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3 Ways to Go Virtual… Fast, Easy, Cost-Effective

Virtual Face-2-Face Engagement: Fast, Easy, Cost-Effective

With sheltering-in-place and social distancing temporarily placing event marketing programs on hiatus, what’s an event marketer to do? Hit the reset button. Transition from face-to-face marketing to “interface-to-interface marketing.” Try these fast, easy, cost-effective ideas to engage your prospects and customers virtually. 

Level I: Smartphone Approach

On March 17th, in an effort to be “super-cautious,” NBC TODAY Show personality Al Roker delivered his weather forecast from his home … using his iPhone. That sums up this level.

Every member of your organization has a smartphone: Executive Suite, Product Experts, Account Managers, Customer Service Technicians, and more. 

Encourage them to record first-person videos and share them on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. It will keep them engaged with the audience and provide a steady stream of content for your social channels. Keep the videos short and focus on a specific topic:

  • State-of-the-industry updates
  • New product roll-outs
  • Best practices
  • Sneak peeks of upcoming launches

Of course, your marketing team should help define these topics, review them for messaging focus, and maintain a timetable and release strategy before they’re shared.

Cost: $0 (aside from mindshare and elbow grease)

Level II.: Curated Approach 

A formalized Level I.  

  • Create a new YouTube Channel devoted specifically to virtual efforts to keep your target audience up-to-date on the latest news and views in your industry. 
  • Push the channel via a mixture of email and social media touches, offering visitors encounter a series of topics to choose from. 

Advantage: Channel contents will have a life beyond the current situation and can be easily rolled into future marketing programs.

Cost: $0 (unless you wish to leverage a platform like Vimeo)

Level III. Microsite Approach

Level I and II wrapped in a dedicated microsite.

A microsite helps organizations with diverse product offerings, divisions, and territories:

  • Clearly segment their message
  • Help visitors navigate your business
  • Connect them with various areas of your existing website.. 

Microsites can:

  • Host live, real-time video sessions
  • Invite audience Q&A
  • Visit remote locations
  • Build community
  • … and much more.

Microsites also give organizations 100% control over their message environment and experience. 

Cost: Low, especially if you have an in-house web and IT Team. 

Final Word  

Now is the time to flex new marketing muscles. Try these fast, easy, cost-effective strategies and connect with your target audience in new and exciting ways. You’ll be laying the groundwork for a rich, virtual marketing future.