8 Alternatives to Virtual Events for Interactive Marketing

In the search for dynamic alternatives to virtual events for interactive marketing, we’ve gathered insights from founders, CEOs, and other industry experts. From building exclusive thought leadership communities to engaging through podcast sponsorships, explore the eight innovative strategies these professionals recommend for connecting with your audience.

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Build Exclusive Thought Leadership Communities

Combine two established tactics: community building and creating thought leadership. Interactive marketers seek like-minded peers and people to learn from. The community part addresses this. An exclusive community, e.g., paid or invitation-only, is a safe space for exchange, honest feedback, and sharing of best practices.

However, many communities are already out there, and many social media platforms might also serve as a (big) community for exchange. This is where the idea of thought leadership differentiates. Your community needs to be of the highest value, provided by experts and industry leaders. This thought leadership community will not only be lively and interactive but also deeply engaging.

The easiest way to start a thought leadership community is if your company is already a thought leader or has a high reputation. Alternatively, you may partner with other marketers and agencies to start the community.

Stephan Wenger, Founder and Editor, B2B Marketing World

Host Engaging In-Store Experiences

Wanting to replace virtual events with interactive marketing? Try out hosting in-store or pop-up experiences that truly engage customers.

One of our fashion clients did this by offering exclusive styling sessions. Their customers had the chance to try on some brand-new collections, get personalized fashion advice, and share their looks on social media using a branded hashtag. This approach brought the brand to life again, combining real-world interaction with online buzz!

They were so amazed seeing stronger customer connections, increased foot traffic, and a shopping experience that was both engaging and memorable. It was no surprise for us to witness higher sales and enhanced brand loyalty!

Gabriel Kaam, CEO, KNR Agency

Leverage Interactive Website Content

One specific alternative to virtual events for interactive marketing is leveraging interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, or interactive infographics, embedded directly into your website or social media platforms. This method allows for real-time engagement without the need for a scheduled event, making it more accessible and flexible for your audience.

Interactive content can be tailored to your audience’s specific interests and can provide instant feedback, making it an engaging way to connect with your customers. For instance, a quiz that helps users determine the best product for their needs can be both fun and informative, guiding them through the buyer’s journey in an interactive way. Similarly, polls on social media can generate immediate feedback and spark discussions, allowing you to understand your audience’s preferences and adjust your strategies accordingly.

The reason this approach is effective is that it meets your audience where they are. Unlike virtual events, which require a set time commitment, interactive content can be accessed at any time, making it more convenient for users. Additionally, this type of content can be shared across various platforms, increasing its reach and potential impact. By integrating these interactive elements into your marketing strategy, you can foster engagement, gather valuable data, and enhance the overall user experience—all without the logistical challenges of hosting a virtual event.

This approach also allows for more personalized interactions. By analyzing the data collected from these interactive tools, you can gain insights into individual user preferences and behaviors, enabling you to tailor your follow-up communications and offers. This level of personalization can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately driving better marketing results.

John Reinesch, Founder, John Reinesch Consulting

Create Augmented Reality Experiences

A good alternative to virtual events for interactive marketing, for me, is augmented reality (AR) experiences. Recently, I have worked with a furniture retailer to create an AR app that allows customers to virtually place products in their homes before purchasing. This approach drove a 42% increase in online sales and reduced return rates by 26%. 

Unlike virtual events, which are time-bound, this AR solution provided an always-on, interactive experience that users could engage with at their convenience. It also created a stronger emotional connection to products by allowing customers to visualize them in their own space. The most important thing is to make sure that the AR technology is user-friendly. Another one is that it has to accurately represent product dimensions and colors.

Kartik Ahuja, Digital Marketer, kartikahuja.com

Incorporate Gamification in Campaigns

Gamification is a popular and effective alternative to virtual events for interactive marketing. It involves incorporating game-like elements into marketing campaigns to engage and incentivize target audiences. This can include challenges, leaderboards, rewards, and other interactive features that make the experience more engaging and enjoyable for participants.

There are several reasons why gamification can be a valuable strategy for interactive marketing. It taps into consumers’ natural desire for competition and accomplishment, making them more likely to participate in the campaign. It provides a fun and unique experience that stands out in a sea of traditional marketing methods. It allows for personalization and customization based on individual preferences and behaviors, making the experience more relevant and engaging for each participant.

Evan Tunis, President, Florida Healthcare Insurance

Organize Intimate In-Person Workshops

One specific alternative to virtual events for interactive marketing is hosting small, in-person workshops or meet-ups. From my experience, these intimate gatherings create a unique opportunity for deeper engagement and personal connections that virtual events often lack. For example, I once organized a series of local SEO workshops where attendees could ask questions in real time, network with peers, and collaborate on problem-solving exercises. The hands-on nature of these sessions not only fostered a more meaningful exchange of ideas but also built trust and loyalty among participants.

These in-person interactions also allow for spontaneous, off-the-cuff moments that can lead to valuable insights and connections, something that’s harder to achieve in a virtual setting. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can create a memorable experience that resonates with your audience long after the event has ended, driving long-term brand loyalty and engagement.

Brandon Leibowitz, Owner, SEO Optimizers

Launch Playful Social Media Campaigns

Forget stuffy virtual events! Let’s shake things up with a playful social media campaign that gets your audience involved. Think interactive quizzes, exciting challenges, or even a creative contest. By adding game-like elements like points and leaderboards, you’ll tap into people’s competitive spirit and watch that engagement soar.

Gamified campaigns aren’t just fun—they’re a fantastic way to boost brand awareness, build a community, and even collect user-generated content that showcases your product in action. It’s a win-win for everyone!

David Abraham, CEO, Bluesoft Design

Engage Through Podcast Sponsorships

A great way to engage your audience outside of virtual events is through podcast sponsorships or hosting your own. Podcasts dive deep into topics that matter to your industry, positioning your brand as a key player and thought leader.

This strategy not only boosts your visibility but also connects you with listeners who are genuinely interested in your field, helping to build a community of engaged followers.

Marco Genaro Palma, Co-Founder, TechNews180

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