What is Digital Engagement?

Americans live in a time of polarized politics – and that's easy to see on social media. Although the ability to express one's beliefs has begun to feel more like a right than a privilege, some feel their views are being censored, and have even begun seeking a conservative alternative to Facebook.

The Current Throne of Social Media

In many ways, a reaction to Facebook's dominance makes sense. Maybe it was even inevitable. According to parent company Meta, about 2 billion people use the platform every day, making it the leading social network overall and the biggest in the U.S., with over 63% of the population 13 or older using it. That's about 210 million Americans, and with its huge potential reach, Facebook has to regulate what gets posted – which has become a politically sensitive proposition.

What is the Role of a Social Media Company?

Most policies are intended to counteract disinformation and silence hate speech, which most Americans agree is important. But then the question becomes, "what is disinformation and hate speech?" As a result, many American conservatives believe Facebook has gone too far. 

Posts by influential right-wing commentators have been flagged, and users have been suspended – or even de-platformed altogether – with some accusing Facebook of putting its thumb on the scale of democracy. Add in nagging privacy and security issues, and many have left Facebook, searching for something… different. 

Lucky for them, a whole parallel social-media universe has sprung up.

Top 5 options when looking for a Conservative Alternative to Facebook.

1. Parler

This whole "conservative alternative to Facebook" thing didn't come from nowhere … it started with Parler. Purpose-built in 2018 and described as an "unbiased alternative to mainstream social networks," Parler first became widely popular in 2020, just as Facebook policies changed. It was then banned by Apple, Google, and Amazon stores, killing some of its momentum. But now it's back with stricter content controls and has about 15 million users, which tends to spike during election cycles.

• The "OG" of conservative platforms
• Focused on free sharing of non-mainstream news and opinion
• Users say its more restrictive than it lets on

2. Rumble

Rumble launched in Canada in 2013 and has now become a conservative favorite for video sharing à la YouTube. Users can share video content without restriction – and even monetize it, which Facebook doesn't allow. The platform experienced an influx of users after the 2020 election and now claims 80 million users, most of whom were referred from Parler after it was temporarily suspended.

• Unrestricted content sharing 
• Large, politically active user base 
• Can monetize your content

3. Gab

Next up is Gab, which launched in 2017 as just another social network, but has grown to become a home for the "outcasts" of the mainstream. A microblogging site similar to Twitter, many users arrive on Gab after being banned by other networks, drawn to the site's promotion of "free speech," "individual liberty," "free flow of information online," and Christian values. Detractors call it a haven for extremism, racism, conspiracy nuts, and antisemites, claiming it plays a role in growing radicalization.

• Can publish posts, chat, create private groups, read conservative news, and even shop 
• Fierce devotion to "freedom of expression"
• A reputation that makes it attractive to extremists, hate speech

4. MeWe

MeWe is an exciting option in the conservative alternative to Facebook world. It's not explicitly described as "conservative" in any way, but does have a value proposition that aligns well with many conservative values. Billing itself as the "anti" Facebook, MeWe allows for posting, groups, and other social must-haves with no ads, no data targeting, no political bias,, and no news feed manipulation. It currently boasts about 20 million users.

• Posting, news, groups, personal chats, user tagging, and a two-way camera for video chats
• Hands off approach to user data
• Doesn't gather user info (or sell it to China)

5. Truth

Finally, we come to Truth Social. Launched in 2022 by former U.S. President Donald Trump, it is a direct response to the removal of certain conservative users from other platforms – including the former President himself. Purpose-built as an "uncensored" alternative to Twitter and Facebook, Truth aims to allow for free expression, and offers most of the familiar social media features you are used to, but has at times been accused of censorship itself. It's also small for now, with only about 2 million users, but it's the only place to be if you're looking to keep up with Trump.

• First and only social media platform started by a former president 
• Created as a purpose-built conservative alternative to Facebook 
• Can post Truths and share "ReTruth," as well as video content

If you want a conservative alternative to Facebook, these are just a few of the many options out there – and the field keeps growing all the time. Whether you're looking to bring your users into one platform where you own the data and monetization or just want a new social media environment. For users worried about their views being unfairly censored or silenced, it seems free speech is alive and well.
 

Get Started With Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful platform in the long term. Cause Machine helps customers build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We’re certain that you’ll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here.

The dawn of the digital era has ushered in an array of opportunities for organizations to connect with their audiences, stakeholders, and communities in virtual spaces. Online virtual events and marketing have emerged as powerful tools to transcend geographical boundaries and create engaging experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. However, mastering the art of virtual events and digital marketing entails a blend of strategic planning, creative execution, and adept utilization of technological platforms. This guide unveils eight key tips to navigate the digital stage and orchestrate successful online virtual events and marketing campaigns.

