3 Easy Ways to Increase Attendance at Virtual Events

What would you say is the number one concern for event organizers?

Ensuring high-quality content? Handling tech issues? Increasing audience engagement?

It's actually much simpler than that.

According to one report, over 1/3 of event organizers are making higher attendance their number 1 priority.

None of those other things matter if no one shows up to the event. So how can you ensure a full house at your next event?

Steps to Take Before Your Event

1. Make Your Event as Convenient as Possible

Research has shown that people now feel overwhelmed with the amount of virtual events they are expected to join.

This so-called 'virtual event overload' is one of the biggest hurdles you will overcome in attracting people to your event.

What you can do:

• Simplify the sign-up process - Don't ask for too much information upfront.
• Set up the right technology - Make your platform easy to use and coherent.
• Choose the best time - Consider your audience demographic carefully.
• Consider a hybrid option - Cast your net wide to allow the most people possible to attend.

2. Understand Your Target Audience

"If one does not know to which port he sails, no wind is favorable." – Roman philosopher Seneca

A great virtual event is wasted if it's not delivered to the proper audience or tailored to their specific needs.

Ask yourself:

• What challenges or problems are they facing?
• What will they be hoping to gain from this event?
• What will be the key motivator for them to attend?

3. Promote Your Event Like it's Going Out of Style

Companies spend over $750 billion every year on advertising alone. Why? Because they know that promoting their product is crucial.

How to do it:

• Use Social Media - Over 72% of people in the US use social media.
• Use existing resources - Advertise on your website or blog.
• Send emails - Personalized email invitations are one of the best ways to gain attendees.
• Work with your presenters - Ask speakers to promote within their network.

What to Do During Your Event

What you do during your event is critical to meeting your attendance goals.

What you can do:

1. Determine Event KPIs - Engagement Metrics, Attendance Metrics, Lead Generation Metrics.
2. Engage! Engage! Engage! - Gamification, Virtual happy hour, Q&A sessions, Polls.
3. Be Mindful of Timing - Don't "overstay your welcome".

What to Do After Your Event

Effective post-event strategies help create new leads.

• Reach out to potential clients thanking them for attending.
• Send out follow-up emails that recap the main points.
• Share a recorded program of the event.
• Encourage networking to give your attendees a sense of community.
• Ask for feedback by sending out post-event surveys.

Increase Attendance with the Right Strategies

By having a well-rounded strategy, not only will you increase your attendance but you will also capitalize on the opportunities this growth provides.

Would you like to hear our top strategies for marketing your event? Reach out to us for a free conversation.