When I produce a virtual event on behalf of my clients, I give them a Host Guideline Checklist. In it, I provide tips on how to host their virtual event successfully, especially if they’re doing it for the first time.
The biggest success tip is that you can’t facilitate the sessions as a host and manage customer support issues at the same time. It’s just not possible.
As the host, you need to focus on the speakers and present a genial and pleasant demeanor to attendees. Your positive attitude will be adversely affected if an email comes from an attendee complaining that they can’t find the call-in details or that they can’t access the recordings.
That’s why the role of Virtual Event Host and Virtual Event Customer Service needs to be separated. The host can’t respond to customer issues right away and if he or she can’t, this will most likely increase refund requests from attendees or put a speaker into a panicky state if he or she is missing connection details.
This happened to me recently. I was to speak at a virtual event, but I couldn’t find the details on how to connect to the sessions. I frantically looked at every email correspondence I received from the virtual event organizers to see if I simply missed it.
With only 30-minutes left to go before I took the “virtual stage”, I sent an email to the speaker co-ordinator. Then to the event director. Then, I went on Twitter and saw that both had tweeted something out an hour earlier, so I sent them both a reply.
Nothing. All I could hear were crickets chirping.
With 10-minutes left before I hit the stage, I was able to dig up a phone number for the speaker co-ordinator. Thankfully, she answered the phone and said she was so engrossed in one of the panel discussions that she hadn’t checked email or Twitter in about an hour.
Eek!
When I first started hosting my own virtual events back in 2005, I was lucky if anyone besides me and my guest expert showed up. It was both embarrassing and frustrating because I thought I was doing everything to produce a excellent virtual 
event.
However, what I was missing back then is the marketing. I didn’t do a good job of promoting my virtual event. Fast forward 4 years and I can easily earn 5 or 6-figures hosting just one virtual event.
In that 4 year period, I learned what it takes to sell out a virtual event. Here are the 5 ways to promote your virtual event so it fills:
- Craft an Attractive Sales Page. A sales page provides information to the prospect and helps him or her decide whether to attend your virtual event. Your sales page must attract their attention, create interest and desire and then prompt him or her to take action. A well crafted and well designed sales page will help you turn more prospects into attendees.
- Get Partners to Promote Your Virtual Event. Getting others to help market your virtual event is an excellent way to increase attendees. Your army of promoters, which includes speakers, joint venture partners, sponsors, exhibitors and affiliates, can help bring attention to your virtual event by tapping into their network. All you need to do is provide the right tools so your partners can promote the event on your behalf.
- Use Previews Calls & Preview Videos to Create Anticipation. If your virtual event is priced at $100 or more, holding a series of preview calls or releasing preview videos can help prospects get a taste of what’s to come. Use this marketing tool to give people a sneak peak of what’s to come if they pay to attend the virtual event. Give away enough content to attract attention, but not too much otherwise attendees may not sign up for your virtual event.
- Use Social Media to Attract Attention. Twitter, Facebook, blogging and podcasting tend to convert prospects into attendees a lot better than any other lead generating tool, however, what you post on your blog will be different than what you post on Twitter. Share links to your preview calls and information about your virtual event in a way that looks like you’re sharing (and not blatant selling).
- Create Email Blasts that Grab Interest. While email gets a bad rap these days, it’s still a great tool to use to fill your virtual event. Some hosts worry that too many emails will cause people to unsubscribe from their list. While this is a possibility, email reminders, if crafted the way, help to boost attendees to your virtual event.
On Tuesday April 28, 2009 and Thursday April 30 Wednesday April 29, 2009 at 8pm ET, join me for 2-day teleclass on how to host, promote and profit from a virtual event. Whether you’ve been hosting virtual events for years or want to do your first one, you can’t miss this 2 day virtual event.
On this call, I’m also going to share how you can use my step-by-step blueprint to make 5 or 6- figures practically overnight. I’ve done it over the past 4-years and now, I want to teach you how to do it too. Use this coupon code – BOOST30 – to get one of 200 104 seats at $20. Click here to register your spot…
What other promotional strategies would you include?
Photo courtesy: michele petrolli
You put together the content, you booked the conference bridge line and you told some of your friends about your upcoming virtual event. Yet when the hour of your virtual event approaches, you’re disappointed that only a handful of people signed up.
Selling out a virtual event is no accident. It’s based on just one thing – marketing. Promoting your virtual event using the right tools will help you fill your virtual event with ease.
Join me on Tuesday April 28 & Thursday April 30 Wednesday April 29, 2008 at 8pm EST over the phone as I share with you how to boost your business hosting virtual events. Use this coupon code – BOOST30 – to get access to the 2-day virtual event for just $20. Only 200 104 “seats” left at this price, so click here to register for this event…
So, Why Won't They Sign Up?
Click on the Image Below to Discover the 3 Reasons Why People Just Don't Sign Up for Teleseminars, Webinars, Telesummits, Video Summits and Other Virtual Events (and What You Should Do Instead)
Connect With Me