Whether you are a seasoned digital maestro or venturing into the virtual realm for the first time, these insights will equip you with the essential knowledge to create, promote, and analyze virtual events that captivate audiences and amplify your message in the digital domain. The subsequent sections delve into a curated ensemble of strategies, each playing a crucial role in harmonizing your online event and marketing symphony. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this digital odyssey to master the art of online virtual events and marketing.
 

Three-Stage Planning

Consider the event planning process in three stages: Pre-event, during the event, and post-event. The Pre-event stage is the cornerstone where meticulous planning takes place. It includes content creation which could range from blog posts, and videos to social media snippets, and email marketing to build anticipation and awareness among prospective attendees.

The During event stage is where the real action happens. It's crucial to focus on attendee engagement through interactive sessions, Q&A, and robust live-streaming production to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the attendees. The Post-event stage is about capitalizing on the momentum generated during the event. This stage includes sending out follow-up emails to attendees, collecting feedback for insights on areas of improvement, and thorough analysis to measure the success and ROI of the event. Each stage, with its unique focus, contributes to the overarching success and impact of the virtual event.

Brand Your Event

Branding is the magic wand that can set your virtual event apart in a sea of online interactions. A well-branded event resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression. It's essential to create a multi-faceted marketing plan encompassing a dedicated website or landing page, social media campaigns, email marketing, partnerships, and paid media to create a buzz. An eye-catching, easy-to-navigate website or landing page for your event, a save-the-date email, a well-orchestrated social media plan, and an advance announcement of your agenda or event programming are crucial steps in building the brand of your virtual event. Each branding element should echo the core message and values of the event, creating a cohesive and memorable brand experience.

Social Media Campaigns

Utilize social media to keep your event top of mind. Social media is a powerhouse for keeping your event top of mind among your target audience. A well-strategized social media campaign could include posting 3-4 ads per week, owning a unique hashtag (consider running a contest around it to boost engagement), using keywords in captions to create buzz, and maintaining a consistent yet dynamic design across your campaigns.

Employing A/B testing can provide valuable insights into what resonates with your audience, allowing for informed decisions to enhance the effectiveness of future campaigns. Each social media post is a ripple in the digital pond, potentially creating waves of engagement and anticipation for your event.

The 5 Ps of Event Planning

Adhere to the guiding principles of event planning: Plan, People, Process, Performance, and Post-Event. These principles remain vital whether you're marketing live or virtual events. Your event marketing plan is the blueprint of what you want to achieve. Your event marketing plan is the blueprint, detailing the objectives, target audience, marketing strategies, and metrics for success.

People are the heart of your event—understanding your audience and having a dedicated team to execute the plan is crucial. The Process involves the steps and technology required to bring your event to life. Performance is about ensuring the event runs smoothly and meets its objectives. The Post-Event phase is your window to analyze the event’s success, gather feedback, and plan for future events. Adhering to these guiding principles is pivotal in orchestrating successful live or virtual events.

Audience Engagement

Audience engagement is the lifeblood of a successful virtual event. It's imperative to have plans to keep your audience engaged throughout the event. According to a study by Markletic, 49% of marketers believe that audience engagement is the most significant factor for a successful event. Creating interactive sessions, Q&A segments, and providing networking opportunities are some strategies to foster engagement. The essence of engagement lies in creating a two-way dialogue, making attendees feel valued and a part of the event rather than mere spectators. It could also include follow-up with common email marketing tools.

Interactive Elements

Interactive elements are the spices in the recipe for a successful virtual event. Incorporating features like polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities not only keeps the audience engaged but also adds value to their experience. These elements foster a sense of community, stimulate discussions, and provide a platform for attendees to share insights and connect with each other and the hosts.

Ensuring your virtual event software supports these interactive features is crucial to delivering an engaging and memorable event experience

Promotion Across Channels

Promote your virtual event across multiple channels including email, social media, your website, and through partnerships to reach a wider audience and create buzz. Promoting your virtual event across multiple channels is akin to casting a wide net to reach a broader audience. Employing a mix of email marketing, social media promotion, website banners, and partnerships can create a buzz around your event.

Tailoring your promotional messages to resonate with the specific audience on each channel and creating shareable content can amplify the reach and anticipation for your event. A well-rounded promotion strategy ensures your event garners the attention and attendance it deserves, setting the stage for a successful virtual gathering.

