How to make Corporate events fun using Digital Marketing Tools?

As young Marketeers, we might have to run events and handle Digital Media for them. Here's putting together what can make your Corporate event look very cool on your Social channels

I recently took care of Digital Marketing for a corporate event and that's when i explored a couple of Marketing tools that let you single-handedly (This is true for an event not expecting more than 100-200 people)run your promotions in a fun way with ease For bigger events, you might need a hand or two.

All you will need is a computer (for ease), a Mobile phone equipped with a good Camera and Internet!

I chose Twitter as my central platform. We created a nice little hashtag that was relevant to our event and started getting people aware of it prior to the event. What can be done differently on the day of the event? Here are a couple of them i tried my hands on

1. Audio Boo - As people enter your event venue, you could get sound bytes from them. Yes, just like those fancy Movie functions. Now, Audio Boo is a great tool that lets you record sound bytes, include a picture and have them directly posted onto your social media handles. These sound bytes can be played from the very post. The best part is, you can get all of this done using one single tool. You may also choose to record sound bytes from your phone and upload them here. This is a very easy to use tool. It's free and all you need to do is sync your Twitter profile here/login

2. TweetWally - Now that you have encouraged your employees to tweet LIVE from the event, you might want them to see that appear on your feed Real time. TweetWally is yet another impressive tool that lets you do just that. Configure your Twitter profile here and choose your options like, what kind of tweets you want up there. For example, you may choose to display all tweets with #BigData2015 There are also a few interesting combinations (of exceptions) you can key in. Once you have your Tweet wall ready, you just project it on your event screen.

                                     

3. piZap - Images are the most appealing when it comes to posting live updates from events. Sometimes, it's hard to pick the best instantly. In that case, our age-old "Collage" is the best option. While there are many tools that let you make collages, PizAp is my pick! No signing up, no cost. Also, it's just too easy to use. There are different layouts you can choose from (a lot of them). You can also quickly edit each of your pictures here. It's the best tool when you need to be on your feet, updating pictures from the event 

4. Canva - This is the best tool i discovered in 2014. It has been my favorite ever since. When it comes to events,you might want to make instant posts for your social media channels, be it, Invitations, Header Images, Display Pictures and others. One thing most Digital Marketeers suffer from, is getting the dimensions right! Not always can you have a designer seated next to you to help you out. Canva can be that guy for you. Choose what you need, upload your picture and fit it into the frame. Voila! your post is ready to be shipped! Canva has several other options, that you might want to explore even after you are done with your event . Designing a flyer, a Business Card, Google+ cover and so much more is just a click away with Canva! The "Design School" element of Canva offers great learning to Marketeers who have an eye for design

There are many other tools serving similar purposes. But, with these tools, Speed is the essence, while you are operating LIVE from the event venue. You should try them too! Feedback is welcome.

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. It is an outcome of my experience and search for useful tools.

The Social Media Dilemma

Digital is a big thing now. Every business is looking at Digital, because their customers are there. It's become a touch point you cannot ignore. But i always end up thinking some brands just over do it, especially when it comes to social media. 
In my opinion, there are two primary reasons for why you, as a business may choose to go the social media route (unless you are promoting films or events, for whom promotions are essential, given their short lived digital presence)

1. You are a brick and mortar player wanting to share news and updates about your business, assets, workplace, employee culture, work culture, etc. You do this so that when the customer is looking for you, he can find you all decked up and follow you - Brand Awareness is the objective here
2. You are an e-commerce player and social media is your playground. This is one of your digital ways to get business. Lead Generation is the objective here

It's good to know which one's your category. There could also be an overlap sometimes. What's common to both of them is that they have a clear objective. When you don't have a clear objective, Social Media gets overdone. We always end up counting the number of likes, shares, followers and what not, because getting those numbers to spike  makes us look good right? No! Making sure you have a relevant and efficient touch point built for your customer is the agenda. Think about it. Recently, i got asked by a friend to suggest a few social media campaign ideas for a Milk brand. It was fun doing it. But, when was the last time you heard someone buy milk because the brand had a fun campaign on their Facebook page? That's exactly what i am talking about. 

I opine that Category 1 (the Brand Awareness guys) should be more honest and simple in their digital content. Keep letting people know about you and hear them out too. 
Focus should be on your business. If what you do is good, people will like you and talk about you. Yes, you become newsworthy. I am not judging, but who got us into believing that you should keep posting updates and running campaigns just for the sake of it? Is it because a lot of others are doing it? We know of organizations that do not even have official social media pages and we still see people talking about them. So, i am just asking you. Why are we over doing it? 

In Category 2 (the Lead Generation guys) digital should focus on showing how different their product/service is. The difference could be big or small, local or global in nature. But, there is always someone looking for it. That's why your business started in the first place right? So, base all your updates, campaigns and contests around this simple truth. Also, give customers enough opportunities to tell you what they think about you. Positive Testimonials will grab more business and negatives will help you improve.

You either do 1 or 2. Instead, if  you try to throw carrots at people through random contests, remember they are there only for your carrots and will leave soon. Social Media is a great touch point. However, it's just one of the touch points. Invest only as much as you can handle. Let me know what you think about this post. Have a happy new year ahead :)