your personal and professional network is the best place to begin. Invite friends, classmates, or colleagues who write (or have mentioned wanting to write). A direct, personal invite (“I’m hosting a quiet writing hour on Saturday, want to join me?”) can be very effective. Even if only one or two friends come, that’s a great start and helps ensure you won’t be alone in the early sessions. Those people might invite their friends next time, and so on. Word of mouth is powerful. And, sometimes one personal invite is all it takes to get someone writing again.
Use Social Media (No New Account Needed): Promote your event on your existing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn—wherever you’re comfortable). There’s no need to create a special page or account for your SUAW group unless you really want to; in fact, we prefer you use the official SUAW channels or your personal profile to keep branding consistent. For example, you could post on Facebook: “This Sunday 10 AM at Bluebird Café – Come write with us! ✍️ Enjoy a quiet hour of writing (no critiques, just getting words down). All are welcome. Message me for details or check out our event on Meetup [link].” Use an image if possible (a picture of the café or a SUAW logo graphic) – posts with images tend to catch more attention. The key is to make it shareable: your friends might tag other writer friends or share the post, spreading the word organically. For more on social media promotion, check out our social media section below.
Leverage Meetup Itself: If you’re using Meetup, a lot of promotion happens automatically – local members of the SUAW Meetup chapter will see your event. But you can boost visibility by being active on your Meetup page. Welcome new members who join the group with a friendly message. After each event, post a comment or photo (people browsing the group love to see that events actually happen and are fun). Meetup sometimes emails members with upcoming events; having a clear title and an appealing description (which you’ve already crafted) helps those emails catch interest. Also, encourage your attendees to RSVP on Meetup and mark if they’re bringing a friend — this makes your event look active and inviting to others.
Physical Promotion (for In-Person Events): Old-school but effective: put up a flyer or two in strategic places. If you’re meeting in a public location like a café or library, ask if you can leave a small flyer by the bulletin board or check-out desk. Even a little index card on the café’s community board that says “Shut Up & Write! – Free community writing hour here every Wednesday 6 PM” can draw in people who happen to see it. The real world still matters — someone grabbing coffee might notice your sign and decide to come next time. (We have a printable flyer template to make this easier.)
Creative Outreach: Think about where writers in your community hang out (physically or virtually). Nearby universities? Local writing clubs or bookstore events? Online forums or Facebook groups for local creatives? A polite, well-placed announcement can reach these folks. For instance, if your town has a “Writers Alliance” group, let them know about your meetup. You might also use community event calendars or subreddit threads for local events. Always follow group rules when posting, of course.
Consistency Matters: Perhaps the most important tip is simply to keep at it. Promote regularly, even if turnout is small at first. Don’t be discouraged by a light response early on. Sometimes it takes a few repetitions for people to show interest. Every week or event cycle, do a quick promo push: a fresh post on social media, a reminder to your friends, an update on Meetup. Consistency builds awareness over time.
Engage Your Attendees: Once a few people start coming, encourage them to spread the word too. After a session, you might say, “If you enjoyed this, feel free to invite a friend next time!” When attendees have a good experience, they often naturally tell others. You can even send a personal follow-up to a new attendee: “Glad you joined us! No pressure, but if you know anyone else who might like a quiet writing hour, bring them along.” Your enthusiasm will be infectious.Once your event is listed, promotion is how you go from “maybe someone will show up” to “we have a community.” Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a marketing pro. A few consistent actions go a long way.
Social Media Promotion
If you'd like to use social media to promote your event, please read this section for a better understanding of our guidelines around media use.
When You Promote Your Event:
Include your event link and time
Mention who it's for (everyone’s welcome!)
Highlight structure, quiet time, and good vibes—no critique
Use a strong image (get free graphics from our Brand Asset Downloads)
Tag us so we can help boost your post:
Instagram: @shutupwrite
Facebook: @shutupnwrite
Bluesky: suaw.bsky.social
Example Caption:
Hosting a free Shut Up & Write!® session Thursday at 6pm CST—come write with me online! No critique, just quiet writing time and good vibes. RSVP 👉 [link]
Branding Guidelines
As an organizer, you’re encouraged to promote your events—but please follow these guidelines to protect the integrity and consistency of the Shut Up & Write!® brand.
What You Can Do
Use the official Shut Up & Write!® logo and name
Promote your events using our method and branding
Add attribution to your materials (e.g., “This event follows the Shut Up & Write!® methodology.”)
Share SUAW content, tag us, and help grow the community
What You Can’t Do
Modify the SUAW logo, colors, or branding
Use the SUAW name or logo to sell products, services, or paid memberships
Charge money for SUAW-branded events or materials without written permission
Using the SUAW Logo
Only use official logo files from our Brand Asset Downloads.
Keep a clear space around the logo—no stretching, cropping, or color changes
Always include the ® symbol
Link back to www.shutupwrite.com
Attribution Examples
Use one or more of the following in your posts or materials:
“This event follows the Shut Up & Write!® methodology.”
A SUAW logo with a hyperlink to www.shutupwrite.com
Social media posts that tag us and mention Shut Up & Write!®
When to Include a Disclaimer
If you run a local or independent SUAW-branded account (on Facebook, Instagram, etc.), it’s important to clarify that your group is community-run and not operated by SUAW HQ. You should include a disclaimer anytime you use:
The Shut Up & Write!® name, logo, or branding
Our method in a public-facing account that isn't managed by HQ
Where to Place the Disclaimer
Include the disclaimer in:
Your social media bio (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X)
The About section or group description
A pinned post or story highlight
Disclaimer for Social Media Use:
We’re proud to use the Shut Up & Write!® method to host our writing sessions. This is a community-run account and not officially managed by Shut Up & Write! HQ.
Remember, the goal of promotion isn’t about big numbers for their own sake – it’s about reaching those who will benefit from the space you’re creating. By using a combination of the above strategies, you’ll gradually build a solid group of regulars. And even if your meetup remains small, that’s okay! A dedicated crew of three to five writers can be just as rewarding. The focus is on consistency and community; growth will happen at its own pace. Happy promoting!