What To Do And What To Avoid When Hosting An eLearning Event
Think of an eLearning event as an open invitation. As any experienced host will tell you, a well-planned soiree doesn't begin when guests show up at the door. It starts the moment they receive their invite. As such, your eLearning event announcement must reflect the tone and message of your eLearning seminar, webinar, or conference. Every detail should align with your brand image and give guests an amazing first impression. Here are the top 6 do's and 4 don’ts for hosting an eLearning event and promoting it online.
Hosting An eLearning Event: What To Do
1. Proofread Your eLearning Event Announcement
eLearning events should be error-free. Proofreading might be a chore, but it is well worth it in the end. The events editorial staff does NOT revise eLearning event announcements prior to publication. As such, it's the host's responsibility to check for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes before submitting the eLearning event announcement. Also, try to avoid technical jargon, unless you are going to define industry-specific terms in the body of your eLearning event announcement.
2. Verify All Your Facts And Stats
Every detail you include in your eLearning event announcement should be accurate and verified if necessary. For example, a fact or statistic that stresses the benefits of attending your function. Again, the eLearning event provider is responsible for all information contained within the eLearning event announcement. You should also verify that you hold the intellectual property rights for all of your content. If you use a quote, credit the source. In some cases, you may have to obtain written consent.
3. Incorporate Links
Links make it easy for readers to visit your site and learn more about the eLearning event. Instead of searching the web for pertinent details, they can simply click through to ask questions or sign up. Bear in mind that all links must be active and contain the proper extensions. This includes: jpeg, png, gif, tiff, bmp, pdf, doc*,xl*, ps, rtf, ppt, mpeg, mp3, and mov. In addition, use links sparingly to avoid oversaturation. Ideally, your eLearning event announcement should contain 2 links maximum.
4. Include eLearning Event Highlights And Benefits
People are looking for an eLearning event that helps them achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle. As such, your eLearning event announcement should include all of the pertinent details they need to decide if your function is right for them. Be clear about the benefits your eLearning event can offer them and which topics you'll discuss. You need to be completely transparent about WHY they should attend the eLearning event and what they'll be able to do after the fact. For example, they'll have the skills and information they need to create eLearning courses.
5. Get Your Guests Involved
During the eLearning event, encourage your guests to actively participate by asking questions, soliciting feedback, and incorporating collaboration activities. This keeps them fully engaged. Rather than listening to a lecture, they have the opportunity to interact with their peers and explore the subject matter. For online eLearning events, you can use simulations, scenarios or serious games to actively engage your attendees.
6. Follow-Up After The eLearning Event
A host's duties don't stop when the eLearning event comes to a close. In fact, you can improve future eLearning events and turn attendees into loyal customers or clients by following up. Reach out to your attendees via social media or email and ask them to complete a survey. You also have the chance to share future eLearning events and promote your eLearning products and services directly. For instance, past attendees may be interested in new software that your company is now offering.
Hosting An eLearning Event: What To Avoid
1. Don't Turn It Into A Sales Gimmick
Readers are less likely to become attendees if gimmicks are involved. For this reason, your eLearning event should be free of inaccurate or exaggerated claims. Avoid using terms like "FREE" or "guaranteed" in your eLearning event. Read it aloud before submitting to ensure that it sounds more like an invitation than a sales pitch.
2. Don't Overstuff Your Event With Keywords
Overstuffing is one of the most popular Black Hat SEO techniques. However, it can get you in trouble with search engines or damage your online reputation. eLearning events have the power to drive traffic to your site on their own. Thus, there's no need to resort to unethical SEO tactics. That being said, it's perfectly acceptable to use keywords in moderation to attract your target audience. The same rules apply to links.
3. Don't Make False Promises
Attendees have signed up for your eLearning event for a reason. These reasons vary, depending on their personal needs and goals. Your eLearning event highlights the benefits that attendees can expect to receive. By the end of the eLearning event, they should walk out of the venue knowing that you upheld that promise. Every aspect of your eLearning event announcement must be 100% accurate and realistic. There is no room for exaggerations or falsehoods just to get readers to RSVP. Keep in mind that a successful eLearning event can enhance your credibility, but not if it contains false promises.
4. Don't Discuss Explicit Or Prohibited Topics
eLearning events should NEVER contain sexually explicit or mature content. This includes event X-rated products, services, or events. It must also be free of links that lead to explicit sites or blogs. eLearning Industry DOES NOT accept eLearning event announcements that contain these topics:
- Third party legal content
- Market research reports or studies
- Online gambling sites (includes fantasy sports betting sites)
- Streaming video publication sites (unless you have permission from the creator)
- Payday loan sites
- Stock or trading tips
- Pharmaceutical sites
- Weight loss programs
- Health or sexual enhancement supplements
- Malicious, threatening, or offensive topics
- Money-making schemes
- Illegal mobile device unlocking services
- Academic writing services (research papers, essays, etc)
Use these eLearning marketing and hosting tips to make your next eLearning event engaging, entertaining, and one-of-a-kind. Remember, your eLearning event announcement gives attendees their first glimpse of what's in store. So make it count!
Do you need some help promoting your upcoming eLearning event? Market your eLearning event through eLearning Industry to be seen by over 500,000 readers per month.
