With only half of registrants likely making it to a live event, enlist your out-of-the box creative thinkers and consider these strategic tips for promoting your next virtual event. The result will be higher registrants, greater content retention and a highly successful ROI.
Well organized pre-event messaging: Pre-planning for the event is key! Advance time (45-60 days out) is necessary to spread the word about your event through your own marketing channels, as well as sharing information among potential attendees. Being well prepared lessens stress for all involved.
Easy and early registration: A complex and lengthy registration process can scare off potential registrants. Utilize quick and easy links via email, the company or event website, and social media platforms. Early registration discounts also entice quick responses. Provide an eye-catching landing page that leaves registrants with more than just a “thank you.”
Social media integration: Get creative…think beyond traditional posts. Use LinkedIn to circulate an event page, create a Facebook fan page that promotes your event and builds enthusiasm for your company, or add videos on YouTube to generate interest in your event, topics and speakers. Keep content concise and creative, and include links to your event page on all social media posts.
Reminders: Reminding registrants the week of an event will help ensure they actually attend. Strong virtual event platforms like Xyvid Pro offer an easy, automated opportunity to create reminders. Engaging with the audience and auto-reminding them will increase your attendance numbers.
Referrals: Approach those in your current circles for referrals. Tap into your email database, talk to current clients, and send personal messages to your LinkedIn and Facebook contacts. Consider partnering with others in your market/field. Ask these valuable contacts to include a link from their website to your event page.
Engage on event day: Provide your registrants with a valuable outreach and retention tool about an hour before the event – a log-in reminder. Don’t lose momentum with attendees on event day. Contact them with instructions to easily access your program.
Pick the strongest topics: Ensure that your event’s content hits on the most appealing subjects for your target audience. Evaluate feedback from current clients, your email database, topics of interest with competitors, etc., to see what potential attendees are most interested in hearing/seeing.
Use the best presenters: Secure top speakers in the market/industry who not only present an outstanding, educational event, but whose names will entice attendance. Potential attendees searching social media platforms, YouTube, etc., can discover your prominent speaker and connect directly to your event.
Follow-up after the event: Ongoing communication after the event generates valuable feedback. Surveys, interactive post-event analytics, and social media applications continue the flow of information. Great follow-up can convert current attendees into regular participants for future events.
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