How to promote a product in a virtual event

With the rise of virtual events following the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have been forced to quickly adapt to selling products in virtual events. Promoting a product at a virtual event may seem like a daunting task, but with some careful planning and creative thinking, it can be done! Here are some tips.  

1. Convert Your Booths to Virtual Stalls 

If you had a physical booth at your event, consider transferring this over to a virtual stall. You can create a digital space that's dedicated to showcasing your products or services. This is a great way to ensure that your products are still front and center. Plus, it gives attendees the chance to learn more about what you have to offer. Not sure how to set up a virtual stall? No problem. There are many virtual event platforms with shopping event features that can walk you through the process step-by-step. 

If you are using a specialized shopping event platform, make sure your product is visible, just like at an in-person event. If possible, use high-quality images or videos that show off your product in its best light. If you're using a virtual event platform like Marquet, you can also use the Shopify integration to give attendees a closer look at your product. 

2. Get Creative by Offering Discounts or Freebies 

Just because your event is online doesn't mean you can't give away products. In fact, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your merchandise when you're promoting virtually. For instance, you could include a promotional code for a discount on your website, send attendees a care package with samples of your product or give away some freebies for attendees who purchase your product during the virtual event. These are great ways to drive sales and ensure that people leave the event with your product top of mind. The sky's the limit when it comes to getting creative with engaging strategies. 

3. Utilize Social Media 

Social media is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal when promoting virtually. Use hashtags to get the attention of potential customers who might not be attending the event. Also, hashtags are a useful tool to get the word out about your event, which can create a sense of urgency and encourage people to check out your product or services. Make sure to post updates under the same hashtags leading up to the big day and during your event. You can also use social media to drive traffic to your virtual stall directly. And don't forget to engage with attendees during and after the event! Thank attendees for coming and encourage them to share their experience with their friends and followers.

On the other hand, if you are organizing an online event but you need sponsors, you can use their products or services as leverage to promote your event while they promote their products. Make sure that your sponsors' products get the exposure they deserve and that attendees have a positive experience with them. Here are some tips for promoting your sponsors' products during your virtual event. 

 1. Include sponsor logos in all event collateral. 

Make sure your sponsors' logos are prominent on all event materials, including the event website, emails, and social media posts. You can also include sponsor logos in on-screen graphics that will be shown during the event itself. This will help increase brand awareness and build excitement leading up to the event. 

 2. Give sponsors dedicated speaking slots. 

Sponsors should be given dedicated speaking slots during the event so they can promote their products to attendees. This could take the form of a keynote address, panel discussion, or workshop. This is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to share their expert knowledge with attendees and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. 

 3. Create opportunities for product demonstrations. 

If your sponsors offer physical products, create opportunities for them to give product demonstrations during the event. This could be done as part of a sponsored workshop or during dedicated product demonstration sessions. Attendees will appreciate getting an up-close look at the products they're interested in and will be more likely to make a purchase after seeing them in action. 

If you follow these suggestions, you’ll make good deals with the sponsors who are willing to promote your event and who are also suitable for you. Keep in mind that promoting sponsor products during your virtual event is a great way to increase ROI and ensure that your sponsors are happy with their investment. 

In this way, promoting a product, whether it is yours or from your sponsors at a virtual event may seem like a challenge, but with some careful planning and creative thinking, it can be done! By making sure your product is visible, utilize social media, and offer discounts or freebies, you can attract potential customers and drive sales at your next virtual event. 

Promoting your products or services at a virtual event doesn't have to be difficult—you just have to get creative. Utilize these tips and you'll be sure to make a splash (virtually, of course)