How to Send an Event Reminder on Facebook

You've created the perfect Facebook Event - the cover photo is stunning, the description is compelling, and the RSVPs are rolling in. But a simple "Going" click is not a guarantee they'll show up. This guide covers exactly how to send effective event reminders on a Facebook Event, using both Facebook's native features and creative post strategies that turn passive interest into active attendance.

Why Bother Sending Event Reminders?

In a world of constant notifications and overflowing feeds, even the most interested person can easily forget about your event. Sending a reminder isn't a nuisance, it's a necessary service that helps your attendees and the success of your event. Here's why it's so important:

• It Cuts Through the Noise: People who engaged with your event once might not see your regular page posts. A direct notification from an event post or update puts your event back at the top of their minds and notifications list.
• It Builds Anticipation: Reminders aren't just about logistics. They're an opportunity to build hype. Sharing a sneak peek, introducing a speaker, or revealing a special offer can transform a simple reminder into a key part of your promotional campaign.
• It Clarifies Last-Minute Details: Events in the real world can be complex. Reminders give you a perfect channel to share critical information like parking instructions, schedule changes, what to bring, or links for a virtual event.
• It Boosts Final Attendance: Ultimately, well-timed and engaging reminders directly impact your bottom line: more people will show up. They combat the natural drop-off that happens between someone RSVP'ing and the actual event date.

The Built-In Way: How to Notify Guests of Your Facebook Event

First, let's get one common point of confusion out of the way. Years ago, Facebook had options that felt more like a mass message feature for event attendees. Today, the platform has standardized the primary method for sending reminders: creating a post in your event's "Discussion" section. This action automatically sends a notification to everyone who has RSVP'd as "Going" or "Interested."

While there isn't a single "Send Reminder to All" button, this method is highly effective because it leverages push notifications that most users are accustomed to. The process is identical whether the event is hosted by a personal profile or a Facebook Page.

Step-by-Step Guide to Posting an Event Reminder

Ready to send your first reminder? Here's the exact process.

1. Navigate to Your Event Page: From your Page's sidebar menu or your personal profile, find and click on the "Events" tab. From there, select the specific event you want to send a reminder for.
2. Open the "Discussion" Tab: At the top of your event page, right next to "About," you'll see the "Discussion" tab. Click it. This is where the magic happens.
3. Create a New Post: You'll see the familiar "Write something…" box. This is your reminder canvas. Click it to begin crafting your message. You can add text, photos, a video, create a poll, or even go live directly from this post composer.
4. Craft Your Reminder Message: Write out your reminder. Be clear, concise, and engaging. (We'll cover what to say in the next section). Make sure to include all of the essential details: event name, date, time, and location or a streaming link. While it may seem redundant to have that same information shown across the top of the event page, including it directly within the post makes a difference. Remember, a frictionless experience helps people go from 'reminder' to 'reality'.
5. Click "Post": Once you hit "Post," your update is officially published to the event's discussion feed. At this point, Facebook's system kicks in and sends a notification to your current Guest List, letting them know there's a new post in the event. Job done!

That's the mechanical process. But to make your reminders genuinely effective, you need to combine this technique with a solid content and timing strategy.

Creative Strategies for Unforgettable Event Reminders

Anyone can post "Don't forget the event tomorrow!" But top-tier marketers and community builders know that reminders are a powerful content opportunity. Here are some proven strategies to make your reminders stand out.

