How to Use Virtual Events to Grow Your Business

Why Virtual Events Matter for Business Growth

Virtual events are becoming a powerful tool for businesses. They offer a way to connect with customers, partners, and prospects without the need for travel or large physical spaces. Virtual events can be as effective, if not more, than in-person events when planned correctly. Here's how you can use virtual events to grow your business.

Start with a Clear Goal

Before diving into any virtual event, you need a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Whether it's brand awareness, lead generation, or customer retention, your event's purpose should drive every decision you make, from the platform you choose to the content you present.

Define Your Target Audience

Know who you're talking to. Is it potential clients? Existing customers? Partners? Tailor your event to meet their specific needs or interests. For example, a product demonstration might be great for prospective buyers, while a Q&A session could be better suited to current customers who want more in-depth knowledge.

Choose the Right Platform

Not all virtual event platforms are the same. Depending on your goals and audience, you'll need to choose the one that fits best. Some popular options include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Hopin. You might also consider using social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram for live streaming if your event is more casual.

Look at features like:

• Ease of use for both hosts and attendees
• Interactive tools (polls, chat, Q&A)
• Integration with your CRM system
• Analytics to track attendee engagement
• Branding opportunities (customizable design)

Make sure the platform supports your event's format, whether it's a webinar, live stream, panel discussion, or workshop.

Plan the Content

Content is king, even in virtual events. The key is to make it relevant and engaging. The days of dull presentations are over. You need to offer something that people actually want to be part of.

Create a Structured Agenda

A well-organized agenda helps keep things on track. Attendees appreciate knowing what to expect, and having a clear structure helps maintain focus. Break your content into bite-sized sessions with breaks in between. Keep the sessions interactive—use polls, Q&As, and discussions to keep the audience engaged.

Bring Value to Your Audience

Think about what your audience can gain from your event. Share insights, tips, or knowledge that they can apply in their own business or lives. Offering valuable content helps build trust, and trust is crucial when it comes to converting leads into customers.

For example, if you’re hosting a webinar on digital marketing, don’t just talk about your product. Share case studies, examples of successful strategies, or tools that can help them improve their efforts. If it’s a training session, offer actionable steps they can take after the event.

Keep It Short and Sweet

People’s attention spans are shorter when attending virtual events. Keep your event duration reasonable—aim for 60-90 minutes. If you plan to go longer, offer breaks. But always respect your attendees' time.

Promote Your Event

Even the best virtual event won’t succeed if no one knows about it. Promoting your event is just as important as creating the content.

Use Email Marketing

Email is a great way to reach your audience. Build a list of people who would be interested in your event. Send them a few emails leading up to the event with all the necessary information: date, time, agenda, and how to register. Make sure the email subject lines are attention-grabbing, and include a call to action.

Leverage Social Media

Social media is another powerful tool for promoting your event. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to get the word out. Post updates leading up to the event, and consider creating a hashtag for attendees to use during the event. This helps build a sense of community around your event and increases visibility.

You can also consider running paid ads to increase your event’s reach, especially if you’re targeting a wider audience.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partner with influencers or industry leaders to promote your event. Their endorsement can help you reach a broader audience and lend credibility to your event. These influencers don’t have to be huge celebrities—they can be industry experts or niche content creators who have a strong following.

Engage with Your Audience

One of the key benefits of virtual events is the ability to engage with your audience in real-time. Take advantage of this by creating a two-way conversation rather than a one-sided presentation.

Use Interactive Features

Make use of chat boxes, Q&A sessions, and live polls. These tools not only encourage interaction but also provide valuable insights into what your audience is thinking. You can adjust your content or approach based on these real-time reactions.

Encourage Networking

Virtual events can often feel a bit isolating. To make your event more engaging, offer networking opportunities. Set up virtual break rooms where attendees can interact with each other. Use chatrooms or forums where people can discuss topics related to your event.

Encouraging networking gives attendees a sense of community and belonging. It’s also a great way to foster deeper connections that might lead to future business opportunities.

Respond to Questions and Feedback

During and after the event, make sure to respond to any questions or feedback from attendees. This shows that you value their input and are committed to delivering a great experience. If there are questions you can’t answer immediately, follow up after the event.

Measure Success and Improve

After the event is over, take time to evaluate its success. Did you meet your goals? What worked well, and what could be improved?

Use Analytics

Most virtual event platforms offer detailed analytics. These tools can help you measure engagement, attendance, and more. Look at metrics like:

• Number of registrations and attendees
• Engagement levels (questions asked, poll participation)
• Feedback ratings

This data gives you an idea of what parts of your event were most successful and where you can improve next time.

Ask for Feedback

Don’t just rely on analytics. Ask attendees for direct feedback after the event. Send out a short survey to learn what they liked, what could be better, and if they’d attend another event in the future. This feedback is invaluable in shaping future events and improving your business.

Repurpose Event Content

One of the best things about virtual events is that you can repurpose the content. You don’t have to let all that effort go to waste.

Share Recordings

If your event was recorded, share the videos on your website or social media platforms. Break the content down into smaller, digestible chunks, and post them as short clips or teasers. This gives you a chance to engage with people who couldn’t attend the live event and extends the value of the event long after it’s over.

Turn Content into Other Formats

Transform the event’s content into blog posts, social media posts, or downloadable resources like eBooks or checklists. Repurposing content is an efficient way to keep the momentum going and reach more people.

Build Relationships for Long-Term Growth

Virtual events aren’t just about the immediate impact; they’re a way to build long-term relationships with your audience. Every interaction with your event attendees is an opportunity to nurture that relationship.

Follow Up with Attendees

Once the event is over, don’t just move on. Follow up with attendees to thank them for joining. You can send them a summary of the event, additional resources, or exclusive offers. This follow-up shows that you care about their experience and can help convert attendees into loyal customers.

Keep in Touch

Continue nurturing these relationships. Send regular updates, newsletters, or special offers that keep your audience engaged. By staying connected, you’ll have a dedicated community that’s more likely to do business with you in the future.

Conclusion

Using virtual events to grow your business is a smart strategy. They allow you to engage with a wide audience, provide valuable content, and build meaningful relationships—all without the limitations of physical space. With careful planning, promotion, and execution, virtual events can become a key component of your business growth strategy.