20+ Online Event Marketing Ideas to Skyrocket Registration

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Mastering online event marketing is not just an option, it’s essential to generate excitement and boost attendee registration. 

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Utilize the power of social media to grow your reach and create buzz in the lead up, or crafting content that's remembered and shared. We're talking about tactics that don't just reach your audience but resonate with them. Whether it's an insightful webinar, an interactive virtual conference, with our list of 30+ online event marketing ideas you will make your event one they can’t miss. 

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Online Event Marketing Ideas and Tactics That Drive Registration

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Did you know when marketers use online tools, events can expect a 20% spike in attendance, a 27% boost in productivity, and a reduction in expenses of up to 30%?

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Reflecting a broader industry trend, 73% of marketers reported increasing their budgets for event marketing in 2023, underscoring the growing recognition of the high ROI that effective event marketing can deliver.

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Furthermore, an impressive 92.1% of organizers consider their online events successful, with 79% reporting that virtual formats provide new opportunities and 66% observing a greater ROI compared to physical events. It's anticipated that in the next two years, 90% of large-scale events will be hybrid or virtual, indicating a significant shift towards digital platforms.

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Here’s some inspiration for you to do your own event promotion and jumpstart your registration rate with these online event marketing tactics and ideas.

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1. Create a Compelling Event Website

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Build a visually appealing and user-friendly website for your event. Use can also use an mobile event app like Connect Space. Provide clear information about the event, including the agenda, speakers, and registration details.

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2. Use Social Media Platforms

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Promote your online event on various social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and X. Create engaging posts with images, videos and graphics to grab attention. Post updates regularly as the event approaches. Encourage people to share your posts with their followers. Tag relevant hashtags and pages to reach a wider audience. You should also respond to comments and questions.

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3. Create a Personalized Email Marketing Campaign

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Write a personalized and persuasive email campaign to reach out to potential attendees. Highlight the value of the event, provide exclusive details, and include a clear call-to-action for registration.

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4. Collaborate with Influencers or Industry Experts

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Partner with influencers or experts in your industry to endorse and promote your event. Their endorsement (and tapping into their large following) can significantly increase your event’s visibility and attract a diverse audience.

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5. Offer Early Bird Discounts

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Create a sense of urgency by providing early bird rewards or discounts for registration. 

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6. Host Webinars or Live Q&A Sessions

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Hosting a business networking event like a webinar or live Q&A sessions related to your event's topic or industry not only provides valuable insights to attendees but also serves as a platform to promote your event and boost registration for your in-person event.

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That’s why LinkedIn found that close to 80% of marketers use online events like webinars to boost ROI. 

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7. Content Marketing Campaign

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Create engaging and insightful content, such as blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts, related to your event's subject matter and the featured speakers. Share this content through different channels to attract potential attendees and establish your event as a thought leader.

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8. Add a Referral Program

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Encourage attendees to refer their friends, colleagues, or share with their network to register for the event by offering discount incentives or rewards. This can help expand your reach and increase event registration through word-of-mouth marketing.

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9. Attract Industry Leaders

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Partner with industry organizations or complementary businesses to co-promote the event. They can be event sponsors or invite one of their company’s leader to be a speaker. 

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10. Use Paid Social Advertising

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Consider running paid advertising campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. Target specific demographics or interests related to your event to maximize visibility and drive registration.

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11. Incorporate Gamification 

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Gamify the registration process by introducing challenges, quizzes, or contests. Offer prizes or exclusive access to participants who complete the gamified activities, encouraging them to register and attend.

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12. Create Teaser Videos or Trailers

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Generate excitement and anticipation by creating teaser videos or trailers highlighting key aspects of your event. Share them on your website, social media profiles, and email campaigns to entice potential attendees.

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13. Add Pixel on Your Site for Remarketing

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Implement remarketing strategies by tracking website visitors who have shown interest in your event. Display targeted ads on various online platforms to remind them to register and stay engaged with your event.

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14. Offer Freebies 

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Create useful resources such as eBook guides, templates, or toolkits that are relevant to your event's theme or industry. Offer these as freebies to those who register, increasing the perceived value and incentive for attending the event.

