10 Sneaky Strategies to Increase Event Engagement with Digital Marketing
Digital strategies are necessary for generating buzz, attracting attendees, and engaging with your audience in the ever-evolving landscape of events marketing. Digital marketing can help tell a story, and if these techniques stand out to attendees in the midst of heavy event promotion saturation, they work. Below are ten strategies for increasing event engagement through Digital Marketing:
- Use User Generated Content (UGC)
One of the best strategies is user-generated content. Promote social sharing - it is almost free, just tell everyone to use the event hashtag and share their experiences! That not only maximises organic reach, but also serves as social proof for potential attendees.
Display real-time posts from attendees on a live UGC wall during your event. That helps cultivate a feeling of dialogue and inspire more joining participants. Host UGC contests: reward excellent user-generated content by organizing competitions and giving prizes or shoutouts
AI-powered photo distribution systems from event technology platforms will automatically tag and share photos that can be easily discovered by users who are able to download them, providing additional incentives in the form of UGC.
- Develop Engaging Virtual Tours
Virtual elements can even augment in-person engagements. Design virtual tours through the grounds, interactive maps or an augmented reality experiences that attendees can view on their phones.
Create interactive virtual lobbies and networking spaces providing the best of both, physical event vibes to match with in-person ambiance for hybrid events.
Event platforms - for example, certain event platforms allow you to use custom registration pages and digital asset libraries where you can create experiences that take people from signing up through post-event engagement.
- Implement AI-Powered Chatbots
Use AI-driven chatbots on your event website and social media platforms to ensure instant support 24X7 for potential attendees. In fact, they can solve common customer queries such as registrations and guide them further according to the user likes (eg: give suggestions on events based on their taste)
- Design an All-Inclusive Content Marketing Plan
Develop a full-funnel content marketing strategy that spans the entire event lifecycle. This should include:
- Pre-event blog posts featuring speaker interviews and session previews
- Live event coverage through social media stories and live-streaming
- Post-event recaps, highlight reels, and attendee testimonials
Mixing up your content is key to keeping your audience engaged. It's not just about written articles anymore - throw in some videos, eye-catching infographics, and even podcasts. Your audience is diverse, so your content should be too!
Digital keepsakes are a great way to leave a lasting impression. Forget boring swag bags - think personalized photo montages or event highlight reels. It's a clever way to keep your event alive in attendees' minds and encourage sharing long after it's over.
- Harness the Power of Influencer Marketing
Influencers aren't just for social media - they can be game-changers for your event too. Get industry leaders involved as speakers or session hosts. Their presence can boost your credibility and attract their followers. Consider creating an "influencer lounge" for content creation and networking - they'll love the VIP treatment!
- Boost Engagement with Gamification
Gamification can really amp up engagement. Develop a points system for attending sessions, networking, or social media sharing. Offer rewards for top performers. A mobile app with event-related challenges or scavenger hunts can make things more interactive and fun.
AI-powered networking is the next big thing. Some platforms can suggest relevant connections based on attendees' profiles and interests. It's like having a smart matchmaker for your event!
- Personalize Your Email Marketing Strategy
When it comes to email marketing, personalization is key. Segment your list based on interests, industry, or past behavior. Use dynamic content that changes based on the recipient's profile. Personalized session recommendations or exclusive offers can make your emails stand out.
- Expand Your Reach with Live-Streaming and Virtual Tours
Don't forget about live-streaming, even for in-person events. It's a great way to extend your reach. For trade shows, consider offering virtual reality tours. It's an innovative way for both in-person and remote attendees to interact with exhibitors.
- Create an Event-Specific Social Media Strategy
Develop a comprehensive social media strategy tailored to your event. This should include:
- Set up event-specific social media accounts
- Design a content calendar for consistent posting
- Utilize platform-specific features (e.g., Instagram Stories, Twitter polls)
- Engage actively with attendees through comments and messages
Consider hosting pre-event Twitter chats or Instagram Live sessions with speakers. This builds anticipation and allows attendees to ask questions in advance.
Leverage event advocacy posters - personalized, shareable graphics that attendees can post on their social media, extending your event's reach to their networks.
- Use Data Analytics for Continuous Improvement
Utilize data analytics tools to track the performance of your digital marketing efforts.
Keep tabs on:
- Website traffic
- Social media engagement
- Email open rates
- Registration numbers
Use these insights to refine your strategies in real-time. Conduct a thorough post-event analysis to inform future marketing approaches.
By implementing these strategies, you can create more immersive and interactive experiences for your attendees. Remember, the key is to enhance, not replace, human connections. Stay open to emerging technologies and trends, always keeping your attendees' experience at the forefront.
Comprehensive event technology platforms can help integrate many of these digital marketing strategies, creating a cohesive experience from registration to post-event engagement.
In the rapidly evolving world of event marketing and management, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Premagic offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to address many of the digital marketing strategies discussed in this article. From AI-powered photo distribution and personalized event advocacy posters to customizable registration pages and smart networking modules, Premagic provides event organizers with the tools they need to create engaging, memorable experiences. By leveraging such advanced event technology platforms, you can seamlessly integrate various digital marketing strategies, enhancing attendee engagement from registration through to post-event follow-up.
Ready to take your event engagement to the next level? Discover how Premagic can revolutionize your event marketing strategy. Book a demo today and see firsthand how our innovative features can help you create unforgettable event experiences that keep attendees coming back year after year.
