How to Use Reno Events to Jazz Up Your Local Marketing
Hey there, Reno business owners! If you’re looking to put some swing in your marketing, you’ve come to the right joint. We’re talking about all the bee’s knees events in the Biggest Little City that can help you grow your business. So, grab your fedora, and let’s get a wiggle on!
Why Local Events Are the Cat’s Pajamas
Local events give you a chance to show off what your business does best. Folks in town get excited about these gatherings, and you can tap into that buzz to attract new customers. Whether you’re a small shop, a hip café, or an online service, local events help you stand out. Plus, Google loves to see businesses connected to their communities, and local events can boost your online presence.
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The Real McCoy of Reno Events
Throughout the year there are plenty of local events that not only bring out the crowds but also give you opportunities to drive business through your doors.
While there are many other potential opportunities, such as charity events, other local organizations, there are quite a few major events that give Reno businesses an opportunity to cater to locals and travelers alike.
Here are some of the major happenings in the Reno-Tahoe area that you can use to boost your marketing with local events. If possible and practical, consider trying to become an event sponsor or get a booth at one of these events to further build your presence and sales.
Reno Aces AAA Baseball
Knock it out of the park by hosting baseball-themed sales or contests during game days. Share photos of fans in gear and use hashtags like #RenoAces for extra online juice.
Social Media “Fan Photo Friday”
Encourage customers to post pictures in their Reno Aces gear and tag your business for a chance to win a small prize or discount. This pumps up your social media reach and shows off local pride.Email Marketing “Game Day Special”
Send out a quick email blast on game days offering a freebie or discount for folks who mention “Home Run” at checkout or online. Make it time-sensitive to boost excitement.
Reno River Festival at Wingfield Park
This festival is all about sunshine and fun near the Truckee River. Plan a special sale if people visit wearing their festival wristbands or tag your business while they’re at the river.
Festival Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Post a list of festival-related spots (like the river, Wingfield Park stage, or your storefront) and invite folks to share selfies on social media. Each post enters them into a raffle for a prize.River-Themed Email Countdown
A week before the festival, send daily or every-other-day mini emails counting down to the big event. Add a coupon code or special offer linked to “River Fest.”
Reno Rodeo
Rope in new customers with country-themed promotions or a social media photo contest. Offer a “rodeo discount” or a freebie for folks who come in cowboy boots.
“Cowboy Up” Photo Contest
Encourage customers to dress western and post their “Cowboy Up” pics on social media, tagging your business. Winner gets a hat or any rodeo-themed freebie.Rodeo Recipe Social Post
If you’re in food or beverages, share a rodeo-inspired recipe (think BBQ or chili) on social media. Link to your business website for the full recipe and gear recommendations.
Nevada State Fair
Big crowds mean big opportunities. Get your name on the fair’s event calendars or sponsor a booth to show off your goods or services.
Fair-Worthy Website Promo
Create a special page on your site dedicated to fair highlights, and include a unique discount code (like “STATEFAIR10”). You’ll boost your organic search traffic by ranking for local event terms.Email Teaser Campaign
Leading up to the fair, send short teaser emails about your upcoming fair-themed promotions or products. Include a “forward to a friend” call-to-action so your reach grows.
Reno Artown
This month-long art celebration is perfect for creative promo ideas. Post photos of local art, share behind-the-scenes videos, or offer special deals for festival-goers who mention “Artown.”
Art Giveaway on Social
Partner with a local artist to do a small giveaway. Post their artwork on your social channels, and ask followers to tag a friend to enter. This helps you ride the Artown buzz.Art Display at Your Shop/Office
Feature a local artist’s pieces in-store or online. Share the story behind each piece in your emails or social posts. People love seeing businesses support local art.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
High culture meets natural beauty. Host a “Shakespeare Sunday” sale or share fun quotes from The Bard on your social media to sound like the cat’s meow.