1. Craft Compelling Reminder Posts (What to Say)

Your reminder post's text and visuals are what separate a helpful ping from a notification that gets immediately dismissed. Try these different reminder "angles" to keep your content fresh:

• The "Sneak Peek" Reminder: Three or four days out, post something from a "behind-the-scenes" angle. This could be a picture of the venue setting up, a short video of the band during their sound check, or a snippet from a speaker's presentation. Example: "Just 3 days until TechCon 2024! Here's a sneak peek at the main stage where our keynote speakers will blow your mind."
• The "Logistics & Final Prep" Reminder: A day out, focus on smoothing out the attendee experience. Share a parking map, detail the check-in process, or suggest what attendees should wear or bring. Example: "T-minus 24 hours until our Annual Community Picnic! Just a friendly reminder that parking is available at the North Lot. Don't forget your blanket!"
• The "Run of Show" Reminder: Share a concise version of the event schedule to let people know exactly what to expect and when the key moments are happening. This helps people plan their arrival and what they are excited about. Example: "Just one day to go! Here is the music lineup so you can plan what artists you'd like to see up close"
• The "Value Proposition" Reminder: Why should somebody show up? A great reminder connects people to things happening at that event, such as networking events after speaker sessions. Example: "Don't forget, from 1PM until 2PM, all our speakers will join to answer your questions, so be sure you get there to save your seat."

2. The Power of the Countdown

Countdowns create a natural sense of urgency and excitement. Use the countdown sticker in Facebook Stories on your personal page or Business Page and share them across your networks, or create your own simple, shareable social graphic (for example, using an application like 'Canva'). Encourage viewers to tap on it to set their personal reminders for an extra alert that pings as your virtual event goes live, or at the time that doors open to your in-person event. A countdown image is simple yet surprisingly effective for in-feed posts in the days leading up to your event.

3. "Go Live" on Your Event Page

One of the most powerful notifications you can trigger is the one generated from going "live". A few days before the event (or even an hour before a virtual event), go live in your event's Discussion tab. This is perfect for doing quick Q&,As about the event, hosting an interview with your keynote speaker, or a tour of the venue. This is a highly engaging way to reach your attendees.

4. Tag Speakers, Partners, and Sponsors

When you create a reminder post, always tag speakers, partners, or sponsors who are associated with your event. This not only gives recognition to key people involved but they also receive a notification and can re-share to their own audience, greatly enlarging your event's reach, and giving the content more validity.

When to Send Your Event Reminders: The Perfect Cadence

Sending reminders too often can be considered spammy, but sending them too infrequently might get missed. Based on our experience as SMM experts here at Postbase, we recommend the following reminder schedule for an event that has a longer lead time:

Recommended Facebook Event Reminder Schedule

• One Week Away: This is our 'Hype & Excitement Building' phase. It's ideal for sharing 'sneak peek' shots, introducing a keynote speaker, and discussion posts. We've even made this fun by doing "Ask Me Anything" posts with a keynote speaker posted to our event's discussion board a week out from the event.
• Three-to-Four Days Away: This is a time to send logistics info: you can share your parking instructions, event schedule, menu, etc. This helps attendees plan their journey to the event and is an invaluable, helpful post that gets a lot of engagement.
• One Day Away: This is your 'Final Countdown Reminder.' Urgency is key. Remind them what to expect and include any key takeaways they might get from the event. This is the perfect time for the last-minute push to ensure everyone finds their way to your event.
• Day of Event: This is your "See You Soon!" reminder. A short, quick reminder post for the morning of the event can reinvigorate excitement and ensure maximum attendance.

Make sure to always include the hashtag and other relevant tags directly in your posting to increase the impact and reach of your reminders.

Don't forget your Call to Action (CTA) on what you want the audience to do, whether it's to register, share, or simply engage with the content. Ask questions, encourage interaction, and make them feel part of the community and connection.

Sending highly effective Facebook event reminders is not just about the platform, it's about connecting your audience to a real experience. Create a strategy that takes your event from open-invite to must-attend. Trust the timing to guide your strategy and make the most of the high engagement opportunities.

We know that balancing event promotion, reminder posts, and your other content takes planning and organization. This is why we created Postbase, with its simple, modern social media and content calendar. I often plan out entire schedules for events I am helping to promote, from promotional posts weeks in advance, right up to the last call to all those going just an hour beforehand - by planning it all out in a content plan, it means nothing slips through the cracks, ever. I'm able to get a bird's eye view of our whole strategy, allowing us to stay organized and focused on making the event even better for the entire guest list.