8 Steps to Launch Your First Virtual Summit: A Side Hustle Guide for Beginners
Virtual summits are becoming a popular way to share knowledge and connect with others online.
These events bring together experts and enthusiasts from different fields to discuss topics and share ideas.
They can be a great way to learn new things and meet people with similar interests.
Starting your own virtual summit can be an exciting project.
It lets you pick a topic you care about and invite speakers to talk about it. You can turn a virtual summit into a side hustle by charging for tickets or getting sponsors. This can help you make money while sharing information on subjects you enjoy.
With some planning and effort, you can create an event that people will want to attend.
1) Define Your Objective
Kicking off your virtual summit starts with setting clear goals.
What do you want to achieve with this online event? Think about how it fits into your side hustle plans.
Maybe you’re looking to grow your email list.
A virtual summit can be a great way to attract new subscribers.
You could aim for a specific number, like 1,000 or even 10,000 new sign-ups.
Or perhaps you want to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Hosting a summit lets you rub shoulders with industry leaders and showcase your knowledge.
Don’t forget about the money aspect.
Setting a revenue target can help guide your planning.
Think about ticket sales or sponsorships you might pursue.
Setting S.M.A.R.T goals can really help.
This means making your objectives Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Instead of a vague goal like “grow my business,” try something like “gain 500 new email subscribers within 30 days of the summit.”
Remember, your virtual summit goals should align with your overall side hustle strategy.
What steps do you need to take next in your business journey? Let your summit objectives support those bigger plans.
Be realistic but ambitious.
Push yourself, but don’t set the bar so high that you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
With clear objectives in mind, you’ll be ready to move on to the next steps of planning your summit.
2) Pick a Date
Choosing the right date for your virtual summit is key to its success.
You want to pick a time that works well for your side hustle and your target audience.
Think about when your potential attendees are most likely to be free.
Weekends might be good if you’re targeting busy professionals.
But if your audience is stay-at-home parents, weekdays could work better.
Consider holidays and major events in your industry.
You don’t want to clash with these, as it could lower attendance.
Also, think about your own schedule.
You’ll need time to prepare and promote your summit.
Remember, virtual events offer flexibility.
You can spread your summit over several days or even weeks.
This can make it easier for people to fit into their busy lives.
Look at your competitors’ event calendars too.
Try to avoid scheduling your summit at the same time as similar events.
This way, you won’t have to compete for attendees.
Once you’ve picked a date, stick to it.
Changing the date can confuse your audience and hurt your credibility.
It’s better to spend more time choosing the right date from the start.
Setting clear goals for your summit can help you pick the best date.
Think about how many people you want to attend and what you hope to achieve.
This can guide your decision-making process.
3) Identify Speakers
Now it’s time to find awesome speakers for your virtual summit.
This step is key to making your event a hit and growing your side hustle.
Start by making a list of experts in your field.
Think about who you admire or follow online.
Include people with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
Don’t be shy about reaching out to big names.
Many are happy to speak at virtual events.
It’s a chance for them to share their knowledge and grow their own audience.
Look for speakers who match your summit’s theme.
If you’re doing a marketing summit, find pros in SEO, social media, and content creation.
Create a “Speaker Tracker” to stay organized.
Use a spreadsheet to list potential speakers, their contact info, and your outreach efforts.
Ask your network for suggestions.
Your contacts might know perfect speakers you haven’t thought of yet.
Check out other virtual summits in your niche.
See who’s speaking there and add them to your list.
Remember, diversity matters.
Aim for a mix of genders, backgrounds, and experience levels.
This will make your summit more interesting and appeal to a wider audience.
When you reach out, explain how speaking can help their business too.
It’s a win-win!
4) Create a Landing Page
Your virtual summit needs a home base.
That’s where your landing page comes in.
It’s the first thing people see when they hear about your event.
A good landing page gets folks excited about your summit.
It should tell them what they’ll learn and who’s speaking.
Make it clear and easy to read.
You don’t need to be a tech whiz to make a great page. Landing page builders can help you create something eye-catching without coding skills.
