If you’re thinking about launching a new product, an event is the perfect way to get the word out. An event is a gathering of customers and prospects where they can interact with each other and see the company’s product in action.
Events can take place in a variety of different venues and locations, from hotels to golf courses. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when planning your first event. First, you will need to set a goal for the event. Second, you should identify your target audience. Finally, you will need to plan for how you will market the event.
One of the easiest ways to promote an event is through social media. This can include a dedicated hashtag for the event, as well as promoting the event on Twitter and Facebook. You can also increase the reach of your posts with paid advertising.
Another great way to market your event is through an online conference or webinar. Webinars allow attendees to learn about new products or services and provide them with an opportunity to talk to company representatives. During these events, you can also offer freebies to the attendees as incentives to convert.
When preparing for your first event, you may want to hire an event planner. They can help you with the planning and budgeting process. In addition, they will have experience working with events of all sizes. Organizing an event can be a lot of work, so hiring a consultant can make the process easier.
Ideally, you will want to build a website for your event. This will allow you to sell tickets, collect registration information, and generate leads. It will also need to be secure and have payment processing options.
You can also make use of live streaming to enhance your event’s engagement. Live streams can be viewed on social networks and can be sent to email subscriber lists. Additionally, live polling can be used to measure the effectiveness of the event. By incorporating videos and other content into your live streaming, you can create excitement and build a sense of community among your viewers.
Using a dedicated landing page for the event can promote exhibitor presence at the event. You can also make use of post-click landing pages to share videos and other materials with visitors. Dedicated landing pages also give attendees the chance to register for a prize giveaway. Once they’ve registered, they can scan their badges to access the prizes.
Event marketing can also be done offline. Companies can sponsor local meetups, for example. These can be a great way to get new customers in the door and network with locals.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the event industry will grow 44 percent from 2010 to 2020. According to the study, increasing customer retention rates by just 5% results in a 25 to 95% boost in profits.
As you plan your event, you will want to measure the number of visitors, attendance, and other factors. You should also consider how you will measure the ROI of your event. A good way to do this is to track the number of lead capture forms, demos, and giveaways that you receive. Also, keep an eye out for other metrics that might prove to be valuable, such as the number of new contacts and on-site conversations.