How to Post an Event on Facebook

Creating a Facebook Event is one of the most effective ways to generate buzz, manage RSVPs, and communicate with attendees - all from one convenient place. This guide covers every step of the process, from the initial setup on your computer or phone to proven strategies for maximizing attendance and keeping your audience engaged long after the event is over.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Facebook Event

While the interface can differ slightly between your computer and the mobile app, the core steps for creating an event are the same. We’ll walk through both processes so you’re covered no matter where you work.

How to Create a Facebook Event on a Desktop

Using a desktop gives you the most screen real estate and makes it easiest to manage all the details. This is the recommended method for creating a professional, fully-featured event page.

1. Navigate to Your Page: Go to the Facebook Page you want to post the event from. In the left-hand menu under “Manage Page,” click on “Events.”
2. Create New Event: On the Events screen, you'll see a prominent button labeled “Create event.” Click on it.
3. Choose the Event Type (Online vs. In Person): Facebook will immediately ask you to decide if your event is happening online or at a physical location.
   • In Person: For gatherings at a specific address, like a workshop, concert, or store opening.
   • Online: For virtual events like webinars, live Q&A sessions, or online classes.
4. Fill in the Core Details: This is the most important section. You’ll need to complete the following fields:
   • Event Name: Be specific and descriptive. Instead of “Marketing Workshop,” try “Local SEO & Content Strategy Workshop for Small Businesses.” This helps people find your event through search.
   • Start/End Date and Time: Double-check your time zones, especially if you have an online audience from different regions. Be clear about the event duration.
   • Description: This is your sales pitch. Detail who the event is for, what attendees will learn or experience, the schedule or agenda, and any special instructions (e.g., “Bring your laptop,” “Light refreshments will be served”). Use bullet points or short paragraphs for readability.
   • Category: Choose a category from the dropdown menu (e.g., Music, Food & Drink, Business). This helps Facebook suggest your event to people with relevant interests.
   • Location (for in-person events): As you type the address, Facebook will try to auto-complete it using Maps. Select the correct one to generate a map for your attendees. Include suite numbers or specific directions in the description if needed.
   • Link/Format (for online events): Select how people will join. You can choose Facebook Live (to stream directly on the event page), an External Link (for Zoom, YouTube, Teams, etc.), or “Other” if you just want to create a page for an online experience without a specific streaming platform.
5. Upload Your Visuals: Every event needs an eye-catching cover photo or video. The ideal size is 1920x1080 pixels. Use a clear, high-quality image that reflects the event’s theme. Text on the image should be minimal and easy to read on mobile. A short video can be even more engaging if you have one. Simple tools like Canva have pre-made templates just for Facebook Event covers.
6. Adjust Event Settings: Before you publish, review the settings. You can add co-hosts (like partners or speakers) to help promote the event and allow them to post on the event page. You can also decide if guests can post on the page’s discussion tab, a great way to build community or a potential headache to moderate.
7. Publish or Schedule: Once everything looks right, you can either “Publish” the event immediately or click the dropdown to “Schedule” it to go live at a later date. Scheduling is often a better option, giving you time to prepare your initial promotional posts.

How to Create a Facebook Event on a Mobile Device

If you're on the go, creating an event from your phone is just as simple, though the interface is a bit more compact.

1. Open the Facebook app and navigate to your business Page.
2. Look for the composer box where you'd write a post. Often, you'll see an option for “Event” there, sometimes by tapping the three dots (...) to see all options. Alternatively, you might find an "Events" tab on your page's main menu.
3. Follow the same prompts as the desktop version: choose online vs. in-person, fill out the name, description, date, and time.
4. Upload a cover image directly from your phone’s photo library.
5. Review the settings, then tap “Create Event” to publish it.

Mastering Event Settings and Promotion

Just creating the event page is only the beginning. The real success of your event depends on how well you set it up for engagement and promote it to the right audience. Think of the event page as your central hub, not just a calendar listing.

Best Practices for Event Promotion

Turning "Interested" clicks into actual attendees requires consistent follow-up and engagement. Don’t expect people to show up just because a page exists. You need to build excitement.

• Share the Event Everywhere: Post the event page to your business Page’s main timeline right after you create it. Pin it to the top of your Page for visibility. Share it on your personal profile and ask key staff or partners to do the same. If you’re part of relevant, professional Facebook Groups, share it there as well (be sure to follow group rules).
• Use the Discussion Tab Actively: Don't let your event page sit silent. Post regular updates in the "Discussion" tab. Ideas for engagement posts include:
  • Introduce your speakers, performers, or vendors.
  • Post behind-the-scenes photos and videos of your preparations.
  • Ask questions to engage potential attendees (e.g., “What are you most excited to learn?” or “What song do you want to hear at the event?”).
  • Post final reminders about parking, event schedules, or what to bring the day before.
• Utilize Co-Hosts: This is one of the most underused features for expanding organic reach. When you add another Facebook Page as a co-host, the event also appears on their page and in their followers’ feeds. It’s an easy way to tap into another relevant audience. Choose partners, sponsors, or venues who have an engaged following.
• Send Personal Invites (Sparingly): You can invite people from your Page’s followers or your personal friends list. Don't spam everyone. Instead, send thoughtful invitations to individuals you genuinely think would be interested. A personal message along with the invite can go a long way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even small missteps can reduce your event's visibility and attendance. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Setting an Unlisted or Private Event by Accident: If you want the public to join, make sure your event is set to "Public." A "Private" event will only be seen by the people you personally invite, which severely limits your reach.
• Inactive Event Page: An event page with zero posts in the discussion tab looks dead. People might wonder if the event is even happening. Post at least a few times leading up to the date to show that you're active and excited.
• A Low-Quality Cover Image: The cover photo is the first thing people see. A blurry, pixelated, or boring image gives a poor impression. It’s worth the five minutes it takes to create a clean, professional-looking visual.
• Forgetting the Follow-Up: The event isn't truly over when it ends. Post a thank-you message to attendees, share photos or a video recap, and ask for feedback. This builds goodwill and creates an audience for your next event.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Facebook Event is straightforward, but promoting it effectively is what truly drives results. By filling out all the details, using a great visual, and consistently engaging with your potential attendees in the "Discussion" tab, you can transform your event page from a simple listing into a powerful marketing tool and a lively community hub.

As marketing managers ourselves, we’ve found that the biggest challenge isn't creating the event, but scheduling all the promotional content needed beforehand to pack the house. It's a real juggle to manage the pre-event hype posts, reminders, and follow-ups. That’s why we created Postbase, with a visual calendar that helps us plan out an entire event promotion strategy and schedule all the supporting content across every platform, ensuring we never miss an opportunity to build excitement.