If you have a product launch coming up and want to target a global audience, hosting a virtual product launch event can be a great way of getting your message out to people worldwide. Not only will you have an opportunity to speak directly to your audience, but also you can get feedback on what they think about what you’re doing.

As COVID-19 has made virtual events more common, it’s not a bad idea to go online and gather more eyeballs. You can expect more leads and sales, along with increased brand exposure. Read on about seven ways to host a significant virtual product launch event.

Choose the Right Platform

You can opt for a live-streaming platform like Facebook or YouTube, allowing your audience to interact with you in real-time. Not only can they comment on what’s going on during the event, but they can also ask questions and provide feedback. You can also consider the best webinar platforms for small business like Zoom or Teams. You can host your event in a virtual meeting room and give participants the option to share their screens with you if needed. A virtual event management company can help you set up and manage your event.

Get the Word Out

There’s no use in hosting a virtual event if no one knows about it. You need to let people know when your event is taking place and what they can expect. The best way to do this is by using a variety of channels, such as social media, email marketing, and paid advertising. Make sure to create an eye-catching event page that will make people want to attend.

Promote Your Event

Once you’ve created your event page and sent out invitations, it’s time to start promoting your event. Social media comes in handy here. Use hashtags, post updates, and run ads to promote your event. You can also use your website, blog, and email marketing.

Make It Interactive

One of the best things about virtual events is that they’re interactive. You can engage with your audience in real-time and get immediate feedback. There are a few ways to make your event more interactive, such as providing a Q&A session, holding polls, and running competitions. You can also encourage people to interact with each other by using the chat function.

Use Visual Aids

Humans are visual creatures, so it’s important to use visual aids when hosting a virtual event. This includes using slideshows, infographics, videos, or pictures. Anything that will help make your point more effectively is worth using.

Follow Up

Once your event is over, it’s essential to follow up with your participants. Send them an email thank you for attending with a link to the event recording. You can also send out surveys to get feedback on what people thought about the event and what could be improved next time.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Even if you plan everything to a T, there’s always the possibility that something could go wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to have a contingency plan. Make sure you have a backup plan if your internet connection goes down or you experience technical difficulties. It’s also a good idea to have a backup recording of the event, in case something happens to the first one.

Keep It Short

When it comes to virtual events, less is more. People have shorter attention spans when they’re online, so you must ensure your event is concise and to the point. Aim for around 60 minutes, including a Q&A session at the end.

Consider these tips to shorten the event’s duration:

• Remove unnecessary decks or information: This includes anything that doesn’t directly relate to the event’s purpose or objective. For example, if you’re hosting a webinar on social media marketing, you may not need to include information on your company’s history.
• Edit your recorded materials: If you’re using pre-recorded videos or presentations, ensure they’re edited down to the essential information. For instance, you can remove any intros or outros that are longer than necessary.
• Try not to include several guest sessions: Too many guest speakers can make an event drag on. If you must have more than one, try to keep their presentations short and sweet.

Encourage Engagement

The whole point of hosting a virtual event is to engage with your audience. There are a few ways to encourage engagement, such as providing a Q&A session, holding polls, and running competitions. You can also encourage people to interact with each other by using the chat function.

Have Fun!

Even though virtual events are online, that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Make sure you inject some personality into your event. For example, if you’re hosting a webinar, you could use funny pictures or GIFs to help make your point.

Final Word

Hosting an online event can be challenging if you don’t know the right way to do it. But by following these tips, you can ensure your event is successful.