Your page should have a catchy headline.
Something that grabs attention and tells people why they should care.
Add a brief description of what your summit’s all about.
Don’t forget to list your speakers.
People want to know who they’ll be learning from.
Include short bios or headshots if you can.
Make sure you have a clear sign-up form.
It should be easy to spot and simple to fill out.
Ask for just the basics – name and email are usually enough.
Add a schedule of your summit.
Let people know what topics you’ll cover and when.
This helps them plan their time.
Remember to make your page mobile-friendly.
Lots of people will check it out on their phones.
If it looks good on small screens, you’re more likely to get sign-ups.
5) Set Up Registration
Time to get your virtual summit attendees on board! You’ll need a slick registration page to make signing up a breeze.
Pick a user-friendly platform that lets you create a custom landing page.
This is where you’ll showcase your summit’s awesome lineup and benefits.
Make sure your registration form is short and sweet.
Ask for essential info like name and email.
Don’t scare people off with too many questions!
Add a catchy headline and some eye-catching graphics to your page.
This helps grab attention and gets folks excited about your event.
Consider offering different ticket tiers.
Maybe a free option for basic access and a paid VIP package with extra perks.
This can boost your side hustle income.
Don’t forget to set up automatic confirmation emails.
These should include important details like dates, login info, and what to expect.
Test your registration process thoroughly.
Try signing up yourself to catch any glitches or confusing steps.
Lastly, make it mobile-friendly! Lots of people will register on their phones, so ensure everything looks good on small screens too.
With a smooth registration setup, you’re one step closer to virtual summit success.
Get ready to welcome those attendees!
6) Plan Promotion Strategy
Getting the word out about your virtual summit is key to its success.
You’ll want to start promoting early to build buzz and get people excited.
Social media is your friend here.
Create eye-catching graphics and teasers to share on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags to boost visibility.
Email marketing can be a powerful tool too.
If you have an existing list, start teasing the summit to your subscribers.
If not, now’s a great time to start building one.
Reach out to your speakers and ask them to help spread the word.
They often have their own engaged audiences who might be interested in attending.
Consider running some paid ads on social media or Google to expand your reach.
Even a small budget can help get your summit in front of more potential attendees.
Creating a dedicated landing page for your summit is crucial.
Make sure it clearly outlines the benefits of attending and makes it easy to sign up.
Don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned networking.
Tell people about your summit when you’re at events or chatting with colleagues.
Remember, promoting your summit isn’t just about getting attendees.
It’s also a great way to establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry.
So put your best foot forward and get the word out!
7) Organize Sessions
Ready to put your virtual summit puzzle together? Let’s talk about organizing your sessions.
This is where your event really starts to take shape.
First up, decide how long each session should be.
Most folks go for 30-45 minutes.
It’s long enough to dive deep but short enough to keep people’s attention.
Next, think about your session types.
You might have keynotes, panel discussions, or Q&As.
Mix it up to keep things interesting.
Now, it’s time to schedule your speakers.
Try to spread out your big names throughout the event.
This keeps people coming back for more.
Don’t forget about breaks! Your attendees need time to stretch, grab a snack, or check their emails. Plan for short breaks between sessions to keep everyone fresh.
Consider time zones if you’re going global.
You might need to offer some sessions twice to catch different parts of the world.
Lastly, create a clear schedule.
Make it easy for attendees to see what’s happening when.
You could even let them build their own personalized agenda.
Remember, organizing sessions for your virtual summit doesn’t have to be a headache.
With a bit of planning, you’ll create an event flow that keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
Plus, it’s a great way to build your side hustle without breaking the bank!
8) Rehearse with Speakers
Getting ready for your virtual summit? Don’t forget to practice with your speakers! It’s a key step to make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Set up a quick run-through with each speaker before the event.
This gives you a chance to test the tech and make sure everyone knows what to expect.
During the rehearsal, check that speakers’ cameras and mics are working well.
Help them find the best lighting and background for their setup.
