EVENTS – Promoting virtual events
planning a virtual event this term, how can you make it stand out?
Put all your information
in one place Create a single area containing all your event information. Providing a place where visitors can see what’s happening and how it will work means people will be more likely to participate. Cassie Chantrey, chair of the Friends of Romiley Primary School (FRPS) in Stockport (464 pupils) joined the Friends group two years ago in order to help raise its digital profi le.
‘One of the fi rst things I looked
at was creating a PTA website,’ she says. ‘It works well as a central point for information that everyone can access, while being a place for us to direct parents for more details when we send messages out via the school.’ Free website builders include
Event marketing can be diffi cult to get right, but a strong promotional strategy for your next virtual event could make all the difference
Promoting your virtual event
A
lthough virtual events have been around for a while, it wasn’t until last year that PTAs began holding them
regularly. As well as being socially distant, a virtual event has fewer set-up costs and can be cheaper and easier to run – ideal when parents are stretched to the limit. But with the more traditional
forms of communication such as noticeboards and posters becoming near-redundant, the existence of your virtual event can simply get
lost in the daily deluge of online communications. So it’s worth putting some extra energy into promotions to ensure success. As with a physical event, decide
what you want to achieve, then plan how to accomplish it. Is your event about raising funds, or do you want to encourage participation? Promoting events online is simple to do, often free, and means information can be easily updated – crucial in this time of ever- changing regulations. If you’re
WordPress and Wix, although fees may apply for hosting or advanced features. Alternatively, use an online ticketing platform (see feature on p33) or ask if you can have your own section on your school’s website. To get people’s attention, make
your event page stand out by including eye-catching graphics, photos or video, and avoid using too many links to external websites. As well as explaining your offering, don’t forget to add the essential information that attendees will
need, including: ● date and time of the event ● approximate schedule ● event sign-up and payment links When writing your copy,
emphasise the most compelling features you think will draw in your audience. Remember who you’re writing for and think about your tone of voice. If more than one person is writing for you, brief them on the overall message and key points.
How to direct people
to your event Social media Create a good feeling in your school community by regularly posting and interacting across your social media channels. ‘It isn’t just about
pta.co.uk SUMMER 2021 47
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