Using the internet

Web and email technology now make it easy to get the word out about your event. As people become more internet-savvy and reliant on websites for information, it is important that you use the opportunity to promote your event through this inexpensive medium.

Step 1: Make registrations easy

Create a short, simple registration page on your website. This will work wonders for your bookings. Resist the urge to ask for extra information on this page or you will turn people off. Allow users to pay online if at all possible, and include a link to your privacy policy.

Step 2: Advertise on your homepage

In general, people visiting your company website will see your homepage first. Therefore, it pays to advertise your event prominently on your homepage. Make it eye-catching, be sure it contains all the key information, and link it through to the online registration page.

Step 3: Ask partners to advertise

Approach your partners and industry contacts, and ask them if they will advertise your event on their homepage and/or their online calendar.

Step 4: Write for web-readers

When people are browsing the internet, they tend not to actually read, and instead subconsciously ‘scan’ for keywords. To help them find your message, avoid long sentences, highlight key words, and use straightforward headings. Always include details of how to book/register/pay.

Step 5: Send email invitations

Develop email invitations in HTML that reflect the look and feel of your brand, website and event theme. Link back to the website for guests to RSVP. If you have an online newsletter, use it to advertise your event, and link it back to the website for the event details.

PCO9_Sitdown dinner event by Great Southern E-vents

Expert tip

"Bring your event to life with a great website then use the internet to drive traffic to your event."