COMMUNICATING ON A SHOESTRING: 5 TOP TIPS!

The smartphone user represents the bulk of the new generation of audiences who challenge us to fully embrace the digital age to fit in with their busy lifestyles. In this current climate, it is even more imperative to find the best platform/s  to communicate short term and long terms goals. Companies that fail to deliver their messages and keep in touch with their audiences or consumers risk being margalised and left behind.

So, how can clients communicate and deliver their strategies in a low cost option we hear you ask?

1. Build a fully branded on-line community with expert speakers detailing growing trends, product updates and even updating on good practice is a recipe for success. Combining live events, tutorials, video podcasts and free social media strategy is the key. There is also the opportunity to raise additional revenue and sponsorship through pay-per viewing of events and podcasts on your website. Even with virtual .. the little things still matter and creative ways to enable people to “bump” into each other can really add a new.

2. Hybrid events are unique and invaluable as they combine the merits of having a small live audience of 10-20 taking place in an office, studio or free venue which creates a sense of occasion and live networking with eco-benefits of web broadcasting to a pre-invited web audiences ranging from  50 to 1000’s. With our v-communicator, remote audiences can see presentation live through video technology and be active through interactive tools such as voting, opinion polls, ask the facilitator and even connect to wider social media audience through live twitter updates. A tailored approach and intense focus on communications strategy for the year ahead means these virtual events can really grow and support your community or expert group. The post-event video archive for your website is  available at no extra charge beats a conference report hands down!

3. Social Media – Utilise the power of this platform to really engage with your audiences and learn more about your target group through 2 way non-intrusive communication. Create a new expert group on linked in or for instance  or through video sharing sites such as Tube Mogul release your video through a range of platforms with the touch of a single button. For real exposure and a whole new connection experience –  Don’t think local go global!

4. The WOW of video podcasts – Strong impact to provide a “Window On your World”, change opinions and show visually the results or case study! Producing video podacasts or video blogs and testimonials  improves your website ranking by at least 50% and provides real visual examples with greater exposure. Again potential to raise revenue through pay-per view and attract sponsors through greater exposure so win win scenario!

5. Be Streets Ahead  in creating immersive event by taking inspiration from  social gaming trends. Interact/research your audiences in a fun manner through voting technology and texting facilities for instant evaluation. Also a new emerging trend  to watch out for are QR codes  which are being added to badges worldwide and allow exchange of data via smart phones through barcode recognition. This technology is still evolving but is likely to be fully integrated in the marketplace by 2012.. Will it see the end of a business card or a physical badge? You decide.

To conclude event apps and voting technology is changing the way delegates interpret events. Need further advice on how to utilise iphones and ipads to aid interaction on your subject matter, we would be happy to help.
Look out for our next blog – ipad 2 how will it change live events as we know it?