What does your web site really say about your event?

Image via CrunchBase

Today I read about an event that will be happening in my area and wanted to learn more.  The event was listed on a community calendar and gave the URL to the event organizer's website.  As I followed the link I found myself disappointed and frustrated! 

The website, while very cleanly designed and easy to follow told me very little and left me asking more questions than it answered. GRRRRR 

When designing a website or even an event page on Facebook or MySpace please remember that your visitors may know NOTHING about your organization nor your event.  This is the time to education them!

Be sure to include:

1. A way to find out more about your organization and those sponsoring the event.
   
2. The event description - including who might be interested in attending.
   
3. Where the event will take place - be specific!  Include the full address.  Too often I see the name of the location listed, assuming that every should know the name. Although I must admit I am guilty of this one.  Everyone knows where the Pullman Starbucks is,right?
   
4. When will the event take place - again be specific.  If you give me the date, include the starting and ending time.   
   
5. Multiple ways to contact you.  In my case today, a phone number was listed.  However it is Sunday afternoon and I know that the phone will not be answered.  Had a email contact been listed, I could have asked my questions NOW knowing that I would get an answer later.
   
6. If this is an event listing on Facebook, please add an image.  The generic "?" is very boring and tells me that you are not very excited about the event as you simply went with the default.

What other information should be included with an event listing or web site?

Comments

[Brandi Starr]

Something that I find helpful but not mandatory would be listing the benefits of attending the event. Even social events carry some benefit for the attendees listing this is more likely to make me want to attend.

And I'm like you regarding having an email address listed, even if it is during normal business hours I may not have time to talk to someone at that moment (you know some people can get long winded). With my busy schedule I’m not likely to remember to call when I have time or when they are open, so email works perfectly.

[Dave Lutz]

An event website should also include:

1) Who should attend the event

2) The benefits of attending

3) Testimonials - endorsements from past attendees

Basically answer the WIFM - What's In it For Me.