One of the hardest-hit industries in the world due to COVID-19 is the events industry. Globally, entertainment and educational events alike were shut down, restricted and millions lost their jobs and sources of income from the restrictions.
While it is slowly starting to build back up in various parts of the world, the fact is that most companies and events had to migrate to a virtual platform to sustain themselves. In fact, the general professional consensus is that virtual events are here to stay, at least for the next two to three years.
So, with this in mind, we thought we would delve into the ways that you can start up a new events company, and make it work. So, if this is your next big business venture, stay tuned.
Write a Business Plan
The key to starting any kind of business is having a firm grasp on what you want to achieve with it. In order to get there, the first thing you need to do is write a business plan. An all-encompassing business plan needs to include an executive summary, a description of the products and services you are offering, a marketing and financial strategy, as well as a set budget.
Even if writing a business plan is essential, it can still be a daunting task. That’s why you can consider hiring professional business plan writers to help you compile this document. You will thank yourself when you start seeing your business getting off the ground.
The plan will allow you to define your business goals in detail and how you plan to achieve them. That is why it is important to remember to revise and update your plan regularly. This will help you determine whether your goals remain the same or evolve over time.
Furthermore, a professionally written business plan can help you attract investors in the beginning phases of your business.
Make It Easily Accessible
Don’t limit your attendance by restricting your platforms. Not everyone will have access to computers at the exact time of the events you are planning. Some might be on the move, in meetings or simply engrossed in something else. Don’t isolate and limit them. Rather ensure that they can access it from a number of devices at any time.
One way to achieve this is by creating an app for your business. This will make it easier for both yourself and your clients. You will be able to manage sign-ups and attendees, while they will be able to access their chosen event where and when they want. Choosing the right app maker for your business will provide you with a variety of features for you to add to your app at affordable prices.
If you want to send notifications, for example, when the next keynote is scheduled to speak or if you want to create a sponsor-attendee engagement portal, this can be easily done. The app will also allow users to sign up only once. That means that they can simply open the app and access the event. This will benefit you for future events. With the existing profile details and payment information, they will easily be able to sign up for any follow-up events without the full registration process.
Focus on Your Content
Content is how you are going to get the attention of potential clients. Whether you are organizing an educational conference with industry professionals or a live concert with a few artists. What will draw your audience to your events is what you have to offer them in terms of content.
This will need to feature specifically in your marketing strategy. So, prior to organizing any kind of event, you will need to conduct thorough research. What will your audience expect? Who will they want to see or hear from? What unique content can you provide them that they have not seen before?
Once you have established your unique selling point, and found, what we like to call the holy grail in events, start using that. Your next step will be marketing, which we will go into next. But we simply cannot stress enough how important this research and development stage is for the success of your company.
Market Across Various Platforms
Organizing virtual events usually entails primarily using digital channels to promote them. Use this content that you have established extensively in the promotion of the event. Create a database of contacts that you can send frequent emails to. Use a platform like MailChimp to create and send emails en-masse to this contact list.
Set up social media accounts for the events. If you have several events a year, set up one account for the company and promote the events individually from that account. Regularly push out announcements, additions to the line-up, new sponsors, and constant content about the event.
If you are organizing mostly educational events, writing a blog about them will boost your SEO and provide additional information to potential clients.
Last Thoughts
Keep the customer journey in mind at all times. For a successful virtual event planning business, make sure you are always looking for the wow factor. Your first event might be tough and stressful, but once you start developing a following, it will start running smoothly as time goes on.
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