Creating world-class virtual events
In a year no one could have seen coming, we had to discover new ways to work and engage with our customers. We could no longer greet people face to face, shake someone’s hand, or meet for a coffee. Because of this, we had to find a way to save our businesses, and the sanity of everyone else in lockdown, and the online business event was born. Thankfully, positive news about getting the virus under control is becoming more common, but I think it is clear that online events are here to stay, at least for a little while. 2021 will be better, but it won’t be perfect, so we need to make the most out of the situation and, like most businesses, we need to pivot, upskill and stay ahead of the game.
Benefits of online events
There are many benefits to hosting an online event for your business, so you should definitely be planning them into your 2021 marketing strategy!
Firstly, the internet knows no borders or boundaries, so you have the ability to reach a much larger and often global audience with remote events, which will allow you to obtain more data to measure ROI. Knowledge of your business will also increase this way!
Events held online do not necessarily require a venue, caterers, decorations, or free products. You will save so much money and time by hosting remote events!
After nine months of online events, people are realising they can make real connections through their screens, so are becoming more and more accustomed to the idea of joining in.
Some more benefits that online events will have for your business…
⏲️ Time and cost-saving
🌐 Larger audience reach
⚡ Lower risk
📏 Greater ability to obtain measurable data and ROI
🤗 Generate meaningful connections and networking opportunities
📝 Capture valuable feedback
📺 Creation of marketing content
Enhancing your online event
Because of the nature of this year, we have all been playing around a little more with technology. We know that Zoom exists, but we need to be comfortable using it. You wouldn’t host a party without knowing where to find the glasses, so you shouldn’t host an online event without knowing how to share your screen!
How do we get the most out of the tech and enhance our online events?
Think of it like hiring a venue or new supplier. We need to do a site visit, understand the layout, do a walk through and do a test run. All things you should be doing when using the various platforms out there.
Knowing where the loos are is equal to knowing where the video off or mute button is.
Here are some tips on how we get people from saying “oh no! Not another Zoom call!” to “(insert your business name here) events are the best! Have you got your ticket yet?”
📝 Create a structure and a game plan
🧪 Test and do a run-through
💍 Have interactive elements to encourage engagement
👩🏽💻 Invest in Tech and a Support Team
🎨 Create visuals and Ambiance
I know there is nothing quite like attending an event IRL and having that human interaction, but we can’t do that right now. We are the most technologically advanced we have ever been, so use the resources the internet has given you! Not being able to be within six feet of someone should not stop you from having fun, engaging potential customers, or making real life connections. Have some fun and pay around with the tech, you never know what creative ideas might come your way.
Feel free to get in touch if you want to explore creative ways to bring your online events to life! I’d love to hear from you.