Post-Event Analysis

The post-event analysis is your compass to navigate the success and areas of improvement for your virtual event. Collecting feedback from attendees provides firsthand insights into what worked well and what didn’t. Reviewing analytics such as attendee numbers, engagement rates, and session attendance provides a quantitative measure of success. Identifying areas for improvement and documenting lessons learned are invaluable for refining your strategies for future events. The post-event analysis phase is an opportunity for reflection, learning, and planning.

The digital realm offers a vast stage for organizations to connect with audiences, promote causes, and foster community. Mastering online virtual events and marketing in this domain necessitates a blend of strategic planning, engaging content, and adept utilization of various digital channels. The tips provided herein serve as a navigational compass, guiding you through the essentials of orchestrating successful virtual events and marketing campaigns. With a firm grasp of these principles and an eye on evolving digital trends, you are well on your path to creating resonant and impactful online experiences. As you venture forth in the digital event landscape, may every virtual stage you step onto resonate with the chords of engagement, innovation, and success.

So here’s my challenge to you… to divide in your mind the difference between content distribution and community engagement.  More often than not, we call the things that are really digital distribution digital engagement.  But they aren’t!  This is why it’s good to differentiate and define several tiers of digital engagement.  I would lobby that the early tiers are more delivery and the later tiers are engagement.  

TIER ONE ENGAGEMENT: EXPLORING

Tier one engagement is really the first step of exploring what you have to offer and engaging with you. These actions are low-hanging fruit and simple.  They also require very little commitment or transparency on the part of the consumer.  These are also very one-directional (from you to them).  Some examples are:

• Views - people looking at your site, your videos, etc.

• Impressions - similar, essentially eyeballs on your digital assets

• Downloads - free downloads of resources (with or without contact capture)

• b - simple expressions of liking something they’ve seen

TIER TWO ENGAGEMENT: INTERACTING

This tier begins to see more interaction and transparency.  People start to share who they are and their contact information.  This stage becomes more back and forth with the constituent, but they are still exploring.  You do have the ability to start nurturing these individuals since you now know who they are (and they need nurturing!).  Some examples are:

• Comments - action to share something and be noticed in the community

• App Downloads - taking action to download an app asset onto their phone

• Subscribe - share their contact information and request to know more

• Sign Up - registering and signing up for something you offer (asset or event)

• Create Account - creating an account and/or becoming a member

TIER THREE ENGAGEMENT: ADVOCATING

This third tier is where you see someone more from interacting to advocating.  This is where the person becomes a champion for your vision/brand.  This is also where true engagement happens because the person is not only interacting with you but they are also interacting with others around them.  That’s the goal of almost all digital engagement… to see people engage each other.  Some examples are:

• Sharing - taking the action to share with friends or on social - advocating this to others

• Invite - taking the initiative to invite others to join in on something they are attending

• Groups - join or launch groups that bring together people in real life

• Post - posting content or stories to help enrich the community

I’m certain there are many more examples here so please add your own ideas.  My goal in this segment is to paint a picture that not all measures or engagements are the same.  In fact, I wouldn’t even call early-stage active “engagement”.  I believe engagement should be reserved for when someone starts connecting with others and advocating for your vision.  

My challenge to you is to explore and build your own tiers of engagement.  Please, take these tiers if they make sense to you, or start from scratch.  But you need your own grid of tiered engagement so you can (1) measure properly, (2) set goals properly, (3) track conversion from one stage to the next property, and (4) celebrate member maturity.  

Cause Machine Solutions

The entire Cause Machine platform is designed to help bring various tiers of engagement to life for people in your community.  We believe in the nurturing of individuals in these private communities and the goal of helping everyone reach toward a deeper engagement… true tier-three engagement with your community and each other.  Schedule a demo today!

Many times we think of innovation as a gifting that certain people have.  We think of Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Einstein, and others… which just leads most of us to think we don’t have that special “gene”.  While there are some people who are exceptionally gifted to innovate and think outside the box, there’s also a process that all of us can use to solve problems and innovate toward a better solution.  

In the past several decades, several pioneers have navigated a path to build processes that have helped countless people work through an innovation process.  This largely began with David Kelley, the founder of IDEO.  Since those early years, others have adopted the process, changed pieces, and renamed things (ex: Stanford University, Google, etc.), but all the while continued the legacy of leading innovation.

Key Principle: Innovation is far more a process than a personal gifting.

