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.