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15. Contact Local Media Outlets

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Reach out to local media outlets or industry publications. Offer them VIP access to your event or a speaker spot in exchange for coverage and free/discounted promotion. 

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16. Join Social Media Groups and Forums 

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Join online communities like forums and social media groups that are relevant to your event's target audience. Actively participate in discussions, provide valuable insights, and subtly promote your event when appropriate to generate interest.

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17. Create a Countdown Timer on Your Website

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Install a countdown timer on your event website or share countdown posts on social media platforms. This visual element creates a sense of urgency and encourages potential attendees to register before time runs out.

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18. Host Virtual Networking Sessions

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Create B2B networking opportunities by hosting virtual networking sessions or providing dedicated platforms for attendees to connect. Encourage participants to interact, exchange contact information, and foster meaningful connections before, during, and after the event. You can also host an online speed networking event. Explore creative networking event ideas to ensure these sessions are engaging and productive.

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19. Influencer Takeovers

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Collaborate with social media influencers that are popular in your industry and have them "take over" your social media accounts for a day. During the takeover, they can promote your event, share exclusive content, and engage with their followers to boost the event’s online visibility.

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20. User-Generated Content

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Create a hashtag specifically for your event, and encourage expected attendees to share their photos and videos on social media using the hashtag after receiving their registration kit. 

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21. Reach a Wider Audience with SEO

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Search engine optimization (SEO) involves writing keyword-optimized content to boost keyword rankings in Google search results. Search engines use SEO to evaluate content’s quality and relevancy for a search query.

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22. Create Shareable Event Banners 

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Design visually-appealing banners or graphics with event details and key information. Encourage registered attendees to share these graphics on social media to spread the word and attract more event registrations.

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23. Add a Chatbot on Your Website

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Deploy chatbots on your event website to provide instant assistance and answer common questions related to registration, event details, and logistics. This enhances the user experience and increases the likelihood of registration.

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24. Organize Contests or Giveaways

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Run online contests or giveaways that require participants to register for your event for a chance to win prizes or exclusive experiences. 

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25. Industry Calendars and Directories

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Submit your event details and leverage a directory or industry calendar’s reach and audience to increase event visibility.

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26. Reach Out to Past Attendees

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Reconnecting with past event attendees can help boost registration because they already know who you are. By crafting personalized messages and dynamic email series, you remind them of the value they received from attending your events in the past. You can also use this opportunity to gather feedback and insights that can inform your future event planning and marketing strategies.

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27. Include Interactive Elements

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Incorporate interactive elements throughout your event, such as live polls, Q&A sessions, or chat features. This encourages attendee participation and engagement, making the event more enjoyable and memorable, leading to positive word-of-mouth promotion and potential future registrations.

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28. Share Testimonials or Success Stories

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Highlight positive testimonials or success stories from previous event attendees. Share these testimonials on your event website, social media platforms, or email campaigns to provide social proof and build trust, encouraging potential attendees to register and experience similar benefits.

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Don’t Make These 7 Online Event Marketing Mistakes

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1. Not having a solid plan or agenda

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Unorganized events lead to attendees leaving early due to short attention spans.

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2. Poor audio or Wi-Fi connection

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Technical issues negatively impact the attendee experience.

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3. Low event promotion budget

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Lack of hype and promotion results in low attendance. 

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4. Neglecting attendee engagement

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Overloading with content overwhelms attendees and reduces the event’s value.

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5. Not managing attendee expectations

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Clearly communicate event details to prevent disappointment.

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6. Failing to facilitate networking opportunities

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Use a virtual networking platform like the Connect Space app for matchmaking event attendees with other attendees. 

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7. Not leveraging attendees' networks

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Encourage attendees to invite others who might be interested in attending.

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The Bottom Line

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Booking the venue, corresponding with vendors and attendees, publishing event locations online, and planning entertainment, breakout sessions, and meals are just a few of the numerous tasks involved in organizing an event. Promoting the event can get lost in the shuffle of calling around to confirm with the venue, coordinating flight details for speakers, and planning lunch arrangements on a budget. 

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Don’t make the mistake of not promoting your event as early as possible using the tactics listed adobe to guarantee a great turnout. 

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Book a demo with Connect Space to find out how to promote attendee networking with our matchmaking app.