Introduction to LinkedIn Events
LinkedIn Events is a game-changer for professionals looking to connect, learn, and grow their network. But what exactly are LinkedIn Events? Think of them as virtual gatherings where professionals can come together, share insights, and build relationships – all from the comfort of their own devices.
The benefits of using LinkedIn Events for virtual events are numerous. For starters, they’re pandemic-proof, allowing you to host events regardless of physical restrictions. Plus, they’re free to create and attend, making them accessible to everyone. As Alex Rodriguez, a LinkedIn marketing expert, often says, “LinkedIn Events are like having a global conference room at your fingertips.”
Creating a LinkedIn Event
Setting up a LinkedIn Event is a breeze. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Go to your LinkedIn homepage and click on the “Events” tab
- Click “Create event”
- Fill in the event details, including name, date, time, and description
- Choose your event type (public or private)
- Add a cover image and any relevant speakers
- Click “Create” and voila! Your event is live
When choosing your event type, consider your goals. Public events are great for brand awareness and reaching a wider audience, while private events work well for exclusive, targeted gatherings.
Pre-launch promotion is key to success. Share your event on your company page, personal profile, and relevant LinkedIn groups. Don’t forget to leverage your email list and other social media platforms to maximize reach.
Engaging with Attendees
The magic of LinkedIn Events lies in the engagement opportunities. During the event, make full use of the event feed and chat features. Encourage attendees to introduce themselves, share insights, and ask questions. As one attendee of a recent Gartner LinkedIn Event shared, “The real-time interaction made me feel like I was at an in-person conference!”
Speaker participation is crucial. Invite your speakers to engage in the chat, answer questions, and even share behind-the-scenes content. This personal touch can significantly boost attendee satisfaction.
Post-event engagement is where many event organizers drop the ball. Don’t make this mistake! Use the event feed to share key takeaways, ask for feedback, and keep the conversation going. LinkedIn’s event analytics provide valuable insights into attendee demographics and engagement levels, helping you refine your future events.
LinkedIn Events for Growth Hacking
LinkedIn Events aren’t just for hosting – they’re a goldmine for growth hacking. One clever tactic is to scrape LinkedIn Events for connections. By attending relevant events in your industry, you gain access to a list of like-minded professionals. It’s like having a curated list of potential leads handed to you on a silver platter!
When reaching out to these new connections, mentioning the shared event experience can be a great icebreaker. As Alex Rodriguez often advises, “Shared experiences create instant rapport. Use that to your advantage in your outreach messages.”
If you’re hosting your own event, set yourself up for success by choosing a compelling topic, securing engaging speakers, and promoting heavily. Remember, a successful event can position you as a thought leader in your industry and open doors to new opportunities.
Best Practices and Examples
When it comes to LinkedIn Event Ads, less is often more. Keep your ad copy concise and compelling, focusing on the value attendees will gain. Use eye-catching visuals that align with your brand and event theme.
Looking for inspiration? Take a leaf out of Microsoft’s book. They used LinkedIn Events to host a series of AI-focused webinars, perfectly aligning with their brand image as a tech innovator. Or consider how The Wharton School leverages LinkedIn Events for thought leadership, hosting live Q&A sessions with industry experts.
For talent branding, Cisco’s “Love Where You Work” series is a prime example. They use LinkedIn Events to showcase their company culture and attract top talent. It’s a win-win: potential employees get an inside look at the company, while Cisco boosts its employer brand.
FAQs
- Can I charge for LinkedIn Events?
LinkedIn doesn’t have a built-in ticketing system, but you can link to an external ticketing platform. - How many people can attend a LinkedIn Event?
There’s no set limit, but consider your ability to manage and engage with attendees effectively. - Can I use third-party streaming tools with LinkedIn Events?
Yes, you can use tools like Zoom or Webex by adding the streaming link to your event details. - How far in advance should I create my LinkedIn Event?
Aim for at least 2-3 weeks to allow time for promotion and attendee sign-ups. - Can I see who’s viewed my LinkedIn Event?
You can see who’s responded to your event, but not who’s viewed it without responding. - How can I measure the success of my LinkedIn Event?
Use LinkedIn’s built-in analytics to track attendance, engagement, and demographic information.