5 Creative Ways Event Suppliers Can Stand Out & Get Booked (for Free!)
5 Creative Ways Event Suppliers Can Stand Out & Get Booked (for Free!)
Let’s be real: the UK events industry is worth over £70 billion a year, and competition for bookings is fierce! If you’re an event supplier, you know it’s not just about having great products or services—it’s about getting your name out there and convincing planners you’re the one to trust. Here’s your ultimate guide, packed with stats, proven advice, and actionable tips to help you get noticed and booked, all without spending a single pound.
Let’s be real: the UK events industry is worth over £70 billion a year, and competition for bookings is fierce! If you’re an event supplier, you know it’s not just about having great products or services—it’s about getting your name out there and convincing planners you’re the one to trust. Here’s your ultimate guide, packed with stats, proven advice, and actionable tips to help you get noticed and booked, all without spending a single pound.
1. Jazz Up Your Instagram Game
Did you know 80% of event planners use Instagram to discover new suppliers?* Here’s how to make your profile irresistible:
- Share behind-the-scenes content: Show the magic in the making—setups, team moments, and sneak peeks build trust and authenticity.
- Hop on trending Reels: Instagram Reels get 22% more engagement than regular videos. Quick before-and-afters, tips, or time-lapses are gold.
- Engage, don’t just post: Spend 10 minutes a day liking, commenting, and DMing local planners and venues. Engagement drives visibility in the algorithm!
- Pro tip: Use at least 5-10 relevant hashtags like #UKEvents,
- #EventProfsUK, and your city. Geo-tagging your posts can boost local reach by up to 79%.*
Bonus advice: Try Instagram Stories polls or quizzes to interact with followers and gather feedback on your services.
2. Get Listed on MyEventSupplier (It’s Free!)
Online directories drive up to 40% of leads for small event businesses.* Why?
- Instant credibility: Verified listings reassure planners you’re the real deal.
- Targeted exposure: Planners searching for suppliers in your niche and location will find you much faster.
- Easy sign-up: Set aside 30 minutes to create a stand-out profile with professional photos and a unique, fun description.
- Top tip: Suppliers with at least 3 high-quality images and a detailed description get up to 2x more enquiries.*
Trick: Update your listing every few months with fresh images and new testimonials to stay at the top of search results.
3. Team Up for Takeovers
Collaboration is the secret sauce! Suppliers who partner with others see up to 60% more engagement on social posts.*
- How it works: Pair up with a complementary supplier and swap Instagram Stories or run a joint campaign.
- Benefits: Double your audience, cross-promote to fresh eyes, and build valuable industry relationships.
- Trick: Run a joint giveaway (e.g., “Win a free centre piece and DJ set!”). Giveaways can boost followers by up to 70% in a week.*
Advice: After the takeover, share analytics with your partner to see what worked best and plan future collabs.
4. Collect Rave Reviews
Social proof is a game-changer. In fact, 93% of consumers say reviews influence their buying decisions.*
- Ask right after the event: Strike while the iron’s hot—send a thank you and a direct review link.
- Make it easy: Provide a template or even a few suggested sentences for busy clients.
- Showcase reviews everywhere: On your MyEventSupplier profile, Instagram highlights, and your website.
- Bonus tip: Respond to every review (even the negative ones!). Public replies show professionalism and care.
Proven tip: Video testimonials are especially powerful—ask happy clients if they’ll record a 30-second shoutout you can share.
5. Share Your Secrets
Suppliers who blog or share tips get 55% more website traffic than those who don’t.*
- Start a blog or share tips: Topics like “How to Choose the Perfect Event Theme” or “Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Party” attract planners.
- Go live on Instagram: Host a Q&A about your services or a quick DIY tutorial.
- Create downloadable resources: Free checklists (“Event Day Packing List”) are shared widely and position you as a helpful expert.
- Advice: Show your fun side! People book personalities, not just services. Add a dash of humour or a quirky fact about yourself.
Ready to shine?
With the right mix of creativity, consistency, and connection, you can stand out in the UK’s vibrant events industry. Try these tips, get your free listing on MyEventSupplier, and watch your bookings grow. Remember, every big event starts with a single connection—make yours count!
Want more stats, advice, or have a topic you’d love us to cover? Drop us a DM or comment below. Happy eventing!
*Stats based on industry reports and surveys from Eventbrite, Social Media Today, and HubSpot.