6 Virtual Field Marketing Event Ideas Under $100
It is no surprise that weathering an economic storm can lead to large budget cuts, affecting every department in a business. Marketers, specifically event marketers, know that when the economy takes a turn, their budget is likely to be impacted. As an event marketer, you must pivot and be creative, even if your dollars get assigned to a different marketing team initiative. Your number one priority should be thinking about the customer and the relationships that are ever so important for their renewals during this economic downfall. In this blog, we will be covering 6 virtual field marketing event ideas that you can plan for $100.
Why is Field Marketing Important During an Economic Downturn?
According to G2, businesses tend to cut marketing budgets first because it seems counterintuitive to spend money on large marketing campaigns when customers are spending less and revenues are down. Rightfully so, money should be spent on critical projects tied to business goals and it’s important for CMOs and Marketing leaders to be strategic with their budget in an economic downturn. This Harvard Business Review can walk you through just that. Although these cuts may seem like a great idea, it can lead to competitors jumping in and stealing your presence. As an event marketer, you must pivot and be creative, even if your dollars get placed to a different marketing team initiative. An investment in events, even if small, is important to bring people together in a time of uncertainty, to give people a space to chat through problems they are facing, and to maintain customer retention through community and connections. Let’s dive into 6 virtual field marketing ideas that cost less than $100 to plan.
1. Books & Brews
Set up a monthly book club with your customer community on a topic that is relevant to your industry and space. Have everyone bring their favorite “brew” (coffee, tea, or beer) and enjoy a lively discussion and networking event. As the planner, create a run of show with specific questions that the emcee can lead. Total spend would be twenty $5 gift cards for attendees to pick up their brew of choice.
2. Digital Cookbook Event
Create an event for your customer community in which everyone makes their signature dish. Each attendee can share about their creation and the recipe. Set aside time for discussion around relevant topics while everyone is enjoying their meal together. As a follow-up, package together the recipes for a digital cookbook. Total spend could be a starting donation of $100 to a local food bank of choice.
3. Yoga & Sips
Stretch and relax with a 30 minute virtual yoga class. Post class, spend time discussing topics of choice with your customer group. Lean in on connections and resources to find a yoga instructor free of charge. Total spend would be twenty $5 gift cards for attendees to pick up a coffee or tea.
4. Cocktails & Camaraderie
Who doesn’t love a good happy hour? Have everyone make their signature cocktail or mocktail. Each attendee can share about their creation and the recipe. Set aside time for discussion around relevant topics while everyone is enjoying their drinks together. As a follow-up, package together the recipes for a digital cocktail book. Total spend could be a starting donation of $100 to a local food bank of choice.
5. Goal Setting Workshop
Creating a space for mental health can be more important for customers than product focused events. Invite your community to a free goal setting workshop in which a health coach can guide them through. Total spend would be for the health coach to lead the workshop.
6. Coffee & Connections
Set up monthly coffee chats with your customer community on a topic that is relevant to your industry and space. Have everyone bring their coffee or tea and enjoy a lively discussion and networking event.Total spend would be twenty $5 gift cards for attendees to pick up a coffee or tea.
The Bottom Line?
A time of economic downturn is not a time to cut marketing events out of the picture. Even if budgets are cut, it’s important to create a space for customers to share in connection. Here’s to putting our customers first, giving them a space to connect in a time of uncertainty, and creating memorable field marketing experiences.
Not Sure Where to Start?
PlanWell helps small-team marketers bring their event strategy to life. We’d love to serve as the team within your team and help elevate your event experience. To learn more about our services check out our full list. If you are interested in learning more, you can book a call here.