Go over the schedule and format with each speaker.
Make sure they know how long they have to talk and when to take questions.
Practice transitions between speakers if you’re having multiple presenters in one session.
This helps avoid awkward pauses or overlap.
Encourage speakers to prepare backup plans in case of tech issues.
They might want to have slides ready to share if video cuts out.
Use these practice sessions to build rapport with your speakers.
It can help them feel more comfortable and excited about your summit.
Remember, these rehearsals are a great way to fine-tune your virtual summit and make some extra cash on the side.
With a bit of prep, you’ll be ready to host an awesome online event!
Why Host a Virtual Summit?
Virtual summits are a great way to grow your audience and make money on the side.
They let you connect with experts and share knowledge without leaving home.
Benefits of Going Virtual
Going virtual has lots of perks.
You can reach people all over the world with your summit.
No need to rent a big space or worry about travel costs.
This keeps your expenses low.
Virtual events are flexible too.
Attendees can watch talks when it fits their schedule.
You can record everything and sell access later.
This means your summit keeps making money even after it’s over.
It’s also easier to get big-name speakers for online events.
They don’t have to travel, so more are likely to say yes.
This can really boost your summit’s appeal.
Understanding the Audience
Knowing your audience is key for a successful summit.
Think about what they want to learn and who they’d love to hear from.
This helps you pick the right topics and speakers.
Virtual summits work well for busy professionals.
They can join in from anywhere, even during lunch breaks.
Consider offering different ticket types to fit various needs and budgets.
Remember, people come to summits to learn and network.
Make sure you include ways for attendees to connect with each other online.
This could be through chat rooms or virtual meetups.
Choosing the Right Platform
Picking the best platform for your virtual summit can make or break your event.
It’s crucial to find one that fits your needs and budget while providing a smooth experience for attendees.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a virtual summit platform, keep an eye out for these must-have features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Reliable video streaming
- Chat and networking tools
- Customizable branding options
- Analytics and reporting
Look for platforms that offer interactive elements like polls and Q&A sessions.
These can boost engagement and make your summit more lively.
Don’t forget about tech support.
You’ll want a platform with responsive customer service in case any issues pop up during your event.
Comparing Popular Platforms
There are tons of options out there, so let’s break down a few popular choices:
- Zoom: Great for smaller summits, familiar to many users
- Hopin: Offers a variety of event types and networking features
- vFairs: Known for its immersive virtual environments
Consider your budget when comparing platforms.
Some charge per attendee, while others have flat fees.
Think about how many people you expect to join and do the math.
Try out free trials if available.
This hands-on experience can help you decide which platform feels right for your summit and your side hustle goals.
Promoting Your Virtual Summit
Getting the word out about your virtual summit is key to its success.
A mix of smart marketing and social media can help you reach your target audience and boost attendance.
Effective Marketing Strategies
Start by creating a catchy name and eye-catching logo for your summit.
This will help it stand out.
Next, set up a simple website or landing page with all the event details.
Make sure it’s easy to navigate and has a clear sign-up form.
Email marketing is your best friend here.
Build a list of potential attendees and send them regular updates about your summit.
Include sneak peeks of speakers or topics to get them excited.
Don’t forget about partnerships.
Team up with influencers or companies in your field.
They can help spread the word to their followers.
It’s a win-win!
Consider offering early bird discounts or special perks for the first 100 sign-ups.
This can create a sense of urgency and boost early registrations.
Using Social Media
Social media is perfect for promoting your virtual summit.
Start by choosing the platforms where your target audience hangs out most.
Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are often good bets.
Create a unique hashtag for your event.
Use it in all your posts and encourage others to do the same.
This helps build buzz and makes it easy for people to find info about your summit.
Post regular updates about your speakers, topics, and any special offers.
Mix it up with text posts, images, and short video clips to keep things interesting.
Try running a contest or giveaway related to your summit.
This can boost engagement and attract more potential attendees.
Don’t be afraid to go live on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
Give a behind-the-scenes look at your planning process or do quick Q&A sessions about the event.
