When you use a blog to report out a conference you attend, or when you are the organizer of a conference, you can turn your conference blog into a booklet, and use it as a marketing tool for your next conference.
Denise commented to my recent post, Blogging the Event: Instant Contacts, Instant Updates, reminding me that not only did we blog from Tom Antion's Butt Camp in Phoenix, but we also blogged the ICF Conference (International Coach Federation) in San Jose in November.
How could I forget that! The blog is still up and active, www.blogsquadlive.com. We produced a wonderful bright pink booklet by exporting our blog to Blogbinders.com, from whom we ordered a bunch of books to give away to all our guest authors, The Team Blog Squad, since they were active contributors to the blog. It's a great souvenir, because all the authors were such great writers.
Of course, we had nothing to do with organizing the ICF conference, we were participating as exhibitors. But what a great marketing tool for the ICF, to generate interest for next year's conference! If they only knew...!
Next time you do a conference, set up a blog beforehand to generate buzz, then blog during the conference, inviting others to guest author as well so that you add perspectives. Then wrap it up with conference notes, highlights, and learning points. Voila, you've just created a valuable information product, proof of a great conference.
What other ways can you imagine to use a blog for marketing? Just hit the comment link below and share your ideas. Best ideas are eligible for a free cup of coffee!
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