Bard-Inspired Email Subject Lines
Use witty Shakespeare quotes as subject lines for a special “Midsummer Sale.” This adds a fun twist and might spark folks’ curiosity to open your emails.Social Media Playbill
Design a quick “playbill” graphic on social media featuring your business’s upcoming deals. Throw in a Shakespeare pun or two to keep it on theme (“To buy or not to buy, that is the question!”).
Hot August Nights Car Show
If you sell anything related to cars, cruising, or nostalgia, this is your time to shine. Post pictures of classic cars, offer tune-up deals, or run a giveaway for event attendees.
Classic Car Customer Showcase
Ask car enthusiasts to share photos of their classic wheels on your social pages. You can feature one each day, boosting engagement and fueling conversation.“Hot August” Email Promo
Offer an exclusive discount code (like “HOTNIGHTS”) during the event. The limited timeframe creates urgency and gives you something cool to blast in your emails.
Nugget Rib Cook-Off
Nothing says Reno like delicious ribs. If you’re in the food biz, serve up rib-inspired dishes or sponsor a BBQ tasting to invite new fans.
Rib-Off Recipe Roundup
Collaborate with local chefs or loyal customers to gather rib recipes and share them on your blog or in a downloadable PDF. Promote it via email and social media.Meaty Social Poll
Post a poll asking fans to vote on their favorite rib flavor or sauce style. Throw in a chance to win a gift card for participating—this drives up comments and shares.
Great Reno Balloon Race
Colors fill the skies in early morning. Share pictures of the balloons and offer an early-bird special before the balloons launch.
Early-Bird Deals
The balloons go up at dawn, so launch your own “early-bird” discount. Post on social media at the same time the balloons rise, and link back to a special offer page on your site.Balloon-Themed Photo Opp
Set up a balloon backdrop at your location or create a virtual version online. Invite customers to snap or share a picture for a discount or a prize.
Street Vibrations Motorcycle Rally
Got some biking customers? Show off motorcycle gear, run a “ride-in” discount, or hold a bike-wash charity event to support a local cause.
Ride-In Special
If you have a physical store, offer a discounted service or item for anyone who “rides in” on a motorcycle. Share the details on social media, using hashtags like #StreetVibrations.DIY Motorcycle Maintenance Tips
If your business can link to auto or motorcycle needs, create a quick how-to blog post or video. Send out a short email linking to it. Customers appreciate the free tips and might trust you more.
Burning Man
This festival might be out in the desert, but it makes a huge splash in Reno. Sell “playa-friendly” gear, host a costume sale, or show off your festival décor on social media.
Survival Guide Email Series
Craft a 3-part email series covering must-have items for Burning Man (water, dust masks, LED lights, etc.). Suggest items you carry or services you provide, linking to your site.“Post-Playa” Clean-Up Sale
After the festival, offer discounts on cleaning services or repair items (like laptops that got dusty, or gear that needs freshening up). Post about it on social media or in your blog.
Tips to Get the Word Out Online
Create Event-Focused Content
Write quick blog posts or post photos on social media about each event. Share your excitement and drop event hashtags to get spotted by out-of-towners and locals.Use Local Keywords
Pepper your website and social media pages with location-specific terms like “Reno” or “Sparks.” It’ll make your biz more likely to pop up in local searches.Promote on Google Business Profile
Create short event offers or announcements on your Google profile. That way, when folks look you up, they see the sweet deals you’re cookin’ up.Partner with Other Local Businesses
Join forces with nearby shops or vendors. Collaborate on cross-promotions or contests to draw a bigger crowd.Encourage Reviews
Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media. Good reviews are the real cat’s pajamas for building trust and boosting search rankings.
Final Note
Leveraging local events doesn’t have to be tricky. Just get creative, have some fun, and keep your audience in mind. Before you know it, you’ll be the real McCoy among Reno businesses. Now that’s the bee’s knees.
If you need a guiding hand, give us a shout at HeartlessBastardSEO.com. We’ll help you swing your way to better visibility and higher profits, no foolin’!
