Whether you’re hosting a wedding or a conference, you can benefit from having a website for your event. You can increase awareness for your event and build anticipation more effectively with a website. A special event website will also give you more freedom and flexibility with messaging. You can easily change and update information as needed to let your guests and participants know what’s happening.
Increased Awareness
Sharing your event on social media is an effective way to increase attendance, but not everyone is active on social media. Creating a Facebook event is a great way to generate interest in your event, but what about people who aren’t regular Facebook users? With a website, everyone with an internet connection will have access to your event website. They don’t need to create a social media account or profile to view a website.
You can reach more people if you have a searchable website. Conduct keyword research relevant to your event to add to your website. By including relevant keywords with high search volume on your site, you can reach search engine users who wouldn’t have found your event on social media. You can also take advantage of location-based and local keywords like “local events” or “things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh” on your website to get your community involved in your event. Optimize your event website for search engines to increase awareness and attendees.
Flexible Messaging
Maybe you think adding a notice about your event to an existing website is sufficient, but it’s more likely to get overlooked among your existing content. With a website dedicated to one specific event, you can have a single focus for your event message with a clear call to action. A separate website for your event allows you to tailor your message to a more targeted audience. Your event website may target a specific region or a slightly narrower audience than your main site, which likely has a broader appeal and more general messaging.
An event website not only allows more flexibility, but it also simplifies communication for you and your attendees. Instead of emailing all of your guests every time there’s an update or change, you can just share a link to your event site. That way all you have to do is keep your event website updated. You don’t have to worry about organizing email lists and writing various emails. You can just send everyone the same link and they can refer to your website as needed.
Having a central place for event information will give your guests a better experience as well. You can include all of the necessary planning info to help them prepare and manage expectations for the event. If you’re expecting people to attend from out of town where they may need a place to stay, you can include local hotels and room rates on your site along with a schedule of activities.
Creating an Event Website
Creating an event website is easy as long as you have the right tools and include all of the necessary information. The first step to launching a successful event website is to register a domain name. Then, you should use a site builder like Weebly or WordPress to design and publish your website.
While designing your site, here are some key details to include:
1. Your Name and Logo
Your website header should include an image with your organization’s name and logo as well as the name of your event. This will orient people who reach your event site from social media or a search engine. Seeing your logo will tell them they’re in the right place and give your event site more credibility.
The website header is the first thing people will see when they arrive at your event website. You want to make a good first impression so, make sure your image represents your event well. It should complement the rest of your site and give people an idea about what kind of event you’re hosting.
2. Event Time and Location
One of the most important parts of planning an event is making sure everyone knows where it is and when to show up. So, be sure to include when and where the event will take place. It doesn’t hurt to include bus or driving directions and parking instructions either. Giving attendees as much information as possible beforehand will make the day of your event go smoothly.
3. Additional Event Details
Is there anything else your guests should know before they arrive? If it’s outdoors, let them know what kind of weather to plan for. If it’s a wedding or other social gathering, let them what the dress code is. A schedule of activities is also important information to include on your event website. Guests who are arriving from out of town may appreciate information about local hotels and room rates too. You should include any details that will make attending your event easier for your guests on your website.
4. Call-To-Action
Don’t forget to ask people to RSVP so you know how many to expect at your event. Whether registration is free or not, it’s important to have people commit to attending. When designing your website, make sure your CTA button is easy to find.
5. Share Button
Last, you can generate more traffic for your event website with a share button. This will make it easier for your attendees to share your event with other people who might be interested. Including a simple way to share your event information will remind them to invite others and increase awareness for your event.
Build your event website today with the easy-to-use Weebly website builder! Get started here!