So what does that mean for me on a practical level?  Do you ever find yourself working on a project feeling stuck?  Do you ever feel like a project should have more input from others?  Do you have projects that just feel so epic that you’re intimidated by them?  If yes for any of those questions then there’s a good chance an innovation can help you.  Look at this process as a good friend who is going to help you navigate a path to a better solution.  And the amazing part of running an innovation… you’re basically guaranteed a better solution on the other side of the process.  So let’s take a moment to talk through the stages of the innovation process.

Scope

The first stage is setting the foundations for your project.  You start by building your scope which includes things like your problem statement, defined WIN, the team to participate, how long of an innovation, what Discovery voices to invite, and general logistics.  Strong scope development helps set up the innovation event for success.  

Discovery

The innovation session begins with what we call Discovery.  This is where you look outside the world of what’s common for you and your team.  Here you explore what others are doing that are outside your industry but who have enough crossover to make you scratch your head and consider ideas from outside.

Brainstorming

Here we move to more internal thoughts and perspectives on how to address the core problem/project.  This stage walks a group through 12+ “buckets” of strategic thought that are helping to equip the working group to help solve the problem.  This interactive stage allows for mass contribution to specific points of your future plan.

Sketching

Next we move into a phase where you allow each participant to sketch out a few models for how they would see solving this project.  We’re always working toward tangible models and visual representations of the strategy.  This stage allows individuals to express and share ideas and then presents an opportunity for group members to vote on which bring the most clarity and direction to the project.  

Prototyping

The final major stage is where the whole group is broken into two core teams to build prototype projects.  Think arts and crafts projects with supplies from Hobby Lobby and Office Depot… seriously.  The goal here is to create some solution to the core problem that’s a creative approach to the problem statement.  

Presentations

Once prototypes are complete, the two teams give a short presentation of their prototype and field questions from the other team.  This phase helps flush out the two proposed solutions and gives the innovation owner two working models that could be used to solve their core problem (the owner leaves the innovation with the task to compile those two models and create the blended solution that meets their core problem).  

And that’s it… it’s really that simple!  Now there are all sorts of nuances to the process and how to facilitate these sessions well but this is the basic construct for what an innovation looks like.  These sessions are excellent to help you dig into those more complex problems, seek the council of others, and come up with solutions better than you probably could construct on your own… or at the least, put a lot more “meat on the bones” of what you’ve already created.

Cause Machine Solutions

Cause Machine is a platform created to help you better engage your audience.  We share blog posts like this to encourage community leaders to work through processes like an innovation to discover how better to engage community members.  One of our core principles at Cause Machine is that your strategy should always drive your technology.  Our hope is that you have great rhythms to better engage your audience, like hosting innovation sessions.  And then we would love to see you bring those engagement plans to life on Cause Machine.   Schedule a demo today!

In the burgeoning landscape of digital interactions, virtual events have taken center stage, enabling organizations to connect, engage, and share knowledge with global audiences. The linchpin of successful online event orchestration often rests on the choice and effective utilization of virtual event software. This digital toolkit not only serves as the backbone of event organization but also as the conduit through which interactions flow, insights are gleaned, and value is delivered to attendees. This guide navigates through the crucial aspects of selecting, deploying, and optimizing virtual event software to ensure your online events resonate with professionalism, engagement, and seamless user experience.

Whether you are hosting webinars, virtual conferences, or hybrid events, the right software can significantly enhance the interaction quotient, analytical depth, and overall success of your virtual endeavors. In the ensuing sections, we will explore the criteria for software selection, delve into the spectrum of features offered, and illustrate how to design for optimum attendee engagement, among other key considerations.

As we traverse through the realms of virtual event software, may this guide serve as your compass in making informed decisions and elevating your virtual event experiences

7 Strategies to Leverage Virtual Event Software

1. Selecting the Right Virtual Event Software

The cornerstone of orchestrating a successful virtual event lies in selecting the right software that aligns with your objectives, audience size, and the technical capabilities of your team. The plethora of virtual event software available in the market today ranges from simple webinar platforms to comprehensive virtual event suites. As you embark on the journey of selection, a clear understanding of your event goals is paramount. Is your event focused on education, networking, product launches, or perhaps a blend of these? Next, consider the scale of your event - will you be hosting a few dozen attendees or several thousand?

The technical savviness of your team and attendees, the level of support and training provided by the software vendor, and the budget are other critical factors to consider. Delve into the features offered - does the software provide essential functionalities like registration management, real-time interaction features, analytics, and integration capabilities with other tools you use? Evaluating the software on the basis of user reviews, case studies, and preferably a hands-on demo will provide insights into its usability and effectiveness. Also, consider the software's scalability and flexibility to accommodate your evolving needs. Lastly, ensure the software complies with data privacy laws and security standards to safeguard your and your attendees’ data. Each of these factors plays a pivotal role in steering your decision toward a software solution that not only meets your immediate needs but sets the stage for successful virtual events in the long run.

