In the present day, virtual and online events have become increasingly prevalent. They enable firms to reach a worldwide audience of hundreds of individuals in various locations at various times. A virtual event demands the same degree of precision as a real-life event when it comes to planning, advertising, and hosting. Specific event promotion methods for virtual events, on the other hand, guarantee that your online programme does not get overlooked in the digital flow. Focus on how to market virtual events so that people register, watch, and participate.
Design a page for your event that stands out
This is where everyone will go to discover more about your event. Include eye-catching visuals, professional photographs, and interesting video of keynote speakers, workshop leaders, and performers. Keep visitors on your website by embedding any relevant content, photos, and other material so they don’t have to go elsewhere to discover it. Finally, make your event page a one-stop destination for information and participant activities by include all of the following details:
- The event’s time and date(s)
- A plan of action
- Bios of the speakers
- Information about the sponsor
- Links to sign up
- Secure payment gateways
To improve your searchability, use keywords
You’re probably already using keywords to help search engines rank your company’s website or published content. Use a keyword research tool like Google Ads to find out what relevant terms people are looking for most frequently and incorporate these across the content you use to advertise your virtual event.
A quick Google search might also help you find related terms. Consider how you’d want to promote your next virtual marketing industry networking convention. To begin, type such words and phrases into a search engine, such as “advertising sector virtual meetup” or “search engine optimisation virtual training.” Then make a note of the following for each of those phrases:
- Autocompletes
- The results of the ‘People also ask’ question
- The ‘Searches similar to [your keywords]’ section at the bottom of the first SERP is a good place to start.
- Other terms to include can be found in the results.
Allow guests to have a sneak glimpse at what’s in store
Why hold off on sharing useful information till your event? A quick preview of your program will persuade people to sign up and become enthusiastic about what’s to come, similar to how a movie trailer entices people to watch a motion film. Short interview portions with your presenters and teasers of what to anticipate during the event can spark interest. However, don’t post all of your video at once; spread them out over a few days so that visitors keep returning to your online platform in the days leading up to the event.
Leverage the use of social media
There are a plethora of methods to use social media to advertise your virtual event. Make your virtual event official by announcing on all of the company’s social media platforms.
- Facebook Events is completely free, simple to share, and keeps a record of RSVPs.
- With the possibility of advertisements, groups, pushing through your corporate page, and even marketing on your own, LinkedIn is a terrific location to increase your event promotion.
- Develop a hashtag for the event and use a mini-tweet wave to spread the news.
- Advertise your virtual event on your forums, and then invite everyone to participate.
- Instagram allows you to share photos and videos.
Utilize email marketing to its full potential
People tend to overlook that email is still a thing in this day and age of social media marketing. Email marketing, on the other hand, continues to be an effective approach in all fields of company. To provide information about forthcoming events, send e – newsletters to your chosen email list. Send out emails with fresh event information, interesting announcements, and post-event wrap-ups, but don’t spam their inboxes. To pique attention, use dynamic graphics in your email newsletters that promotes involvement in an online format, as well as exclusive discount coupons.
Solicit the help of your sponsors and partners in spreading the news
If your sponsors and associates advertise the virtual event, it expands the reach of your programme, which benefits everyone involved. Don’t be hesitant about asking your sponsor to share your virtual event with their connections and following. Include your referral link, as well as links to your social media profiles and any other material you’ve created. Also, include any related resources, such as images, announcements, and your hashtag on social media.
Publish a press release
Though most people identify this strategy with real-life events, it’s important to include it in your virtual events as well. To create excitement, prepare a press release that includes the keywords you researched above. Spread the word about the presenters, subjects, surprise guests, and insights. Send it to newsrooms, media outlets, and free press release distribution services.
Make use of your personal resources
Write an article on the forthcoming event if you have a blog. Highlight the most important points and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject as well as the presenters. Chances are, if you don’t have a blog, you know someone who does. To get the information out regarding your virtual event, seek a guest blog slot. Simply ensure the blog is relevant to the event’s business or topic matter. Keep records of your published blog pieces with your event planning software.
Remember to follow up once the virtual event is over. Hang around online after the virtual event concludes, just like you’d after a real event, to address questions or give extra information that wasn’t covered. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get fast feedback. Follow-up surveys can help you figure out what went well so you can do it again and better the next time. They also provide an insight into areas that require development by asking the correct post-event appraisal questions.
Figure out what your attendees enjoyed, and didn’t, about your conference, keep track of the comments, and make changes for your future virtual event promotion.
It takes time and work to promote and prepare a successful virtual event, but the final outcome is very well worth the hassle. You may applaud yourself and your online staff on a good job as long as you keep on top of the campaign and follow it up with participants.