Dramatically Maximize Your Marketing Results with Events Calendar Pro
Events Calendar Pro has been “the” WordPress Calendar plugin for as long as I can remember.
Back when I was “The WP Chick,” it was my go-to calendar.
Since switching to my personal brand in 2018, I haven’t been quite sure what the best use case for a calendar on my site would be.
Until now.
I am now also recording a video of my podcast and wanted to find a way to add virtual events to my website. I need them for registration and marketing purposes.
Using a calendar on your site is a great way to attract subscribers. You can publish ongoing and consistent content like podcasts and videos. Even newsletters can be included to engage your audience.
In this post, I will share the basics of the calendar and how you can use the Virtual Events add-on as a tool to connect, engage, and attract new subscribers.
Introduction
Most of us in the digital marketing/creator space are starting to feel (or have felt) that many marketing strategies over the past 5+ years are starting to feel tired.
Organic reach on some social platforms feels like you’re throwing content into a black hole (or is that just me?). It all still works, but the heyday of organic traffic from social platforms disappeared a while ago.
With the onset of AI and its capabilities (I love it and am blown away by all of it 🤯), we need to get more creative with marketing our content.
Attention is the new currency, and having a robust marketing strategy is more crucial than ever.
Events Calendar Pro is a powerhouse WordPress plugin transforming how content creators, marketers, and businesses orchestrate their event calendars.
Designed with versatility and user-friendliness in mind, Events Calendar Pro is more than just a calendar—it’s a comprehensive tool that brings your events to life, making them more visible, engaging, and, importantly, more attended.
This is why I’m testing using Events Calendar Pro for marketing my content and virtual events (workshops, webinars, and live streams).
Events create connections, build communities, and offer value that goes beyond the conventional.
Whether they’re online webinars, interactive workshops, or insightful podcasts, you can provide a unique platform for engagement, learning, and networking.
Think of all of this as more than events – they’re experiences that can significantly amplify your brand’s voice and reach.
In this post, we’re diving deep into how Events Calendar Pro can revolutionize your approach to these events. From syncing with your newsletters to maximizing your webinar attendance, we’ll explore the myriad ways this tool can bolster your marketing efforts, ensuring that your events are not just seen but are memorable and impactful.
So, buckle up whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting to dip your toes into the world of digital event planning!
You’ll discover how Events Calendar Pro can be a game-changer in promoting an upcoming webinar, a series of workshops, or your latest podcast episodes.
This plugin offers a streamlined solution to integrate these events seamlessly into your marketing plan.
Setting Up Events Calendar Pro
Installation and Basic Setup
Let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty of setting up Events Calendar Pro. Trust me, it’s as easy as pie, and you’ll have it up and running in no time – just like when I decided to host that retreat and jumped right in!
First things first, you’ll need to have a WordPress website (obviously! 😉).
Once logged into your WordPress dashboard, head to the ‘Plugins’ section. Here, you’ll search for ‘Events Calendar Pro.’ It’s like finding that perfect spot for your event – you’ll know it when you see it. Click ‘Install Now’ and then ‘Activate,’ and boom, you’re halfway there.
Now, the fun begins.
It’s time to start adding your events.
You’ll see a new tab on your dashboard labeled ‘Events.’
This is your new playground. Click on it, and let’s start setting up your calendar. You’ll find options to customize your calendar view, whether you want a month view, list view, or day view – kind of like setting the stage for your event, right?
Remember, the key here is to make it as user-friendly and inviting as possible. Think of your audience – you want them to find what they’re looking for without any fuss.
Overview of Key Features Relevant to Marketers
Events Calendar Pro isn’t just another plugin; it’s a powerhouse packed with features that are a marketer’s dream. Let me walk you through some of these features that got me as excited as when I saw my first retreat guest arrive.
- Event Categories and Tags: Organize your events like a pro. You can categorize them (like ‘Workshops,’ ‘Webinars,’ ‘Podcasts’) and even tag them for better searchability. It’s like having a well-organized closet where everything is easy to find.
- Recurring Events: Got an event that happens regularly? Set it once, and let Events Calendar Pro do the rest. It’s like setting up a recurring reminder to breathe and enjoy the moment amidst the chaos of planning.
- Location Integration: This feature is a gem. You can use maps to show your audience where to go. Include location details so they know how to log in virtually. It’s like giving your guests a personalized guide to reaching the retreat spot without any detours.
- Managing RSVPs and ticket sales is easy with this plugin. It works for both free webinars and paid workshops. You can track attendees, send updates, and manage your event capacity – it’s like having your own little assistant keeping tabs on everything.
- Advanced Widgets: Want to showcase your upcoming events in style? Use the widgets to display them on your website. It’s like putting up those eye-catching signposts that lead guests to the main event.
- Customizable Design: The look and feel of your calendar matter. Customize it to match your brand’s vibe – it should feel like an extension of your style and personality.
- SEO-Friendly: This is crucial. The plugin is designed to be SEO-friendly, ensuring your events rank well on search engines. It’s like sending out a beacon for your audience to find you in the vast digital ocean.
So, there you have it – setting up Events Calendar Pro and a sneak peek into its incredible features. It’s like laying the foundation for an event that’s successful and resonates with your audience.
