Event Marketing
Event Marketing Online
Written by Jay Shapiro for Gaebler Ventures
Look at the calendar when planning an event and start spreading the word well in advance. Online events need structure and planning like any other. Technology is always at hand to help.
In the land of online event marketing, both on and offline, no news definitely isn't good news, it's simply no news.
When you are scheduling an event, be that a seminar, webinar, expo or even a charity gig, the greater publicity you can get, the more the news will spread. When you begin sending out your press releases, you also need to look at more than just the event itself. Think about all the stages needed to set the occasion up. Will you be using the services of a renowned keynote speaker? Then you need to get a release out there to let the press and the world know what's happening - "Mr John Famous-Speaker will give a talk on [any business of your choice] at the [event you are planning]." Spread the news well ahead of time, so that interest can build up.
Alighting on a suitable concept for an expo or seminar is the easy part. However, it's in the managing of such events that the hard work is needed. Don't be fooled into thinking that an online event, known as a webinar, needs any less structure or coordination. In fact it probably takes about the same level or organisation. But, the goods news is that many businesses are making use of automation software to handle some of their event marketing.
In relation to online event marketing auto software can:
- Save you admin time - the small but important details like submission times of press releases, etc., get taken care of for you.
- Be customised to fit your needs. You set the precedents, and the time schedule.
- Allow you to be less hands-on.
Timing is all when you're hosting an event. We looked at examples like seminars and expos, although an event can be any type of occasion. Taking the calendar into consideration is vital. You don't want your event to coincide with certain significant days of the year that might affect attendance. Do your research and apply logic. Will it be sensible to host an event on the July 4th in the USA when many people may be occupied with other celebrations? On the other hand, if you sell fireworks, Uncle Sam hats and Stars and Stripes merchandise that day might be the perfect one for your event.
The internet provides you with far reach in terms of audience, and there's a potentially massive subscription for events you choose to hold, touching, as it does, millions of people globally. Keying in to its potential is vital these if businesses wish to succeed. Success requires that healthy and effective promotional strategies are used.
The press release is the perfect way to generate publicity for your future event. The media is always interested in printing fascinating stories - but the 'fascinating' is the main point here. Your release must be written to grab the attention of the recipient. You need the press to run your story and give publicity to your event. Even think about publicising lead-ups to the main occasion. Always keep the press up to date, let them know about preparations, you can even quell rumors - The ABC Company confirms that [Walt Disney, Oliver Twist, Santa Claus] will not be attending!
Jay Shapiro is a freelance writer based in the UK. Jay has a particular interest in the emotive aspects of the entrepreneur's character. "Alongside the nuts and bolts of business, the character of the person is often the ingredient responsible for success."
Share this article
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs
Conversation Board
We greatly appreciate any advice you can provide on this topic. Please contribute your insights on this topic so others can benefit.