You’ve put in the effort to create your event app, and it’s now out in the world. But what’s next?
How do you can boost downloads for your mobile event app?
In this guide I unlock some industry secrets that’ll make your app the talk of the event.
While the usual routes like sending out an email blast can yield results, what we’re about to share goes beyond the basics. We’ll dive deep into some under-the-radar strategies that have the potential to skyrocket app downloads. Ready for the inside scoop?
Tip 1 : Leverage FOMO
Ah, that ever-present Fear Of Missing Out. We’ve all been its victim.
Your friends snapping away at the city’s newest bistro,
Colleagues discussing the latest binge-worthy series,
Or the buzz about THAT event everyone seems to be attending.
Every fiber of you screams, “I’ve got to be part of this!”. FOMO isn’t just a trendy term—it’s a potent tool in your event app promo.
So, why not harness that same FOMO magic to skyrocket your event app downloads? Let’s dive in:
“First 100 Downloads” offer: Everyone loves a good giveaway during events, right?
Capitalize on the magic of the “First 100 Downloads” . In that event invitation email, tempt your attendees with offers they simply can’t resist.
- An exclusive offer from your big-shot sponsor (as part of their event sponsorship),
- A shiny mobile event app badge to flaunt their early bird status,
- Or even a golden ticket to fire questions directly at keynote speakers or top brass.
Make the early birds feel special.
Show ‘Em What They’re Missing: Let’s stir up some event app envy, shall we?
Light up your email campaigns and social channels by throwing real-time teasers in your promotions like
- “Hey there! 300 event-goers are networking in the app. Feeling left out?”
- “Quick! Just 25 spots left for our hush-hush AMA session.”
- “Check out the top selfie making waves. Why aren’t you in it?”
The goal? Not just to increase registrations, but to hit the download button of your event app.
Turn Up the FOMO in Your Messaging: Forget the yawn-inducing email subject lines and cookie-cutter social media updates
Time to supercharge that FOMO. Sprinkle in cheeky emojis 🚀, and craft hooks that aren’t just clickbaits but genuine download triggers:
- 🕒 Tick Tock! Limited offer
- Top Trending Moments from the App – Join the buzz ! 🐝
- 🎉 Party’s On in the App!
Aim to not just get a click, but a genuine urge to download.
Tip 2 : Simple Referral Tactics For More Event App Installs
Word-of-mouth? Tried and tested.
It’s like the superhero of promoting stuff, and yep, that includes getting folks to download your event app.
Here’s the thing: those who’ve already hit that “install” button? They’re your golden ticket. Your champions.
As you rally your first wave of attendees on the mobile app, it’s time to sprinkle in some clever, fun tactics. Dive into these ideas:
Roll with Event-Themed Referrals: Every event has its pulse – Why not introduce referral challenges tied to the event’s theme.
Rocking a music fest? Strike a note with “Rock ‘n’ Refer.”
Tech summit on the horizon? Serve ’em some “Code & Share” vibes.
When your referral strategy resonates with the event’s vibe, attendees aren’t just engaged—they’re hooked. Plus, it’s a fantastic encore for your brand’s image.
Game on with Gamified Referrals: Turn your referral programs into fun event gamification
Send an invite? Score points.
The invite resulted in another event app download? Triple the points.
It’s not just about climbing a leaderboard or unlocking in-app goodies. Think progressive rewards.
Maybe it starts with 5 points for the first referral. But once you hit the 10th? That’s a sweet 10 points. The more they refer, the bigger the buzz.
Double-sided referrals: Double the reward, double the fun.
Why should the referral who downloaded your event app not get rewards for installing ?
By treating the original sharer and the new downloader, you’re fueling more chatter, more buzz, and yes—more installs.
Tip 3 : QR Codes . QR Codes . QR Codes
Since the pandemic, QR (Quick Response) codes have become as recognizable as popular logos. From making payments to scanning restaurant menus, and from obtaining directions to promoting products in malls, QR codes are omnipresent.
So the question is: Why aren’t you using them to skyrocket your event app downloads? 🚀.
It’s been a proven method since 2010, as evidenced by Verizon, who achieved a whopping 150k scans in just 3 months that year.
QR codes are cost-effective and incredibly user-friendly for anyone with a smartphone.
Here’s where to splash your event app QR code for maximum impact:
- Social Media & Emails: Put ’em in all your social media posts and digital communications including your event invitation email .
- Registration Desks: Place ’em big and bold. And here’s a tip: get those lovely volunteers to gently nudge attendees, “Downloaded our app yet?”
