Hosting an event is a pretty demanding task but that is why the rewards are so great. However, solopreneurs and small businesses can’t always justify the cost and time involved in planning and executing these events. Fortunately, there is another option: online LinkedIn events.
LinkedIn events are how you’re going to engage your target audience, boost your visibility and generate leads all with spending little to no money. The best part is that there are two types of events you can host on LinkedIn so they’re even perfect for the camera-shy.
What events can you host on LinkedIn?
Webinars: These are LinkedIn events that involve video and audio. They also give you the option to use visual aids during your session. While it’s recommended that the information on these visual aids is kept to a minimum (as you should be doing most of the explaining) they can be extremely helpful for both you and your audience.
Audio events: LinkedIn audio events offer everything that webinars do just without the video. While audio-only events can be a good place for you to start if you’re not the most comfortable on camera, they also open up accessibility for your audience. Certain business professionals might be working with slower internet connections. In addition, audio events can be used for shorter sessions, making them more time-efficient.
Why should you host events on LinkedIn?
Boost reach: Online events, such as the ones you can host on LinkedIn, are arguably more effective at boosting your reach than in-person. There’s no limit to who can join the event so people from all over the world can sign up to learn from you and connect with others.
Strengthen your personal brand: Beyond demonstrating your expertise and creating credibility, your event will also be a great networking opportunity. New and existing connections have the opportunity to learn all about you and your brand without the distractions of external influences.
Generate leads: The event is the end-game, leading up to it, you can share posts and free resources to entice people to sign up for it. This will increase the likelihood of people joining live as well as provide opportunities to generate leads before the event has even begun. These sign-ups can also be used to build up your email list.
Cost-effective: The cost-effectiveness of online events has a two-fold benefit for you. First, it’s free for you to host. Second, it’s free for people to attend so you are more likely to get a great turnout that will lead to more successful lead generation.
Tips for hosting your first LinkedIn event
- Do a test run: Make sure any equipment (cameras, microphones, internet connection etc.) is ready to go before the event to prevent any potential delays or disruptions.
- Engage with your audience: Provide opportunities for your audience to directly engage whether through a live chat or Q&A session at the end of the event.
- Make a plan: Don’t just jump on a webinar or audio event spontaneously. You need time to build up invites and curiosity around the event to increase the turnout.
- Use the opportunity to learn: You might get lucky and have a perfect event that generates plenty of leads. However, it’s more likely that each event will teach you what to do better next time to increase your success and streamline the process for your audience.
If you’re ready to host your first event or want some help boosting attendance, consider becoming a Growth Titan. As well as live support from a community of experts, you’ll have access to a training library filled with over one hundred lessons and sessions covering various aspects of growing your business. This includes building your brand and winning clients with LinkedIn events. Become a member today and accelerate your business growth.