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.
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.
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 in the Resources section 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” or a NaNoWriMo 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.
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!