Next, we will explore how to use the plugin for marketing. Specifically, we will focus on its application with the virtual events add-on. Additionally, we will discuss how it can be used for lead generation and community building.
Leveraging Events Calendar Pro for Marketing and Community Engagement
Hosting Engaging Live Streams with the Virtual Events Add-On
In the spirit of connection and engagement, live streams are the digital equivalent of opening your doors wide to your community. Hosting live streams becomes a breeze with Events Calendar Pro. This is especially true with its virtual events add-on.
Setting up a live stream event is straightforward. Create a new event, select the ‘Virtual’ event type, and voila! You can integrate platforms like Zoom or YouTube Live directly into your event.
But here’s where it gets fun.
Promoting these live streams. Use the plugin’s features to create buzz. Schedule teaser posts, send out event reminders, and even integrate with your social media channels to widen your reach.
Imagine creating a trail of digital breadcrumbs leading right to your event.
Remember, every live stream is an opportunity to grow your email list.
Encourage registrations with attractive sign-up forms. Follow up with a thank you email that includes a call to action. Maybe invite them to your next event or offer a special discount on your services.
Monetizing Knowledge with Paid Workshops
Let’s talk about turning your expertise into revenue with paid workshops.
Setting up paid workshops requires balancing value and accessibility. The key is to strike an appealing balance.
First, choose a workshop theme that connects with your audience. This theme should highlight your expertise in a special way. Then, using Events Calendar Pro, set up the event with all the details – date, time, and the ticket price.
Here’s a pro tip: offer early bird pricing or special rates for your email subscribers. It’s a great way to reward your loyal community and generate early interest.
The Virtual Events add-on plays a crucial role here too. By signing up, you can give exclusive access to others. This creates a feeling of exclusivity and value. It’s like having a velvet rope at the entrance of your event – only those with a ticket can get in.
Building a Community through Virtual Events
Finally, let’s talk about community building. Every event you host is a chance to build community, whether a free live stream or a paid workshop.
Encourage interaction during your events. Have a live Q & A session or use breakout rooms for small group discussions. Post-event, invite attendees to a private Facebook group or a forum on your website. It’s about creating spaces where conversations can continue, and relationships can grow.
Remember, your community is not just an audience; they’re your tribe. Regularly engage with this community. Provide exclusive content. Host more events that cater to their interests and needs.
Free Events for Lead Generation
The one thing I’ll be doing (testing 🤔) for free events is setting up a registration page on my site where the Thank You page has all the event details.
You can use the free ticketing add-on to RSVP for free events. However, I checked Zapier and couldn’t find an option to add someone to ConvertKit from event registration.
The only option to add someone to ConvertKit is when you create a new event, update an event, or cancel an event.
I checked a couple of other tools similar to Zapier, and it didn’t see any other options. There may be a more advanced option using a webhook. However, for this post’s purpose, it’s easier to create a landing page resembling a standard webinar registration page.
So, what is the point of using the Events Calendar?
Visitors can see all your events, podcasts, and newsletters on the calendar. You can even include additional content if desired. From there, they can click through to an individual event.
This shows visitors that you often hold events. You’ll also get data on which events interest website traffic the most.
You can use individual events and calendars for social content. This drives more traffic to your site and, ultimately, your email list.
Why Use Events for Marketing
Here’s a quick story on the power of using events for marketing.
One of my favorite people online is Amanda Bond, The Ad Strategist.
If you’re unfamiliar with her, she created an epic post (that has since gone viral) in 2018 titled “The Real Reason Facebook Ads Have Stopped Working.”
WARNING: If you click through to that article, you’ll be there for a while. It’s a 6-page article called a “multi-page sales site.”
Back to using events for marketing.
Amanda seemed to sort of disappear for a while (I don’t have dates here for you, but I do know that it was in the past year that she resurfaced and is being her fabulous self on Facebook).
Anyway…
Even if you’re not a huge fan of Facebook, if you want to run paid traffic on Facebook you need to follow her and watch what she does.
She recently announced a 4-part free live series where she’s peeling back the curtain on how she created that post (which has since netted her over $500k in her business and is still doing phenomenally well. This is the power of evergreen marketing as opposed to expiration marketing).
Anyway…
At the time of this writing, I’ve only attended one of the live workshops (the rest are coming in the next week), but she completely over-delivered.
These live streams have been run directly on YouTube with one calendar link where you can add the series to your calendar (no opt-in required).
Because the Virtual Events Add-on for the Events Calendar allows you to sync to multiple live-stream platforms, something like what Amanda is doing could be set up on your own website as a series. Get a little more SEO value out of creating the events and require people to RSVP for the event.
You could also set it up like I mentioned above, where you have a landing page, people opt-in, and then they get the actual event link (which would also connect to your email service provider).
Start thinking outside the box with events.
Instead of only using the Events Calendar for typical events, create experiences that you can share through your calendar on your website.
- Free series
- Newsletter publication & topics
- Podcasts
- Community events (free for members, paid for non-members)
- Sharing other people’s events
The last one (sharing other people’s events), would have been perfect for me to share Amanda’s live streams. I shared it in my newsletter but could have easily put it on a calendar.
As you continue to add events to your calendar, start including a link to your events page in your emails and newsletters.
It’s a great way for people to stay up to date, and you’re reminding them of this valuable resource you have on your website.
