📣 Host’s Guide: How to Get More People to Join Your Online Events

📣 Host’s Guide: How to Get More People to Join Your Online Events

🎯 Why This Matters

Growing your group helps more people feel included, builds energy in the room, and keeps events exciting and fresh. Whether your event is for fun, learning, or support—inviting others helps it thrive.

✅ Step 1: Know Who Your Event Is For

Before you invite anyone, be clear about:

  • What kind of event it is (game, chat, movement, educational, creative)

  • Who might enjoy it (friends, coworkers, support group, new connections)

  • How they will benefit (fun, relaxation, community, learning something new)

✅ Step 2: Make the Event Look Inviting

People are more likely to join if your invite is:

  • Clear (what it is, when it is, how to join)

  • Friendly (use emojis, warm language, easy tone)

  • Visual (flyer, image, or even a short video invitation)

What to include in your invite:

  • Event title (e.g., “Music Bingo Monday!”)

  • Date & time (with time zone if needed)

  • Zoom link or how to RSVP

  • One sentence about what to expect

  • Who’s hosting (especially if you’re popular or trusted!)

  • A friendly call to action:

    “We’d love to have you join us!”

✅ Step 3: Share Your Event in the Right Places

📬 Send Direct Invitations:

  • Text message a friend

  • Email people who came to past events

  • Personal messages in chat groups

📱 Post in Online Spaces:

  • Facebook groups

  • WhatsApp group chats

  • Disability and caregiver support forums

  • Local community pages

💬 Ask for Help:

  • Ask other participants to bring a friend

✅ Step 4: Make It Easy for Newcomers

If it’s someone’s first time, they might be nervous. You can help by:

  • Sending a reminder the day of

  • Letting them know there’s no pressure to talk

  • Offering to meet them 5 minutes early in the Zoom room

  • Explaining what to expect at the start of the event

✅ Step 5: Get Your Group Involved

Your regulars are your best promoters! Encourage them to:

  • Invite one new person each week

  • Help welcome new guests during the session

  • Share what they love about the group on social media

✅ Step 6: Create Buzz and Fun Themes

Make your event stand out with ideas like:

  • Themed events (sports day, 80s night, pajama party)

  • Mini-contests or games with prizes

  • Celebrating birthdays, holidays, or awareness days

  • Featuring a “guest host” or fun surprise

People love to talk about events that are special—give them something worth sharing!

💡 Quick Ideas to Try

Method Description
📸 Create a flyer Use Canva or PowerPoint to design a quick graphic
🎥 Record a 30-sec video invite “Hey! Join me this Friday for Zoom Karaoke!”
🤝 Offer a “bring a buddy” challenge Reward anyone who brings a friend
🗣️ Share testimonials Ask a regular to give a short quote about why they come
💌 Follow up Message guests after: “Thanks for joining! Hope to see you again!”

🧑‍💼 Final Host Checklist

✅ My invite is clear and friendly
✅ I personally asked at least 2 people to join
✅ I posted the invite in a group chat or page
✅ I’m prepared to welcome new faces
✅ I’ve reminded people 24 hours in advance
✅ I’ve made it fun and easy to attend
✅ I said thank you to all who came