This is how you successfully create an online event

Today it is possible to attend events from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. The best thing about online events is the ability to reach far more people than just those in your own area. This way you can interact with an audience that you would otherwise never have been able to reach.

Therefore, consider organizing an online event.

The benefits of an online event

A virtual workshop or webinar is easier to manage than an event on location. It is also cheaper, but certainly no less effective. An online event is a way to expand your network and build your contact list. Below you will find the advantages of an online event:

Less traffic

You don’t have to print or send invitations or sell physical tickets. In addition, you do not need a location for an online event. A digital event is also less hassle for your visitors. They don’t have to worry about travel time and parking costs, and don’t have to worry about dress codes. Networking without pants? Online events make it possible. Want to publish your event online then list your event on the event listing website.

This also applies to attending an event at a date or time that is actually not convenient. You can record virtual events, so visitors who cannot attend the event live can still see your content — when it suits them

Live interaction

An additional advantage of an online event is the amount of interaction that is possible with your visitors. Since everyone receives equal attention, there is plenty of room to answer questions. A virtual question might be less nervous than asking a question into a microphone while the rest of the audience is watching you.

Depending on which tool you use to organize your online event, you can ask multiple choice questions or have attendees answer questions in a chatbox. This way you can also collect valuable information about your visitors, which you can use in the future to further develop your business strategy.

Lower budget

Events on location often cost a lot more than online events. Consider, for example, the costs of food and drinks for 300 visitors, printing promotional materials or hiring staff. Fewer people are needed to organize an online event. Promotion takes place digitally via e-mail, and visitors have their own food at home or in the office.

Ideas for your next (or first) online event

While many online events revolve around awareness or inspiration, other goals are also possible. For example, collecting leads or promoting products. You can raise money with an online event, or make attendees pay for access to knowledge. (online library)

Whatever the purpose, your event must have enough value to get attendees to register. Below are examples of online events to help you determine which type is best for your business or nonprofit.

For example

• Give a workshop in which you share your expertise;
• Interview an influencer from your field;
• Hold a masterclass showing how your most popular cupcake is made;
• Share a series of workouts on keeping up with your front or backyard;
• Organize a question-and-answer session with your company as the subject;
• Demonstrate your latest product;
• Give a webinar in which you inspire visitors to donate for your good cause.

This is how you promote your online event

As we mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of an online event is that you can do all the marketing online. A useful part of online marketing is automated marketing. You can include all the marketing tasks that you would normally have to perform one by one in an automated process. Email marketing is a popular example of this.

Here are some of the ways you can promote your virtual event online:

• Send an email invitation to your contact list;
• Promote your event on social media;
• Let visitors register online or buy access online;
• Put the registration link on your website and add it to your newsletter.

Are you worried that automated marketing will appear impersonal? Don’t worry, automated marketing makes it possible to personalize information and ensure that your audience receives the most relevant content.

E-mail marketing can be used by, for example, sending a series of automated messages over the course of a certain period. Below is the inspiration for creating your own series of automated emails:

1. Welcome messages

Thank customers for registering by sending an automated welcome email. In it, you put the details of the event, contact information, and offers/promotions that you are currently running.

2. Invitations

Set up a series of emails inviting readers to your event, encouraging them to sign up before it’s too late. Always make it clear that the registration period is coming to an end as the date of the event approaches.

3. Reminders

Send reminders in the weeks and days leading up to the event to ensure attendees have all the necessary information to hand.

4. Follow-ups

Thank visitors after the event for attending it. Send the recording of the event with this e-mail, and invite them for future events. Attendees appreciate extra/proactive interaction, which increases the chance that they will register for your next event.

Online events lead to real connection

Events bring people closer together. Bring your brand and your audience together with an online event. It would be a shame to let go of the opportunity for potential sales and interaction. Especially when it concerns visitors that you would not reach with an event on location.