Other considerations include:

• Automation to reduce time and costs
• Customization to reflect your branding
• Event management features 
• Registration specifically how they register
• Marketing steps taken before the event launches
• Promotions​

2. Feature Spectrum: Core Features of Virtual Event Software:

Embarking on the journey of hosting a virtual event necessitates a robust software platform equipped with a spectrum of features to facilitate a seamless and engaging attendee experience. The core features of virtual event software encompass a variety of functionalities tailored to meet the evolving demands of virtual interactions. Here are some of the essential features highlighted by industry experts:

1. Automation: Streamlining processes such as creating event pages and managing registrations through automation significantly reduces the time and costs associated with hosting virtual and hybrid events.

2. Event Management: Comprehensive event management features facilitate the entire lifecycle of an event, ensuring smooth transactions from registrations, and ticket access to real-time attendee engagement.

3. Streamlining Various Aspects: Investing in virtual event software like Eventtia can streamline various aspects of your event, ranging from team management, managing event registrations, and check-ins to sponsorships, and more.

4. Webcasting and Interactive Digital Experience: At the core, virtual event platforms enable hosting and webcasting of events to an online audience, providing a stimulating and interactive digital experience. Key features to plan, promote, and host a virtual event include webcasting, live interaction capabilities, and analytical insights.

For a deeper dive into the core features of virtual event software, consider exploring articles like 12 Must Have Key Features In A Virtual Event Platform which provides a comprehensive overview of essential functionalities.

3. User Experience: Designing for Attendee Engagement

The user experience (UX) in virtual events is paramount in ensuring attendee engagement and satisfaction. A well-designed interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate enhances the overall attendee experience. Features such as clear agendas, easy access to sessions, interactive Q&A, and chat forums contribute to a rich UX. Additionally, providing resources and support for attendees to troubleshoot technical issues swiftly is crucial. Tailoring the UX to mirror the objectives of the event while considering the expectations of the attendees can significantly elevate the engagement level and overall success of the virtual event.

4. Technical Support and Troubleshooting

Technical glitches are almost inevitable in virtual events; hence, having a robust support and troubleshooting system is essential. Offering a helpdesk or support chat during the event, having a clear FAQ section, and providing self-service resources can mitigate potential technical issues. Moreover, having a technical team ready to address issues in real time is vital to ensure the smooth running of the event. It's beneficial to choose a virtual event software that provides comprehensive technical support to handle any unforeseen challenges promptly.

5. Analytical Insights: Measuring Event Success

Analytical insights gleaned from virtual event software can be a goldmine of information to measure the success and ROI of your event. Metrics such as attendee engagement, number of attendees, session attendance, and feedback are pivotal in understanding the impact of your event. Analyzing these metrics post-event can provide valuable insights into areas of improvement and strategies for future events. Moreover, real-time analytics during the event can help in making quick adjustments to enhance attendee engagement and satisfaction. Check out the "7 Indicators to Measure the Success of Your Event" for more on the subject.

6. Integration Capabilities: Bridging Software Synergies

Integration capabilities of virtual event software with other organizational tools and platforms enhance efficiency and data management. Being able to integrate with CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, and other software used within your organization allows for a seamless flow of data and improved operational efficiency. It also facilitates better attendee data management and personalized engagement strategies. Ensure the virtual event software chosen has robust integration capabilities to maximize its utility and enhance the overall event management process.

7. Case Studies: Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Case studies of successful virtual events and the software utilized provide a practical lens through which to understand the capabilities and potential of virtual event software. They offer real-world insights into how organizations have leveraged software features to enhance attendee engagement, streamline operations, and measure event success. Delving into case studies also unveils challenges faced and how they were overcome, providing a rich resource of lessons learned and best practices for hosting successful virtual events.

The digital realm offers a vast stage for organizations to connect with audiences, promote causes, and foster community. Mastering online virtual events and marketing in this domain necessitates a blend of strategic planning, engaging content, and adept utilization of various digital channels. The tips provided herein serve as a navigational compass, guiding you through the essentials of orchestrating successful virtual events and marketing campaigns. With a firm grasp of these principles and an eye on evolving digital trends, you are well on your path to creating resonant and impactful online experiences. As you venture forth in the digital event landscape, may every virtual stage you step onto resonate with the chords of engagement, innovation, and success.