Spice up Virtual Biz Events When Face-to-Face Meetings Are Out

The Sprocket Report

Last time, we talked about how Not-For-Profit groups could continue connecting with their audiences virtually, but For-Profit businesses also need to stay in touch. Here are some virtual event suggestions for reaching out to current and prospective clients. 

With health guidelines changing frequently, planning an in-person event is a challenge and, for some people, safe attendance won’t be possible at all for quite a while. Still, never before have we had so many options for staying connected with our colleagues and customers while hunkered down in our own homes. Don’t be afraid to make the most of this situation!

One option is to pre-record an instructional webinar, post it on YouTube and let people know where to find it. The big advantage here is quality control, but the big disadvantage is that your video becomes just one of the thousands already online. Instead, put FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) to work for you by holding your event live. 

Stress that your event is only happening at a specific time and spread the news well beforehand. You can still incorporate some prepared content during a live event with screen sharing or other options for creativity and quality control. Also, you still have the option to post your virtual event on YouTube for later viewing after it’s over. 

The topic you choose for your event needs to be a draw since we’re all a little tired of sitting in front of screens. Make the effort to write really eye-catching titles for your webinars or consider a different sort of virtual event, something that will encourage participation. Whatever you choose to do, keep it short and sweet because people have short attention spans these days. 

“AMA” (Ask Me Anything) events are quite popular. If your company boasts a celebrated expert who is up for it, they could be your headliner, but you could also host topic AMA sessions such as Ask Me Anything About Book Publishing or Ask Me Anything About Writing Your Will. Similar to an AMA event are Office Hours where you are available online to answer questions within your expertise on a regular, limited time, basis. 

One way to get folks interested in attending your event is to reward them. Folks do get a kick out of even the simplest rewards. Hold a competition at the start of the meeting such as “wear your craziest hat” or “show us your favorite coffee mug.” Or ask for photos the week before and let people vote on the best meal or cutest pet. You could also choose random people during the event to win ebooks or other items.

To run a successful virtual event, you’re going to need the right tools, but again, never before have there been so many options available to you. Many, many people are using Zoom because you can do so much for free. One-on-one meetings have no limit and while meetings of three or more people are limited to 40 minutes, that can be an advantage. You can also record Zoom meetings for later posting. 

For optimal visibility, it’s recommended that you post your event at YouTube, which is owned by Google, so you’ll need a YouTube account and a channel for your business. 

If you want to hold virtual business hours, or want to plan any virtual meeting, actually, try an online scheduling tool. There are several options, some of which are free and perfect for small businesses. Read the features and reviews to find one that best meets your needs. 

Finally, don’t forget that the best tool in your toolbox is your own website. While all the others have incredible capabilities to help you create terrific virtual events, your website is the only place where you are the boss and the focal point. Market events on your site. Embed your YouTube videos there. Engage your viewers and make your Call To Action. 

While we all miss meeting in-person, the silver lining is that here is an opportunity to reach more people virtually than you may have in the past. You might as well run with it! If you need technical help with your website or social media marketing when planning your virtual event, just give us a call. We’d be happy to talk it over with you.

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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Full biography

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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