So you’ve done a great project and you’ve advertised on all social media outlets possible. Now what?
How can you build your audience without spending a ton of money?
The answer my friends is in the amazing land of Conventions.
One of the most dynamic ways to get some free advertising is by submitting a panel to cons like Wondercon and Beyond Fest Expo. Below are some handy tips to help your panel pop.
1. Think outside of the box.
Remember, many people haven’t heard of your project…yet. So, don’t make a panel simply about your project. That limits your audience, and we don’t want that. Instead think of your theme, your element, your audience and what they are interested in.
Say your project is an action film about female assassins. Well why not make a panel about Female Action Movies. Fill that panel with actors, writers, filmmakers, bloggers, podcasters, etc… that love to create or chat about action movies. That way you’ve added their audiences and you’ve added dynamic content that will draw people to seats.
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Say yes to media.
Usually most conventions will have the option to have a Audio Visual aspect. Volunteer as tribute for this!
Slideshows are great. Clips are even better. Make a short presentation to jazz up your production. Really nothing makes it look more professional then a crisp clip reel or a keynote.
Tip to the wise. Make sure you know what type of cables and cords you need to attach your lap top or tablet. Sometimes the conventions have a few, but don’t rely on it.
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Reach out.
Some of the best guests I’ve gotten on panels, or for my podcast for that matter, I simply tweeted at or facebooked. I knew I liked their project. I knew it aligned with my panels or podcast and I simply reached out. Almost every single time people are on board to join forces. That’s the power of the ask.
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Try.
Head to the sites of your favorite cons and if you don’t see a form on their site to submit content… again. Ask. Contact the email they provide and tell them you have content that you would like to submit for programming and what are the proper methods to submit or pitch. Trust me they will respond.
If you take anything away from this article I want it to be that it’s better to reach out to people and places that align with you and your projects. The worst they can say is no and the best, well the best is you found a place to build your audience and to connect with your tribe. And that’s truly a beautiful thing.
ANASTASIA’S COMIC-CON 2018 SCHEDULE:
“Destination Nerd” Thursday, 7/19/18, 6:00pm – 7:00pm, Room: Grand 1 & 2, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
“Cosplaying with your kids” Friday 7/20/18 10 am Room : Grand 1 & 2, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina