From First Click to Final Clap: Virtual Event Marketing Strategies for Every Event Stage

We all know the 3 Es of marketing: Engage, Equip, and Empower. These pillars are your secret weapon for grabbing attention, giving your audience the tools they need, and turning them into enthusiastic brand ambassadors. When done right, you can segment your audience and give them exactly what they need, leading to a product that meets their demands. 

Now, when it comes to virtual event marketing, the playbook stays the same, but here’s the twist. What sets you apart from the competition isn’t just showing up. It’s about putting a unique spin on your approach and creating a lasting impression that lingers long after the event ends. The virtual world is crowded, but with a little creativity and a lot of pizzazz, you can make your mark and stand out from the noise, leaving an impact that resonates long after the screen goes dark.

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What is Virtual Event Marketing?

Virtual event marketing strategies for every event stage gets your event noticed, attended, and talked about long after it’s over. It’s about creating a digital experience on a virtual event platform that’s so compelling it has your audience hitting 'register' before you can say ‘Webinar.’ For example, an email campaign announcing a must-see keynote speaker can drive registrations, while a social media countdown paired with a branded hashtag builds excitement. Partnerships with influencers or industry experts can also expand your reach. These strategies are like the high-energy megaphone for your event, ensuring that when the virtual doors open, your audience is already buzzing with anticipation.

Without great marketing strategies, even the best event can get lost in the digital space. Virtual event marketing helps you cut through the noise and reach the right people at the right time. At the end of the day, it's all about making your event an undeniable success story.
We also have a super informative guide on Maximizing Your Virtual Events Marketing Strategy.

Let’s take a look at some exciting and unique virtual event marketing strategies to get you on the track to success. 

Event Marketing at Every Stage: From Pre-Event Buzz to Post-Event Engagement

Virtual event marketing is a journey, not a one-and-done deal. From building the hype before the event to keeping the conversation alive after the virtual curtain falls, every stage is an opportunity to engage, connect, and make a profound impact. 

Let’s break it down and explore how to keep the momentum going at each stage so your event doesn’t just happen; it thrives!

Pre-Event Marketing Strategies

Pre-event marketing is your chance to stir the pot, build some hype, and get everyone on the edge of their seats. Think of it as the appetizer before the main course. It should be tasty, irresistible, and make everyone crave more.

Leverage Social Media for Buzz

• What it is: You need to get social to turn your event into the hottest thing since sliced bread! Build anticipation and excitement with a social media campaign that has your audience bursting with joy.
• How to Execute: Grab your phone, your camera, or whatever you can get your hands on, and start posting behind-the-scenes moments. People love a good sneak peek, so show them snippets of your event coming together. It can be the speakers rehearsing or the team setting up. Choose channels and platforms where your audience is most likely to scroll. Whether it’s LinkedIn for the corporate crowd, Instagram for the creatives, or TikTok if you want to go viral. Give your followers a reason to share by crafting eye-catching and shareable content.
• Why it Works: Social media is all about sharing experiences, and by giving your audience exclusive behind-the-scenes content, you're creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out). The anticipation will have them hitting that "remind me" button on your event’s countdown like it’s their second job. It’s like building a party everyone wants to get into, and trust us, everyone loves a good exclusive invite.
• Price and Effort: Organic posts are free. But if you’ve got a little budget to play with, throw in some sponsored posts to supercharge your reach. 

Event Invitation Email

• What it is: Your first impression is everything, and a personalized event invitation email sets the stage. 
• How to Execute: Start with a warm, personalized greeting. Use the recipients' first names and add urgent phrases like "Seats are filling up fast" or "Don't miss your chance to join us." Keep the email visually appealing with eye-catching design, mobile-friendly formatting, and a killer CTA like "Reserve Your Spot Now." You can also tease the event's highlight, like a keynote speaker or exclusive perk.
• Why it Works: A well-written, attention-grabbing invitation email is the perfect knock that just might get you through the door—and straight into your recipient’s calendar. Personalization and urgency boost open rates, while a strong CTA seals the deal. When it feels exclusive, people are more likely to RSVP.
• Price and Effort: While the cost is low, especially if you're already using an email marketing platform, investing in a paid email service is highly recommended. Free options like Gmail risk landing your invites in spam folders, which can hurt your reach. The real challenge is crafting an email that’s both exciting and informative.

Early Bird or VIP Access Promotions

• What it is: Everyone loves a good deal that comes by or feeling like a VIP, and early bird pricing or exclusive access delivers both. It’s your way of saying, “Get in now before it’s too late!”
• How to Execute:Launch a limited-time promo with early bird pricing or incentives like discounts for the first few sign-ups to build momentum. For VIPs, offer extra perks like exclusive swag, behind-the-scenes access, or priority seating. Promote these offers through email campaigns, social media posts, and within your event website. Send out teasers and sneak peeks of what VIPs will get, and let people know they’ll miss out if they don’t act fast. Set a deadline, too, so people feel like they’re racing against time.
• Why it Works: Early bird or VIP promotions tap into the feeling of exclusivity. When people feel like they’re getting a special deal or access, they’re more likely to register early, ensuring a solid attendee base well in advance. 
• Price and Effort: It’s an upfront investment in discounts or perks, but the payoff, ROI in attendee commitment, is worth it. Once the groundwork is done, you can easily manage the promotion and watch as registrations roll in.

Paid Ads for Targeted Reach

• What it is: Time to get specific! Run targeted ads across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google Ads to reach the audience who’ll appreciate your event the most. Imagine your event is the hottest new club in town. Paid ads are your bouncers, bringing the right crowd straight to your door.‍
• How to Execute: Break down your audience into segments based on demographics, industry, interests, or even behaviors. Craft your ad copy and creatives specifically for each group. Experiment with a professional-looking LinkedIn ad, a fun, eye-catching Facebook post, short videos, or carousel ads for maximum impact. Monitor the performance closely, adjust your targeting if needed, and tweak your messaging to optimize ‍
• Why it Works: Paid ads help you zoom in on the right people, boosting visibility and driving event registrations. You’re not just casting a wide net; you’re zeroing in on attendees most likely to engage and sign up. It’s all about smart targeting.‍
• Price and Effort: This will cost you because paid ads require a budget to run but the effort is worth every penny. It’s a high-effort, high-reward strategy that can take your event’s reach to the next level.

Create a Compelling Landing Page

• What it is: Think of this as your event’s virtual billboard or welcome desk. It’s the first point of contact where attendees get all the key details, form their first impression, and decide if they’re stepping in (and converting).‍
• How to Execute: Your landing page needs to be high-converting. Include the event’s highlights: an engaging headline, concise details (who, what, when, where, why), and compelling testimonials or speaker bios. Add urgency with a countdown timer and clear CTAs like "Register Now." Use a clean, modern design to ensure it’s visually stunning and easy to navigate.‍
• Why it Works: A good landing page provides a centralized location for all event information and increases the chances of conversions. It answers all the "Why should I care?" questions in one place. When done right, it builds trust, generates excitement, and encourages action. ‍
• Price and Effort: You can go DIY with templates or splurge on a custom design. Either way, you’ll need to invest some creative energy into making it a successful conversion tactic.

Maximize Event Impact

Double registration & attendance

Boost engagement by 3.2x

Attendee data and analysis at your fingertips

Book Demo

‍

Collaborative Partnerships for Cross-Promotions

• What it is: Team up with influencers, brands, or industry leaders to co-host webinars, live streams, podcasts, or other co-branded campaigns that promote your event. 
• How to Execute: Coordinate with thought leaders, sponsors, or partners who share your target audience. Offer sponsors a virtual platform to showcase their products or services, while influencers can create authentic content highlighting your event. Plan joint campaigns, like a live Q&A or sneak peek session, and share responsibilities for outreach, promotion, and content creation.
• Why it Works: Cross-promotion taps into your partners' audiences, expanding your reach while adding credibility. It’s a win-win: they get maximum exposure to your audience, and you gain visibility with theirs, creating a bigger, more engaged pool of potential attendees.
• Price and Effort: The cost varies. Mutual collaborations can be free, but sponsorships may require investment. Significant effort goes into outreach, coordination, and creating high-quality, aligned content. 

Referral Program for Registrations

• What it is: Why do all the work yourself when your attendees can help? A referral program turns them into your unofficial ambassadors.
• How to Execute: For each successful referral, offer rewards like discounts, freebies, or exclusive access to current registrants. Use an automated system to track who referred whom (no messy spreadsheets needed). Promote the program with punchy taglines like, “Bring a friend, earn a perk!” or "Be attentive and earn an incentive!".
• Why it Works: People trust their friends or assurances more than ads. A referral program taps into the natural power of word-of-mouth marketing, expanding your reach organically. Plus, incentives make it a win-win for everyone involved.
• Price and Effort: Low-cost if you use creative, non-monetary rewards (e.g., early access or shoutouts). 

During Event Marketing Strategies

Now, onto the main event! You’ve got the crowd, the energy, and the spotlight, so let’s keep it super high energy. Whether you’re tweeting, posting, or throwing polls, it’s time to bring the party to the digital stage and keep the conversation going. 

Live Social Media Interaction

• What it is: Your virtual event is the party, and social media is the booming dance floor where everyone’s mingling, taking pictures, and making meaningful connections. Keep the music going with live tweeting, Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, and a killer branded hashtag.
• How to Execute: Create a hashtag that’s catchy and easy to remember. Encourage attendees to tag you in their posts and give shoutouts to keep the energy alive. Live stream key moments like keynote speeches or panel highlights to extend the reach.
• Why it Works: It turns your attendees into ambassadors, amplifying the event buzz to their followers and increasing visibility. Plus, a live, interactive feed makes your event feel like the place to be.
• Price and Effort: Free (unless you go for paid ads or boosted posts), with moderate effort for real-time engagement. 

Interactive Polls and User-Generated Content

• What it is: Want attendees to feel like they’re calling the shots? Let them! Interactive polls during the event collect opinions and build excitement. Moreover, you’re creating content in real time, which is great for marketing.
• How to Execute: Ask attendees fun questions like “Who’s the best-dressed speaker?” or “What’s the biggest takeaway so far?” Use platforms like Mentimeter or Slido, and showcase live results on a big screen or your social media. Encourage participants to share their votes with their networks, creating a ripple effect of engagement.
• Why it Works: People love seeing that their input matters. It’s like being part of the inner circle. Plus, you’re gathering data for future content while keeping attendees hooked. Two birds, one stone.
• Price and Effort: Low-cost if using existing tools, with a moderate effort to set up and manage polls.

Exclusive Content for Attendees

• What it is: This is like your virtual event's VIP package. The content is only accessible to those who opt for premium access. It could include exclusive speaker slides, bonus Q&A sessions, or downloadable resources not available to everyone.
• How to Execute: Create tiered ticketing options that highlight the premium perks. Use your event platform to gate access based on ticket type, and promote these exclusive features in your marketing to entice upgrades. Play on the tactic of FOMO (fear of missing out) as it's a powerful motivator.
• Why it Works: Offering premium content adds a layer of exclusivity that elevates the perceived value of your event. It makes attendees feel like insiders and allows you to monetize additional content while catering to different audience segments.
• Price and Effort: Low-cost if repurposing existing material, with a moderate effort to organize and manage tiered access.

Incentivize Participation with Prizes or Giveaways

• What it is: Who doesn’t love free stuff? Whether it’s a gift card, swag, or a surprise prize, giveaways turn passive attendees into active participants.
• How to Execute: Announce prizes throughout the event and reward attendees who engage in polls, quizzes, or chat rooms. Got someone who’s hyping up every session? And boom, he or she is an instant winner.
• Why it Works: It adds a layer of gamification, making the event more dynamic and fun. Attendees stay engaged because everyone loves the thrill of competition.
• Price and Effort: Paid (for prizes), but the effort is low-to-moderate depending on how elaborate the giveaways are.

Offer Event Merchandise

• What it is: Turn your event into a collector’s dream with branded merchandise. It can be t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, or good old-fashioned keychains.
• How to Execute: Set up an online shop or a merchandise booth. Use the designs to create hype before the event and let attendees pre-order. It would be super cool if your merch is trendy enough to be worn outside the event; that way, your event's visibility reaches more people.
• Why it Works: It’s a double win: extra revenue and free advertising when attendees flaunt your merch. Plus, it gives them a tangible memento of an awesome experience.
• Price and Effort: Paid option for attendees, with a moderate effort to design, source, and manage.

Word of Mouth: Social Media Wall

• What it is: Transform your attendees into event evangelists by showcasing their social media posts on a live wall for everyone to see.
• How to Execute: Use tools like Tagboard to pull in posts using your event hashtag. Display this live wall in high-traffic areas like breakout rooms or the main stage.
• Why it Works: Seeing their post up on the big screen motivates attendees to share more. It’s the perfect loop: they post, you showcase, and your event reaches more people.
• Price and Effort: Low-cost (depending on the software), with moderate effort for setup.

Post-Event Marketing Strategies

Event’s over? But your marketing tactics shouldn't stop. It's time to collect the rave reviews, share the highlights, and keep the connections alive. Because if the event was a hit, why let it fade into the background? Here's how you can stop that from happening.

Follow-Up Email Campaigns with Personalized Recommendations

• What it is: Once the virtual event is wrapped up, you must continue the conversation to keep the connections alive. A thoughtful follow-up email campaign is like the encore to a great show. Send event recaps, exclusive resources, and personalized content recommendations to create a strong brand recall. 
• How to Execute: Write a series of follow-up emails that include highlights, speaker materials, or event replays. Use attendee data to personalize recommendations, like suggesting sessions they might’ve missed or materials aligned with their interests. You may also include clear CTAs for surveys, signing up for your next event, or exploring additional resources.
• Why it Works: It extends the event experience, strengthens relationships, and positions you as thoughtful and attentive. Personalization makes attendees feel valued and nurtures them into loyal participants or potential leads.
• Price and Effort: Low-cost if using an existing email marketing platform, with moderate effort for crafting personalized, engaging, and well-timed content.

Social Media Post-Event Engagement

• What it is: Keep the energy alive after your event by sharing highlights, attendee testimonials, speaker quotes, and key takeaways on your social media channels. It’s not just about reliving the event; it’s about extending its reach and impact.
• How to Execute: To execute a strong post-event social media strategy, start by creating a content plan that schedules a series of posts across your platforms, featuring event highlights, video snippets, and behind-the-scenes moments to keep your audience engaged. Leverage your event’s hashtag to group related content and encourage attendees to contribute their own posts. Engage directly with your community by tagging speakers, sponsors, and attendees, amplifying your reach and fostering interaction. Incorporate user-generated content by sharing attendee posts, which adds authenticity and diverse perspectives to your narrative. Finally, cross-promote post-event materials like on-demand recordings, blogs, or photo albums by including clickable links in your posts, driving traffic to valuable resources and extending the event’s impact.
• Why it Works: Social media extends the life of your event by keeping the conversation active and bringing in new audience members who missed the live experience. It also strengthens your brand’s online presence, builds relationships with your community, and sets the stage for your next event.
• Price and Effort: Free (if you manage it in-house), with moderate effort required to create engaging posts, interact with followers, and monitor performance. Consider using scheduling tools to streamline the process and ensure consistent posting.

Maximize Event Impact

Double registration & attendance

Boost engagement by 3.2x

Attendee data and analysis at your fingertips

Book Demo

‍

Collect and Showcase Attendee Testimonials

• What it is: Turn your attendees into your biggest advocates by collecting and sharing their glowing feedback. Think of it as turning their words into your event’s highlight reel.
• How to Execute: Send out an engaging, brief survey immediately after the event to collect feedback and testimonials. Ask specific questions to gather meaningful insights, like what they loved most or how the event benefited them. Then, highlight positive testimonials for future events on your website, social media, or promotional materials.
• Why It Works: It’s a two-for-one deal: you gain valuable insights to improve future events while leveraging positive feedback to build credibility and trust. Seeing real attendee reviews encourages others to join in next time!
• Price and Effort: Free or low-cost (using tools like Google Forms or event software) with low effort required to distribute surveys and share testimonials.

