Retailers: How to Convert Social Media Followers Into Customers add to calendarbrandnew product dropretailsubscription calendar

Published Aug 27th, 2025 by Joep Leussink

Retailers put so much energy into creating buzz on social media — teasing a new drop, announcing a flash sale, or inviting people to a pop-up shop. The problem? Social feeds move fast. Even your most loyal followers can miss your posts or forget when the event actually happens. 

That’s where AddEvent’s calendar tools come in. Instead of hoping your followers remember when the big day rolls around, you can get your product drops, sales, and events directly onto their personal calendars — where calendar reminders do the work for you. Here are a few smart ways retailers are using AddEvent to turn casual followers into customers who actually show up.

1. Add to Calendar Links in Instagram Stories

When you announce a product drop, don’t just share a couple of stories or posts and hope for the best. Add an Add to Calendar link right in your story or link in your bio. With just one tap, followers can save the date to their calendar and get a notification when it’s time. No more forgotten drops. No more “oops, I missed it.” Just an easy way to make sure excitement turns into action.

New drop advertisement

2. Create a Subscription Calendar for All Your Events

If you host regular events, drops, or sales, a subscription calendar is the perfect solution. Shoppers subscribe once, and every upcoming event is automatically added to their calendar. That means when you announce your summer pop-up series or a seasonal sale, subscribers don’t need to do anything new — they already get the updates. It’s a powerful way to build anticipation and loyalty with your best customers.

MockingBird Retail Calendar

3. Add Calendar Links to Email Newsletters

Email is already one of the most effective ways to drive sales. Make it even stronger by embedding Add to Calendar links for upcoming drops or events right in your newsletter. 

You can even take it a step further by prompting new subscribers to follow your subscription calendar the moment they join your mailing list. That way, they’ll never miss a thing.

Newsletter Opt In Form

4. Embed Your Calendar on Your Website

Your website is a natural place for customers to check what’s coming up next. By embedding your subscription calendar, visitors can see all your upcoming drops, store events, and sales in one place — and follow with a click. It’s a simple way to make your calendar an always-on customer engagement tool.

5. Use RSVPs for Exclusive Events

Want to reward loyal customers with early access or limited-edition items? Set up an online RSVP event through AddEvent. Customers sign up, get a confirmation email, and automatically add the event to their calendar. 

Not only does this create exclusivity, but it also ensures your best customers remember to show up when it matters most.

Turn Followers into Attendees

Retailers work hard to capture attention on social media — but attention alone doesn’t drive sales. By using AddEvent’s tools, you can bridge the gap between excitement and action. Instead of hoping your followers remember, make sure they do. 

Get your drops, sales, pop-ups, and openings on their calendars and watch more customers show up, ready to buy. 

See this example in action with our example retail brand, MockingBird by AddEvent. 

Start using AddEvent today and make your next launch unforgettable.

FAQs

How do I add an Add to Calendar link to my Instagram Stories?

You can generate an Add to Calendar link in your AddEvent dashboard, then share it as a sticker or link in your Instagram Story (or place it in your bio). When followers tap it, they’ll be able to add your event directly to their personal calendar.

What’s the difference between a one-time Add to Calendar link and a subscription calendar?

A one-time link saves a single event (like a product drop or flash sale) to a customer’s calendar. A subscription calendar, on the other hand, keeps followers updated on all your future events automatically — they only need to subscribe once.

Can I use AddEvent if my audience isn’t tech-savvy?

Yes! AddEvent is built to be simple. Your followers just tap a link or button, choose their calendar app, and the event is saved with reminders built in. No complicated steps required.

Do I need coding skills to set this up?

Not at all. Everything can be created and customized directly in your AddEvent dashboard with copy-and-paste links or embed codes.

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