When you set up an Onstream virtual event, it is important to make it easy on yourself and your attendees to register so you know exactly how many people to expect. An online registration system can be easy for your attendees to use, as well as reduce the work you need to do to add up all your attendees. However, to ensure it is easy for everyone, you should incorporate these five tips for the best registration possible.
A Clear Call to Action
You need to find a way to encourage those who view your registration form to register for your event. If it is too difficult for people to figure out how to register, they won’t. Include a clearly marked link to your registration page at the top of any emails, blogs or other written information about the event. Use an obvious phrase, such as “Click here to register.” You can include another link at the bottom of the message, asking people if they will attend your event.
It is also important to use a clear call to action on your website as well. Place a banner in a highly visible location, preferably in a position that doesn’t requiring scrolling. Use bright colors and commanding words, such as “Register Now,” to encourage action. Make sure your link leads directly to your registration. If users have to click too many links, they will give up before reaching your registration page.
Use Your Branding
You have worked hard to create the right branding for your company. Don’t waste that hard work. Make sure you use uniform branding through your registration form so your attendees will remember it is your business that is hosting this event. Internet users are cautious of phishing scams that attempt to gain access to their information. If you don’t make it clear your registration page belongs to you, they will be wary of entering their personal information and will pass up your registration.
Keep It Concise
When you think about your event, there is a long list of information you likely desire from your attendees when they sign up. However, if your registration requires them to enter too much information, they are likely to change their mind. They may not have the time and plan to return later, only to find they don’t return. Try to keep the information required to no more than five. If you require more, 10 to 15 is the highest number of fields you can safely use without deterring your attendees.
Make sure your registration is easy to use. You may be able to mark some of the fields mandatory or optional. This will allow your attendees to enter only the information they desire in the optional fields or skip them if they prefer. In some cases, you may even be able to use dynamic fields that only appear when attendees answer one of your fields with a specific answer for more targeted answers for your registration form.
Use Secure Payments
Your registrants want to know their financial information is secure if they are making a payment online. Make sure you clearly show your security features on the page. Your registration page should be hosted on an SSL encrypted site, which shows the address as https. If you are using a third-party for online payments, it is important to check their credentials to make sure they are PCI compliant. There are few companies that are PCI compliant to the highest level, making it difficult to find one. However, it is important to take the time to find one to reduce the risk of hacking or stolen financial information so your attendees can feel confident in making a payment.
Offer Offline Payments
No matter how many security measures you take, some attendees simply won’t be comfortable paying online. Other people simply don’t use credit cards or debit cards, making online payments impossible. You can increase the number of attendees for your event by offering the ability to mail in a check payment. However, not all events will require these offline payments. Think about who your audience is and decide if they are a group that is likely to use the offline payments rather than online payments. For instance, the elderly is one group that is more likely to desire offline payment options.
If you follow these five steps when you are creating the online registration forms for your event, you will see even more success for your next event. The easier and safer you make registration for your attendees, the more likely you are to see an increase in your attendance.
If you have any questions about registration, feel free to contact the professionals at Onstream Media for help.
