One of the best ways to engage your audience is by hosting an event. Not only are these events convenient for attendees, but they provide valuable content that can serve as reference material to build brand awareness and generate leads.
Virtual events are increasingly replacing in-person gatherings due to their cost effectiveness and numerous advantages. Here are five of the biggest advantages you can reap when hosting a virtual event:
1. Increased Engagement
With more and more people being able to access events from anywhere at any time, businesses now have a unique chance to increase engagement through virtual events. Virtual gatherings offer an intimate setting which encourages participation and interaction.
Attendees can engage with speakers and other attendees through chat, polling, and Q&A sessions in a more captivating way than physical events do. This could increase attendance and foster community among attendees.
Establishing content partnerships with social media influencers and subject matter experts is another excellent way to expand your event’s reach. These partners can promote your event on their official channels and distribute keynote speakers’ promotional videos to their followers.
2. Increased Reach
In today’s business climate, businesses must have access to a global audience. Virtual events provide businesses with this opportunity.
They provide increased reach due to their accessibility, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience and boost revenue and sales.
Virtual events offer businesses valuable data and insights that can be utilized to refine their marketing strategies. This data allows them to target future events and determine which types of content resonate most with their audience.
3. Increased Brand Awareness
Virtual events are an excellent way to promote your brand and generate excitement around products or services. Additionally, they can help build loyalty among existing customers while luring in new ones.
Another advantage of virtual events is their cost-efficiency. Since there’s no need for travel or physical venues, businesses can save money and reduce their environmental footprint.
To boost brand awareness, you can host a series of micro-virtual events leading up to an important marquee event. These could include digital round tables, panel discussions, and more for added engagement.
4. Increased Conversions
Hosting virtual events, such as webinars, conferences or product demos, can be an excellent way to boost conversions. By promoting your event through targeted marketing campaigns, you’ll reach a wider audience and boost the visibility of your brand.
Utilizing the data and insights gathered during your event, you can craft more tailored content that resonates with attendees and increases conversions. For instance, offer discounts or promotions, invite them to a demo or consultation, and offer pertinent content that addresses their pain points or interests.
In addition to increasing conversions, virtual events are an excellent way to foster brand loyalty and engage with your audience. By incorporating social media into your growth marketing plan, you can promote the event and continue the dialogue long after it’s concluded.
5. Increased Sales
Virtual events are an effective way to bring your brand and solutions to the forefront of your audience’s attention. Additionally, they help you foster relationships and generate leads.
B2B sellers have traditionally relied on tradeshows, user conferences and other in-person events to launch products, generate leads and foster relationships with loyal customers. But COVID-19 has eliminated virtually all in-person events from the calendar – leaving B2B marketers to develop and refine virtual event experiences that still engage their target audiences.
Unbeknownst to many, virtual events can actually increase sales. By placing qualified leads at your fingertips, you’re able to shorten the sales cycle and provide more effective messaging.