With all of the talking we do about Facebook around here, you’d think that we have a stake in the company or something! But no, we’ve just seen first-hand the benefits of choirs creating official pages, sharing events and interacting with their fans on this particular social media platform. Event pages in particular are a great way to reach new audiences and keep your upcoming concert top-of-mind in their newsfeeds.

This month, we’ve decided to gather a few helpful tips from BCCF communications coordinator Andy Rice, and communications board rep Christine Chepyha. We hope you will put them to good use — even if this is the first time you’ve ever heard the words “social media” and “newsfeed” in your life!

If you haven’t done so already, create an official Facebook page for your choir. (Here’s how!) Designate a member of your administration team to keep it populated with news and photos – or, pick on that one person who is always taking selfies during rehearsals and put them to work for the greater good!

Use your choir’s official Facebook page to create an event for your next concert — this way it will be viewable to everyone, regardless of whether they use Facebook or not. (Here’s how!)

Events should use a fabulous photo or colourful graphic for the cover image to attract people’s attention, especially to cut through all the hustle and bustle of a Facebook newsfeed. (Here’s how!)

Once you’ve created an event, invite your friends to it using Facebook’s tools. (Here’s how!) Share the event on your individual profiles and related pages to increase excitement. Make sure to send the BCCF communications team a note with your event URL and we will share it in our social media channels.

If you visit the BCCF Facebook page, you’ll notice we have the ability to share your event on our timeline, which helps increase awareness of your concert. You can also link to that event page in your concert listing on our website as well!

In the days leading to your concert, you can continue to post directly to your Facebook event page, and anyone invited to your event will receive notifications of these updates. This is a great way to update your audience with rehearsal photos, discussions of repertoire, status of ticket sales and other items that could interest your audience members.

Facebook events carry their own distinct URL, which can be shared in online listings in your region. In larger geographic locations, having a Facebook event is expected and assists greatly in populating those listings.

If you have any questions about this great promotional technique, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice or clarification!