How do you engage your online audience before, during and after your live event?

1 Choose the right platform

Before you launch your online event, you need to choose the right platform that suits your needs and goals. There are many online ticketing platforms for live events, such as Eventbrite, Ticketmaster, or ShowTix4U, that offer different features and benefits. Some factors to consider are the cost, the ease of use, the security, the analytics, and the customer support. You also need to make sure that the platform is compatible with your streaming service, such as Zoom, YouTube, or Vimeo, and that it can handle the expected traffic and bandwidth.

2 Promote your event

Once you have your platform set up, you need to promote your event to your target audience and generate some buzz. You can use social media, email marketing, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or any other channels that you have access to. You can also create a hashtag, a landing page, a trailer, or a teaser to showcase your event and entice people to buy tickets. You can also offer discounts, incentives, or giveaways to encourage early bookings and referrals.

3 Interact with your audience

During your live event, you want to keep your audience engaged and immersed in your theatrical production. You can do this by interacting with them through chat, polls, Q&A, or live reactions. You can also invite them to participate in some activities, such as games, quizzes, or challenges, that relate to your event theme or content. You can also use some tools, such as Slido, Mentimeter, or Kahoot, to create interactive slides, surveys, or trivia. You can also have some moderators or hosts to facilitate the interaction and keep the conversation going.

4 Enhance your production value

Another way to engage your online audience is to enhance your production value and deliver a high-quality and professional live event. You can do this by using good equipment, such as cameras, microphones, lights, and sound systems, and by testing them beforehand. You can also use some software, such as OBS Studio, StreamYard, or Ecamm Live, to add some effects, transitions, overlays, or graphics to your stream. You can also have some backup plans, such as pre-recorded segments, backup devices, or alternative platforms, in case of technical glitches or interruptions.

5 Follow up with your audience

After your live event, you want to follow up with your audience and thank them for attending. You can also ask them for feedback, reviews, or testimonials, and use them to improve your future events or to promote your brand. You can also offer them some bonuses, such as recordings, transcripts, slides, or resources, that they can access after the event. You can also invite them to join your community, such as a Facebook group, a Discord server, or a newsletter, where you can keep in touch with them and inform them about your upcoming events or projects.

6 Keep the momentum going

Finally, you want to keep the momentum going and maintain your online audience's interest and loyalty. You can do this by creating some content, such as blogs, podcasts, videos, or social media posts, that relate to your event topic or theme. You can also share some behind-the-scenes stories, insights, or tips that showcase your expertise and personality. You can also collaborate with other producers, performers, or influencers in your niche and cross-promote your events or products. You can also plan your next event and announce it to your audience in advance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?