Content Repurposing: Turn Sessions into Micro content

• What it is: This strategy focuses on taking key moments from the event (like talks or panels) and turning them into smaller, shareable pieces (blogs, infographics, clips). 
• How to Execute: Review session recordings to pick out impactful quotes, insights, or moments. Create bite-sized content like 1-minute video clips, tweet-worthy soundbites, or carousel posts. Distribute the content strategically across platforms over time to keep the buzz alive. Use hashtags or link back to the full event resources to drive more engagement.‍
• Why it Works: This strategy stretches the lifespan of your event by keeping the conversation going. Microcontent is snackable, easy to share, and perfect for reaching new audiences who might’ve missed the event. Plus, it reinforces your event’s value to attendees, making them more likely to join the next one.‍
• Price and Effort: Low-cost (if using existing recordings and design tools) with moderate effort for content creation and scheduling.

Check out 6 Clever Ways to Repurpose Virtual Event Content on Remo’s blog for more ideas. 

Offer Event Recordings for Sale or On-demand Access

• What it is: This is the monetization angle, where you charge for access to the full event or specific sessions. Offering event recordings for sale differs from repurposing content since it transforms your event into a revenue-generating asset, allowing you to sell content packages to those who missed it. 
• How to Execute: Edit and categorize sessions into easily digestible modules or full-event packages. Use your website, an e-commerce platform, or an event software to enable secure purchases. Promote access by highlighting the value of the recordings through email campaigns, social media posts, and your website. Offer teaser clips to spark interest. To cater to various audiences, consider offering tiered pricing levels, such as individual sessions, bundles, or full-access passes.
• Why it Works: This approach turns your event into a revenue-generating asset while providing value to those who missed attending live. It’s a win-win—attendees get access to valuable insights, and you create an evergreen product that keeps generating income.
• Price and Effort: Paid (revenue from sales) with moderate effort required to organize content, set up a sales funnel, and market the recordings effectively.

Maximizing Your ROI with Strategic Metrics

• What it is: Measure event success through KPIs (registrations, engagement rates, etc.) to refine and optimize your event marketing for the future. Think of this as your event’s performance report card, showing you what worked and what to improve next time.
• How to Execute: Set clear goals for your event, such as engagement rates, registrations, conversion rates, or post-event actions. Leverage Google Analytics, virtual event platform metrics, or social media insights to track and analyze data. Regularly assess performance to identify areas for improvement and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly for future events.
• Why it Works: Tracking KPIs ensures that your marketing efforts are working towards your business goals. It provides valuable insights that help you refine your strategies and improve ROI over time.
• Price and Effort: Free or low-cost (depending on the tools used), with high effort required for data collection, analysis, and strategy adjustments.

For more information, read Top Virtual Event Metrics to Measure Event Success and Demonstrate ROI on our blog.

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From Virtual to Viral: Virtual Marketing Strategies for an Event Unforgettable 

To sum it up, virtual event marketing is about creating a journey that captivates your audience from start to finish. From building excitement before the event kicks off to keeping the conversation going long after it ends, these tactics will help you create an experience people actually remember.

Ready to bring it all together? Host your next event on Remo, where every interaction is seamless, every connection is real, and every moment counts. Book a demo with the Remo let’s turn your event into something remarkable.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual Event Marketing Strategies for Every Event Stage

1.How can I stand out in a crowded virtual event market?
Be creative! Use interactive elements like live polls, virtual booths, and behind-the-scenes content to captivate attendees before and during the event. Personalized invitations and sneak peek content can also create a buzz long before the event kicks off.

2.What’s the secret to creating a seamless attendee experience during a virtual event?
Choose an easy-to-use platform, ensure clear schedules, and offer real-time support. Interactive features like Q&As and polls keep attendees engaged.

3.How do I turn post-event data into a marketing advantage?Don’t just collect data—use it! Post-event analytics can provide insights into what worked, what didn’t, and where there’s room to grow. You can segment this data to create tailored follow-up campaigns, recommend content based on attendees' interests, and analyze feedback to improve future events.