Marketing for virtual events is just as important as for live events, with a few key differences…
Timing
People tend to register later for a virtual event. There are no travel plans to make, no time away from home to prepare for and generally less incentive to commit early. While this flexibility can be a great benefit for attendees, it means that event marketers must adjust their expectations and the timing of marketing campaigns.
Most virtual events experience a rush of last-minute registrations, so set up your marketing campaign to ensure you are offering lots of last-minute sign-up opportunities.
Attracting attendees
In the age of digital communication, it is important to remember that your attendees are likely bombarded with offers and invitations every day. Make sure you have a message that will stand out from the crowd and a story that will capture their attention and compel them to attend your event.
Strategies to encourage registrations include offering an incentive for those who sign up early (e.g. reduced fees or VIP access to special content), offering unique experiences, high quality entertainment and exciting keynote speakers.
It’s also important to know where your target audience ‘hangs out’ on social media. Effectively utilizing the right social media channels can give your attendee numbers a huge boost.
Leverage your content
Content is king in the world of virtual and hybrid events. For most events, digital content is the biggest line item on the event budget, next to technology.
To maximize the return on your investment in content, utilize the content in a comprehensive marketing campaign that spans long before and after the actual event day. Ensure your event content is created with multiple uses in mind so you get the biggest possible return on your investment.
Let’s chat about your meeting and events program and how we can make your life easier. Contact us here…