13 Tips to Make Your Online Event More Engaging

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has forced many of us to change the way we interact with one another. With social distancing measures in place, more and more people turned to online events to stay connected.

While online events have their advantages (like being able to reach a wider audience), they can also be quite challenging to pull off successfully. So how can you make your online event more engaging?

Top Tips to Make Your Online Event More Engaging

If you’re struggling to make your online event more engaging, here are a few tips that might help:

1. Make sure your event has a clear purpose

Before you start promoting your event, take some time to think about its purpose. What are you hoping to achieve? Who is your target audience? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, it will be easier to create an event that resonates with your participants.

2. Choose the right platform

Not all online event platforms are created equal. When selecting a platform for your event, be sure to consider your specific needs and goals. For example, if you’re hosting a large-scale webinar, you’ll need a platform that can accommodate a large number of participants. On the other hand, if you’re planning a more intimate virtual gathering, you might prefer a platform that offers video conferencing capabilities. Check here our tips on how to choose the right hybrid event tool.

3. Choose a topic that people are interested in

One of the best ways to engage your audience is to choose a topic that they’re interested in. Are you hosting a panel discussion? Make sure the panelists are experts on the subject and that they’re prepared to answer questions from the audience. You can also poll your participants ahead of time to get an idea of what topics they’d like to hear about.

4. Invite influential people in your field to participate

If you want to attract a larger audience, consider inviting well-known figures in your field to participate in your event. Having big names on your panel or as keynote speakers can help generate interest and excitement for your event.

5. Start with a strong introduction

Your introduction is your chance to set the tone for the rest of your event. Make sure you take the time to grab your audience’s attention and get them excited about what’s to come.

6. Make it interactive

Online events don’t have to be one-sided affairs. There are plenty of ways to make your event more interactive, such as incorporating polling and Q&A sessions into your agenda. You can also use chat features to encourage networking and conversation among participants.

7. Encourage social interaction

Just because your event is online doesn’t mean you can’t encourage social interaction. There are a few ways to do this, such as allowing participants to ask questions through a chat function or using breakout rooms to facilitate smaller group discussions. You can also include icebreaker activities in your event to help people get to know each other.

8. Encourage networking

Networking is one of the main reasons people attend events, so it’s important to encourage it at your online event as well. You can do this by having attendees submit their contact information in advance, providing a list of attendees and their contact info during the event, or hosting a virtual networking session after the event.

9. Make use of visuals

People are more likely to pay attention to your event if you make use of visuals. In addition to slideshows and infographics, you can also use video or live demonstrations to add another layer of interest. Just be sure not to overload your audience with too much information at once.

10. Be creative with your content

Just because you’re hosting an online event doesn’t mean you have to stick to the traditional format. Get creative with your content and think outside the box to keep your audience engaged. For example, you could host a panel discussion instead of a standard lecture, or allow attendees to choose their own breakout sessions.

11. Keep it short and sweet

When it comes to online events, less is often more. People have shorter attention spans when they’re staring at a screen, so it’s important to keep your event concise and to the point. Try to focus on quality over quantity, and cut out any unnecessary fluff.

12. End on a high note

Your conclusion is just as important as your introduction, so make sure you take the time to wrap things up in a way that will leave your audience wanting more. Thank everyone for attending and let them know how they can stay involved after the event ends.

13. Follow up after the event

Just because the event is over doesn’t mean your work is done. Make sure to follow up with attendees after the event and thank them for coming. You can also send them a link to the recording of the event if you have one.

Tools to Make Your Online Event More Engaging

There are various tools that can be used to make your online events more engaging. Here are some of them:

1. Teleprompter

If you’re worried about forgetting your lines or getting tongue-tied during your event, an online teleprompter can be a lifesaver. There are a few different options available and you can customize the font, text size, and speed to suit your needs.

2. Whiteboard

A whiteboard can be a great way to engage your audience and get them involved in your event. SCOOCS video rooms have an integrated whiteboard that you can use to create a lot of engaging activities, such as a pictionary or a mind-map.

3. Interactive polls and surveys

One way to make your online event more engaging is to include interactive polls and surveys. This allows your audience to provide feedback and have their voices heard. It also gives you valuable insights into what your audience is thinking and feeling.

4. Live chat

Another great way to make your online event more engaging is to include a live chat feature. This allows your audience to ask questions and get involved in the discussion. It also gives you the opportunity to address any concerns or questions they may have.

5. Matchmaking Tools

With the right strategy and planning, matchmaking tools can make a difference in your event. These tools bring your attendees together based on common interests or other criteria defined by you. The result is a networking moment that your attendees won’t forget!

Conclusion

Online events are a great way to connect with your audience, but only if they’re engaging. By using the tips we’ve provided, you can make your online event more engaging. To be sure your engagement activities will hit your event goals, your strategy must be on point! Learn here how to level up your virtual and hybrid events!