Creating a virtual event might seem daunting, but in reality, with a few tips and best practice rules they can be used and mastered by even the smallest brand to make an impact in this new normal.
But what type of virtual event should you host? They come in all shapes and sizes, so brands and businesses should make sure to find out what works for them and how to engage their audience virtually online. At HIGHJAM we have just run a successful Virtual Student Tour – see our case study here – so can help tailor the online solution to your requirements.
Here are some of the types of online events you can host:
- Online Tutorials: Great for showcasing a product or service that needs explaining. A how-to or tutorial is a good way to provide tips, tricks, and instructions.
- Training and courses: For more complex topics, webinars, workshops, and courses over multiple sessions might be better as you can focus in on specific detail.
- Behind-the-scenes tours: Give your followers a peek behind-the-scenes, offer viewers a glimpse at what it’s like to visit your office or factory, bring your business to life for them.
- Interviews and performances: Show off your in-house experts and share their knowledge in a live question-and-answer session. Or invite speakers to give a talk, or artists/talent to give a performance.
- Conferences and shows: Even large-scale events can go virtual. Conferences can take place entirely online, with networking and meetings digitally integrated.
Our Top Tips and Best Practices for hosting a virtual event:
- Make a plan. Every event needs a strategy no matter big or small. What’s your goal?
- Choose the right day and time – consider your audience, when is best for them to be available to take part?
- Try to hold your event in real time rather than pre-recorded to encourage an online discussion
- Set up live tweeting during the event to run a live Q&A session that has reach beyond the event
- Use a hashtag to help people find the event and follow the conversation
- Make it engaging:
- Use social stories for elements such as polls
- Share the screen of the host – use clear and inclusive content
- Share the load – have more than one person presenting
- Encourage questions from your viewers – read out comments, involve your audience
- Promote the event! Offer an incentive, communicate the key selling points. And consider when to promote. 2-3 weeks before the live date is the optimum time for sign ups
- Test & Prepare! Before you go live ensure all speakers test their connectivity and tech and hold a rehearsal
- Amplify the content post event. Record your virtual event an make it available for people to watch and share after the event for greater reach.
So, are you ready to get digital and host a virtual event? Whether you have an event already in mind or you’re looking for ideas, we are here to help. Get in touch for a chat at hello@highjam.co.uk
