Event Planning - Marketing (Part IV)

Website

There are numerous simple and affordable - even cost-free - methods available to establish an online presence for your event.

• Use a free bog service, such as Bogger.com or Wordpress.com

• Consider utilizing an event registration platform like Eventbrite.com. These platforms are usually free for events with no admission fee, or they may charge a small percentage for ticketed events.

• Choose from over 100 affordable web hosting services. Each one provides website templates and user-friendly software for customizing your site according to your requirements.

What are the key elements of a website?

When creating an events page or website, it is important to include details such as the event's purpose, date, time, location, and information about the hosts or organizing entity. If there is an admission fee, it is advisable to provide an online payment option. Additionally, consider including photos from past events or related images to enhance the page.

What are the rules of thumb for website look and feel?

If you are not a professional web designer, don't have access to one, or lack the time to dedicate to your event's website, it is advisable to choose a straightforward design. Moreover, make sure that your website aligns with the overall look of your event by incorporating uniform colors, fonts, and complementary visual elements.

What are the rules of thumb for content?

• Keep content valid and original

• Keep content current

• Keep paragraphs short

• Do not indent paragraphs - left-justify and put a space between them

• Avoid empty copy - provide value or nothing

• Provide a mechanism for responses

• Do not over-punctuate

• Use relevant images

• Include hyperlinks

• Understand your audience

• Spell check and proofread

• Write so a ten-year-old will understand

• Use the same voice

• Use bulleted lists

What are the common mistakes?

• Trying to do too much/trying to get too fancy

• Forgetting essential information

• Not testing your site on all devices, to ensure that it appears the way you want it.

• Forgetting to provide a way to give feedback

Unique issues for event websites

• Provide a way to register/pay for the event

• Give directions to the event

• Recognize sponsors appropriately

Spence, Sean. Eventology: Lessons from 20 Years of Event Planning. Purple Squirrel Productions LLC. Kindle Edition.