Why You Need An Event Website

Event websites are much more than mere information repositories. We’ll investigate how and why to set up an event website. 

You may think you don’t need no darn event website for your wedding or corporate get-together. You’ve got a Facebook Page, or you added the event on Eventbrite. Perhaps that’s enough. And we’ll undoubtedly discuss when it is enough. But then again, you can use your website for oh so much more than date, time, and parking info.

And while our event planning software doesn’t do websites, I’ll tell you who does. But let’s begin with the first reason you need a website for the event. 

An Event Website Is Where The Details Live

As I explain in The Massive Guide To Event Marketing For Small Business, attendees need information. Event marketing, or a wedding, is all about your guests. No guests, no event. So your website functions as the place where RSVP’d people can reference the vital info. 

How many times has this conversation played out in your home?

“What time is the wedding?”
“I don’t know, check the invitation.”
“Where’s the invitation?”
“I placed it on the table three weeks ago. Where’d you put it?”

Conversations like that inevitably spiral downward in a maelstrom of resentment and frustration. And even if you find the invitation, the evening is ruined. So help out your guests. For the sake of the children.

Attendees to weddings, conferences, mixers, and even team-building exercises need to know what the dress code is, and whether there is parking at the location.

So What Are The Important Event Details?

Well, it depends on your event. And frankly, you can’t go wrong by over-sharing the details. For example, I was once late to an event because no one thought to tell me where the right door was. I spent twenty frustrating minutes wandering around a complex with multiple entrances, and a strangely large number of simultaneous, yet unrelated gatherings.

A note telling me to go around the back to entrance 3, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor, would have been appreciated.

So include the following:

• Date
• Start Time
• End Time
• Location and any extra location details like doorway, floor, suite.
• Dress Code (even if there is none)
• Parking
• Public Transport
• Ticket Price

Then, of course, add in any small details. For example, if there are any transactions at the event, mention if it’s cash only. Basically, think of anything your guests might do, and mention any barriers to them doing it. If there’s a coat check for a fee, if there’s no bag storage, or whatever, add that in. Unpleasant surprises suck, and this is your opportunity to avoid causing them. 

If you’re hosting an event marketing experience, then there’s a lot more to it, but this is pretty much the basics of an event website. 

Using Eventbrite, Facebook Or Similar Sites For Your Event Website

Eventbrite is probably the leading event website. You can manage tickets and registration, but it’s also a fantastic place to market your event. Eventbrite is search engine-friendly, so your event will show up in Google search too. So if your attendees only need to know some basics, then you might consider going with them.

Facebook is another solution for your event website needs. Listing your event on the social network is quick and easy, plus it comes with a built-in marketing machine.

Read more about setting up Eventbrite or Facebook here.

If you’re hosting a wedding, then there are tons of free wedding websites. I like Zola the most, but there’s also The Knot, amongst others. I very strongly urge you to set up an event website for your wedding. Your guests will appreciate it. Plus, they’ll be able to RSVP there too.

Related article: How To Market Your Event

Event Websites Are For Marketing

If you’re hosting a conference or any other type of for-profit event, your website functions as the landing page for all marketing efforts. Whether you’re doing paid marketing on social media or email marketing, you need a landing page that touts the awesomeness of the event.

So let’s talk about website content. Your event website will need images, compelling content, and calls to action. Conferences often add blogs, too, to keep attendees engaged leading up to the event. 

You’ll also likely highlight the speakers, share their information, and showcase the event timeline and can’t-miss moments. Besides, speakers love to see themselves on event sites. 

And so do sponsors. The marketing site for the event is one of the reasons sponsors pay you. They expect their logos to be prominently placed. So the event site isn’t only about you and your event, it’s also about marketing your sponsors and speakers.

Related article: Google Analytics for Event Planners

Event Website Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your event website rocks. 

Don’t Obfuscate Important Information

It’s great to include a lot of info about the event, really, it is. But just take the time to review it and make sure that it’s super obvious. Better yet, have a few random people check for you. Are they able to find the most critical details easily?

Have A Call To Action

Know what you want visitors to your site to do. And make sure you ask them to do it. Whether it’s RSVP-ing for a wedding, or registering for an expo, don’t be coy. 

Have A Nice-Looking Website

Your event website is a reflection of you, so take the time to make it look as good as possible. A lousy site will depress turnout, no matter the type of event. 

Include Contact Information

Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how unreachable many event organizers are. People will always have questions about events, whether it’s the food or the accessibility. Include an email address that is adequately manned. Respond to queries promptly.

Guest Experience Begins Online

Your event experience begins on the website. So take the time to make it a pleasant one. A well-thought-out event website will increase attendance, sales, and smiles.