Let’s face it, your event invitation is your opening pitch. It’s the thing that decides whether your recipient thinks, “This looks worth going to,” or “Delete.” And if you’re organising a business event, the stakes are even higher. You’re vying for the attention of busy professionals who probably have three meetings and a “working lunch” in their diary already.

The trick? Send an invitation that doesn’t just inform—it intrigues. Here’s how.

What’s the Best Way to Invite People?

Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best way” depends on who you’re inviting and what kind of event you’re running. But here’s a breakdown of your options:

1. Email Invitations

Quick, scalable, and (mostly) free. Email is the go-to for business events because it’s easy to dress up with slick branding, attach a calendar invite, and include that all-important “Register Now” button.

• Why it works: Everyone checks their inbox (eventually).

• Make it better: Keep the subject line short and punchy—“Join us for [Event Name]” beats “Save the Date for an Upcoming Event You Won’t Want to Miss!”

2. Printed Invitations

A rare breed these days, but that’s exactly why they stand out. Sending a beautifully designed invite by post adds a touch of class and makes the recipient feel like this is an event worth their time.

• Why it works: Physical mail feels personal.

• Make it better: Include a QR code for RSVPs. Yes, they’ve been back in fashion for a while, and they work.

3. Social Media

If your audience is hanging out on LinkedIn, why not meet them there? Create an event page, share posts, and invite directly through the platform.

• Why it works: Visibility. You’re not just inviting people; you’re showing your network that something big is happening.

• Make it better: Pair your posts with a short video teaser or graphic to grab attention.

What to Say (and What Not to Say)

Now let’s talk content. Your invitation should make people want to attend your event—not explain every minute detail of the agenda. Focus on the “why” rather than the “what.”

Do This:

• Tell them why they should care.
  “This is where your industry decision-makers come to connect.”
  “Walk away with actionable tips and advice that make your business better.”
  “Meet the people who are shaping the future of [X].”

• Keep it short.
  Less is more. If they want the nitty-gritty, they’ll click through to the event page.

Don’t Do This:

• Overload them with information.
  Save the 10-point agenda for the follow-up email. Your invitation is the hook, not the handbook.

• Get too clever.
  If your messaging is overly cryptic or gimmicky, you’ll lose them.

Why Shorter Invitations Get Better Results

It’s tempting to include every detail up front, the “Let me tell them everything so they’re convinced!” But here’s the reality: no one reads long invitations. People scan, and if they don’t see something that grabs them, they move on.

Short, snappy, and visually appealing wins every time. Your goal is to spark curiosity, not satisfy it.

The Golden Rule: Make It Easy

Regardless of whether your invite lands in an inbox, on a desk, or in a LinkedIn feed, the call to action should be impossible to miss. Buttons like “Register Now” or “Secure Your Spot” do the job.

And don’t make them jump through hoops—your registration process should take less than 60 seconds. No one wants to create an account just to RSVP.

Final Thoughts

The right invitation isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to excite, intrigue, and (most importantly) get people through the door. Whether it’s email, print, or social media, make your invite reflect the event: professional, polished, and worth their time.

Remember: short words, clear benefits, easy actions. It’s not rocket science, but it works.