- Print All The Things: From badges to brochures, programs to pamphlets, there’s a QR spot waiting to be found.
- Big Screen Time: Show off that QR during breaks. And how about a giant one on the main stage backdrop? Now that’s hard to miss!
- Swag It Up: Merchandise? Check. Goodie bags? Double-check.
Tip 4 : Guilt Trip Your Attendees To Download Event App
Guilt-trip marketing, often termed in the industry circles as ‘confirmshaming,’ has been in play for quite some time. We’ve all come across passive-aggressive prompts on websites, urging users to complete a certain action or face a mild reprimand.
It’s worth a shot to leverage similar principles for event app downloads?
However, while this tactic can indeed ramp up downloads, it’s a double-edged sword. Tread carefully. You want attendees to feel intrigued, not overwhelmed or badgered.
Here are some suggestions that walks the fine line between giving attendees a gentle nudge (through a bit of a guilt trip) and showcasing the genuine benefits of using the event app:
1. Missed Opportunities: 🕒 Every moment you’re not on the app, you’re potentially missing out on exclusive sessions, speaker announcements, or special offers. Why let these golden opportunities slip by?
2. Networking Nirvana: 🤝 The app isn’t just a tool; it’s a networking haven. By not diving in, you might be skipping the chance to connect with that industry leader or future business partner. Do you really want to pass on growing your professional circle?
3. Real-time Updates: 📣 Forget FOMO. With our event app, it’s all about being in the know—immediately. If you’re not on the app, you might be the last to learn about surprise guests or venue changes. Stay ahead of the curve!
4. Personalized Experience: 🌟 The app curates content based on your interests. By not using it, you’re choosing a generic event experience over a tailor-made journey designed just for you. Why settle for less?
5. Seamless Scheduling: 📅 Manually keeping track of sessions? That’s so last decade. Our app gives you automated reminders, ensuring you’re always where you want to be. Don’t you want to make the most of your time?
6. Sustainability Superhero: 🌿 Ditch those paper schedules and brochures. By embracing the mobile event app, you’re taking a stand for the environment. Going green has never been so easy—or essential.
7. Feedback & Voice: 🎤 Your opinion matters. The app offers an instant platform to voice your thoughts, rate sessions, or even ask live questions. By not using it, you’re sidelining your voice in the event’s narrative. Ready to be heard?
Tip 5 : Rally Speakers And Exhibitors To Use And Promote The Event App
When speakers and exhibitors champion an event app, attendees notice. Their influence extends to shaping attendee perceptions and expectations.
When they actively advocate for an event app, it creates a ripple effect: attendees not only notice but are also more inclined to download and engage.
By integrating the event app features into their presentations and promotions, speakers and exhibitors can elevate the event experience for everyone involved. Here’s the game plan:
For Speakers: Making Your Talks Interactive and Anticipated
- Interactive Q&A: 🙋♀️ Integrate live Q&A sessions through the mobile event app. Attendees can submit questions in real-time, fostering a dynamic discussion.
- Audience Polls: 📊 Engage the audience with live polls during your presentation. Gauge opinions, adjust your content on-the-fly, and create a two-way conversation.
- Pre-event teaser Decks : 📢 Your speakers can excite potential attendees by sharing sneak peeks of your talk on their social media profiles. Include a call-to-action prompting them to download the event app for the full experience.
- Pre-Event Engagements: 🗣 Host a brief webinar or a live session discussing topics related to your main talk. Encourage viewers to dive deeper at the event and, of course, via the mobile app.
For Exhibitors: Amplifying Your Booth’s Reach & Engagement
- Lead Scans: 📲 Streamline your networking. Capture valuable contacts instantly through the event app, ensuring you never miss a potential lead.
- App-Exclusive Offers: 💼 Offer special deals or previews available only to app users. It’s a compelling reason for attendees to visit both your virtual and physical booths.
- Promote Virtual Booths Pre-Event: 🔍 Generate buzz by giving attendees a preview of what they can expect from your booth. Share it on your business channels and prompt attendees to explore more on the event app.
- Social Media Shoutouts: 📣 Use your platforms to inform followers about your presence at the event. Attach a link to the app, emphasizing its importance in enhancing their event experience.
Takeaways
In the evolving landscape of event management, the potential of an event app cannot be underestimated. By tapping into the psychology of FOMO, employing the ubiquity of QR codes, guilt-trip marketing and harnessing the influence of event cornerstones like speakers and exhibitors, you can supercharge the app engagement rates.
