Tips for making online events successful.

Many of us have been challenged to reschedule our live, in-person events moving to an online format. Logistically this can feel like a bit of a nightmare, and perhaps you've even considered canceling the event and rescheduling for a future date. But we really don't know how far off into the future we'll need to be rescheduling, and your market needs you. So maybe, online events are worth considering.rnSince we believe that within every challenge lies opportunity. Here are our top tips for making your online events successful:

1. We've been talking a lot lately about the importance of connectedness, and this holds true in our relationships - BUT also digital connectedness. I'm not sure about you, but lately, my wifi has been spotty with the increased demand from more people working from home. So, where possible, connect an ethernet line during your online events. Trust me, its worth it.

2. This being said, I believe in video as a method of connecting. Letting people see you during your event is advantageous, we all prefer to see who we're talking to. But, if you're hosting an event, and showing slides, plus live video, it may be too much bandwidth for not just your connections, but your participants as well. Save the live stream for the introduction and conclusion, and turn it off for the "meat" of your talk. It will be a better overall experience for everyone.

3. Have a back-up plan for your back-up plan. Make the recording of your call as a bonus, not a guarantee; that way, if the recording cuts out or just doesn't happen, your attendees aren't disappointed.

4. Adding to this, don't host events alone. Have someone else manage the recording, facilitate questions, and deal with technical support. You can't do it all alone and have it look professional. I've hosted over 400 webinar trainings, and never do them solo.

5. Practice makes perfect, but don't let being perfect hold you back. Live events are never smooth; there's always something to slip you up. Making mistakes means you're human. Practice the transitions between elements of your presentation, test your slides, screen sharing, microphone; test it all. But don't get stuck on it being perfect. Laugh it off, take a deep breath, and continue. We never expected you to be perfect.

But what next?

You've hosted this fantastic online event; you had a great response to it, what now?

Repurpose the webinar as a recording available as a resource on your website.

Even better, repurpose the recording as a lead magnet.

Create a companion product, perhaps a worksheet so your participants can continue their learning. Add a call to action on the worksheet for a discount for an up-sell opportunity.

One final tip for your next online event…rnI strongly recommend that you have someone online with you to create dialogue. This person can create filler content if your connection drops, can let you know when your slides aren't showing, or when you've forgotten you're on mute (trust me, it happens). But, no one ever knows what to ask during webinars, and having a facilitator ask "questions from the audience that were emailed in advance," takes the pressure off, and often leads to great audience questions.

Good luck with your planning! 

By Peggy Murrah, Founder of PMA Web Services