Digital events are more inclusive for your community. There has been a massive shift in workforces now permanently working from home. Digital events allow the attendee to stream content from the comfort of their homes fitting around their work and home life. It makes sense that people want to consume events in their own time, a lot of people don't want to take time out of work or have to make plans to rearrange personal commitments to travel for a physical conference or meeting that can be easily enjoyed online. Adding a digital choice to attend allows those who live far away to attend virtually without having to go through unnecessary travel if they don't wish to.

With so many businesses now embracing the benefits of digital conferences, how do you get your event to stand out from the crowd?

Here are our top 5 marketing tips for digital conferences.

1. Educational and valuable content is still very much key

The most important part of a conference or meeting be it in a digital, hybrid or in-person format is the content. The quality of the content not only gets people through the virtual doors in the first place but it holds attendee engagement throughout the event. Quality content reduces the number of dropouts during the event and incentivises people to sign up for future events. If attendees have enjoyed the content streamed at a digital event they will be more likely to attend future events and encourage colleagues and friends to attend. Providing valuable, engaging and insightful content is key in return attendance, attracting new attendees and maximising marketing efforts when promoting future events. Not only does quality content increase engagement during events but also helps attract high-profile guest speakers and event partners.

2. Ensure speakers are credible, industry specialists

Credible speakers give your event the credibility stamp! Successful digital events put a lot of effort into seeking out insightful content. They go after high-profile, relevant speakers so attendees feel like they are learning something and getting value. Speakers are a valuable source of marketing for events, especially if the speaker in question is a renowned expert in their field. Many of Evessio's customers contribute a lot of their success and impressive turnover to going after insightful content and credible guest speakers.

People are more likely to sign up to an event where a credible guest speaker is advertised. Potential attendees react to digital conferences and meetings with industry specialists because they want to tap into their years of experience at the upper level of their profession. Not only do keynote speakers tend to bring along years of experience in their field, but they tend to have years of experience speaking and working the room (even digital rooms) which means they'll be entertaining and engaging. One of the many benefits of keynote speakers is their focus on a specific topic which inspires genuine and positive change in the audience.

3. Partner up

Working with industry influencers or collaborating with other businesses is a great way to attract new attendees. Co-branded conferences and meetings are a powerful approach to raising a brand profile that shouldn't be underestimated. Collaborating pushes brand awareness out to new audiences that already trust and follow the company you're working with. Connect with new audiences and you'll most likely get more attendees to sign up. Co-hosting the event benefits both parties involved as promotional activity on both parts is expected. 'Lead share agreements' and data ownership disclaimers are common when co-hosting events whereby both brands have access to the list of leads gained from the virtual event or conference. Disclaimers are made aware to attendees upon registration and they agree and acknowledge both companies have access to their data. Ultimately broadening your promotional activity onto other platforms, attracting new audiences and accessing new leads increases sign-ups to current and future events.

4. Newsletter and social media scheduling

Don't be afraid to send regular emails and post regular updates. Don’t inundate inboxes but sending regular reminders to your audience keeps your event in mind so they are less likely to forget and make other plans. Creating groups and posting on social media also allows the attendees to see who else will be joining the event so they can decide whether it will be a worthwhile networking opportunity. Emails with exciting updates, announcements and post-event news from other events give your database a taste of what they can expect from upcoming events.

5. Create a stand-out landing page including keywords

Your landing page on your event website is the first place your audience will go to learn about your event. The rule of thumb is you have 30 seconds to grab your visitor's attention before they decide to leave the landing page straight away or read on. To encourage your visitors to stay and sign up make sure the language and content are in line with your advertising. If people are reacting to your adverts and visiting the website your content on the landing page needs to mirror that. Ensure the information on the landing page is short, informative and engaging. All the event information the visitor needs to know should be displayed at the top. Include all of the essential event details on the landing page so your website visitors don't have to visit other pages to obtain important details about the event;

What is the event topic?

What is the format?

Who are the key speakers? When is the event?

What can your attendees expect?

Event Agenda Speaker bios

Sponsor information

Ensure your registration system is easy-to-use and secure to prevent potential attendees from abandoning the registration process.

As well as the text, make sure to stand out with relevant and eye-catching graphics. Include engaging clips and images of keynote speakers, hosts, workshop leaders and additional entertainment. Visitors are less likely to bounce from your page if relevant videos are embedded. Finally, be sure to include relevant keywords and search terms so that your page gets seen in search engines.

Stick around after the event is over

Just as you would after an in-person event, hang around online when the virtual event ends to answer questions or provide additional information that wasn’t covered. This is an excellent opportunity to make new connections and receive immediate feedback.

Don’t forget to follow up after the virtual event ends

And finally don't forget to follow up after your digital event ends, thank them and remind them of your upcoming events! Get in touch with a member of the team to find out how Evesso's award-winning technology can help grow your in-person and digital events.

Get in touch with a member of the team to find out how Evessio's award-winning technology can help grow your in-person and digital events.

Claire Singleton

Marketing Manager

Evessio

Claire is the Marketing Manager at Evessio, an industry-leading event management platform for awards, conferences and exhibitions. Claire has years of experience and specialises in marketing event software, marketing events and sponsorship. Claire has a proven track record of re-branding events and implementing strategies that doubled event participation.