1. Event Flyer. Start by creating a flyer/graphic as your base design.  Be prepared to re-size this design for the various channels.  The event flyer should include the following:

• The >> APB logo and Commons logos
• An email for contacting APB: Questions? Email apb@vcu.edu (this is new!)
• Call to action:  Signup RamsConnnect or Register on RamsConnect.
• Day, date, location and time.  Examples for best practice:
  • Fri., Sept. 30
  • The Commons Theater
  • (Other locations include The Commons Ballrooms, 2nd Floor and The Commons Ram Horns Plaza)
• Event title -- if the event title is creative but does not convey what the event is, use a sub-heading to describe the event.

2. Description/Post Copy. Write a detailed, exciting description of the event. Write it once and duplicate it across your channels. Use the same copy for the description in RamsConnect, social media, and other channels.  Include these phrases: free event, all students welcome and, if there is food, describe it in detail since that is always a selling point!

Here is a example description:

How well do you know VCU?
Test your knowledge at Ramily Feud on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 8 pm.
Everyone in attendance gets a chance to play and win prizes. Plus, free drinks and snacks!
Register on RamsConnect: https://cglink.me/2dV/r1807237
This is a free event open to all students. Join us in The Commons Theater (first floor to the right of the Info Desk). Hosted by APB and The Commons.

3. Event posting with graphics. Post the event in RamsConnect.  Upload two different graphics: the event photo (380 px X 760 px) and event flyer (180 px X 180 px). Insert the description copy on the event listing.

4. QR Codes and Short Links. Once your event is live on the RamsConnect calendar, you can easily get a short link URL and QR code for the event registration page for your event. 

Here are tips for how to get the QR and short link on RamsConnect. Once the event is published on the calendar, look for the "COPY LINK" button (screenshot below) and click on it.  You will see the QR code (right-click to download) and a URL short link which both lead students to your event registration page.  You can use the short link in your Linktree and the QR code is helpful on Axis TV slides and signage.

All APB events that are live on RamsConnect will automatically appear on this link ask well. So you also have the option to send students to this URL and this URL so the students easily can see other events.  

5. TV's in The Commons and around campus.  Using the same graphics from your flyer, re-size it again to create an Axis TV slide for the TV's in The Commons and around campus.  Typically, the call-to-action on these slides is a QR code.  Some events garner 100+ QR Code scans so these TV slides are a critical part of your promotion plan.

The graphic image size for the TV's is 1920 px X 1080 px.  Include the event registration QR code on the Axis TV slide.  Once you have the image completed and ready to upload, email it to Laura O'Brien, lbobrien@vcu.edu for posting.  Here is an example Axis TV slide:

6. RamFeed. Post the event flyer graphic, link to register for event and your post/ event description on the RamFeed on RamsConnect. You can schedule in advance so that it posts several times.  Typically about 700 to 800 students will see this post so be sure to remember this step!  The RamFeed is on the left menu of RamsConnect.  Click there to make a post. ANY RamsConnect user can post and comment on the RamFeed.  Students, especially freshman and sophomores are using this feed, so we suggest that APB staff download the RamsConnect App and activate Notifications for the RamFeed.

_______________________________________________________________________

7.  Telegram. You might want to promote some events in VCU's daily event email, the Telegram.  There are two versions of the Telegram. One is for students and the other is for Staff/Faculty, so be sure to check the right version.  You cannot submit a graphic on the Telegram. However, you can upload a link to register for your event.

8.  More Ideas. There are many more ways to promote your event including:

* Tabling in The Commons/Compass, Commons banner on 2nd Floor railing, window painting and chalk displays (reserve via EMS)
* Creative, interactive social media and RamFeed pre-event posts (re-cap posts will also help build the APB brand and community)
* Email marketing via the email builder in RamsConnect to send an email to your Members and Contacts in your Group
* Call-to-action to get students added to the RamsConnect APB Contact and Member list

For large events, consult with The Commons staff for additional support including paid social media ads and more signage opportunities like yard signs, A-Frame signs, etc.  There are endless ways to get the word out!

Extra Hints and Tips

>> Click here for sizes for various social media platforms.

>> Canva is a easy-to-use graphic design platform.  Check with the APB leaders to get access to the Professional version of Canva which makes re-sizing graphics super easy.

>> Adobe Creative Suite is now free for all VCU students.  The possibilities are endless with Adobe tools.

When posting on Instagram, tag @thecommonsvcu and other VCU Instagram accounts that will help amplify your event promotion.  The Commons Instagram follows the majority of student orgs at VCU, so that is a great resource to find accounts to tag.

Get ideas by looking at other events on RamsConnect including upcoming and PAST (APB) events on RamsConnect and social media.