3 Ways to Host a Virtual Event for Your Business

It’s safe to say that with the ‘new normal’ that 2020 has created, virtual events are on the rise. 

Opportunities for virtual events are endless - and they are a great way to increase ENGAGEMENT with your audience as well as grow and expand.

Why You Should Be Hosting Virtual Events

In 2020, virtual events are the new best thing. We may not be able to host events in person IRL right now, but connecting with your community online is the next best thing. 

Start off by brainstorming and figuring out what it is you want this events to bring to your business. Do you want to educate your audience? Host Q&A sessions? Promote products or new promotions? All of the above? It’s time to JUMP on this trend!

While time zones can make things a little difficult, in order to cater to your entire community, give your audience notice prior to the virtual event, as well as let your audience know that a recording will be available post-event. 

One of the main added benefits of virtual events are that they’re cost-efficient! When planning these events you can limit or exclude budget for venue rentals, decor, food vendors & more!

Looking for some fresh virtual event ideas to bring your community together? We’ve got you covered with these 3 ideas:

Idea #1: Instagram Live

Instagram Live has really become the new thing for businesses to get their brands out there in the Instagram world. Using Instagram Live for virtual events can be an incredible way to CONNECT with your community. 

When it comes to Instagram Live, there is no redo option, everything happens on the spot. While this may seem daunting and intimidating, it is actually a good thing in the sense of relatability. Audience members love seeing live videos because it shows you in the real, and they get a true sense of who you are and what your business is really like. 

Instagram Live is perfect for events like Q&A’s, how-to’s, product promotions, business promotions & more!

Looking for more in-depth details on the how-to’s of Instagram Live? Check out our Bonne Media blog from last month, ‘Instagram Live 101’. 

Idea #2: Host a Private Zoom Chat

Zoom has really grown and been all the rage in 2020 and our new normal of virtual connection. 

As a leader in video conferencing, Zoom offers businesses the chance to host all kinds of virtual events. Zoom is a GREAT option for webinars, demos, tutorials, Q&A’s, and more! 

You can offer free Zoom conferences or even sell tickets as a way to get a select audience attending. By having the ability to set a password to enter the call, you are given the option to easily moderate the event and maintain this exclusivity.

Hot tip: When using Zoom for virtual events, it is important to use platforms such as Instagram to promote. Encourage your community to RSVP and attend these events by posting details such as the date and time on your business profile’s feed and Instagram Stories.

Idea #3: Make it Relevant

This may sound obvious, but it’s worth stating: any event you organize needs to take account of the strange circumstances we all find ourselves in right now in 2020. 

2020 has caused the cancellation of many different events, but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen virtually! When hosting an event now, it is important to ask yourself ‘is this content applicable to right now?’ You don’t want to be offering things to people that they can’t even do or engage in right now. 

Things like at-home how-to’s are all the rage right now! Things like stay at home self care routines showing off your company’s products or how to stay organized at home from your organization business always work!

Looking for some assistance planning upcoming events? Fill out our contact form to get in touch!

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Bonne Media