An Ultimate Guide to Create a Marketplace for Virtual Events as a Side Hustle in Europe

In today's digital age, e-commerce goes beyond buying and selling physical items. Virtual events are on the rise, and they offer a fantastic opportunity for Europeans looking to start a side business. So, welcome to the Ultimate Guide for Creating a Virtual Events Marketplace! We're here to take you through the world of online events, from the basics to building a successful side hustle.

The internet has made it possible for people to connect virtually for various events, from webinars and concerts to fitness classes and social gatherings. You can be part of this growing trend in Europe. This guide will give you the insights and practical steps to start your own platform that connects event organizers with attendees.

Are people in Europe active in hosting and attending virtual events?

Virtual events in Europe has gained significant traction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, many people across Europe have adapted to hosting and attending virtual events as a safer alternative to in-person gatherings. This shift is especially noticeable in industries like business conferences, education, entertainment, and even social gatherings. All in all, the dynamics of the events industry has changed and this is the best opportunity to create a platform where people can hold virtual events in.

What challenges should you expect when creating a marketplace for virtual events?

Creating a marketplace for virtual events may have several challenges. Firstly, you'll need to attract event organizers and attendees to your platform, which can be tough in a competitive market. Building a user-friendly website or app that handles event listings and ticketing smoothly is another hurdle.

Balancing the needs of event organizers who want to promote their events and attendees looking for great experiences is crucial. You'll also face legal and compliance issues, like data protection and tax regulations. Plus, staying updated with ever-changing technology and user preferences is an ongoing challenge. It's a journey with obstacles, but with the right strategies and determination, success is attainable.

Can you advertise freely for your virtual event marketplace?

Advertising for your virtual event marketplace may not be entirely free, and it depends on the specific advertising channels and strategies you choose to employ. Here are some considerations:

• Organic Marketing: You can leverage organic marketing channels like social media, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach potential users without direct advertising costs. While these methods can be cost-effective, they require time and effort to build a presence and generate traffic.
  

• Paid Advertising: To accelerate your marketplace's growth, you may opt for paid advertising channels such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on platforms like Google Ads or social media advertising on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These methods typically involve a cost-per-click or cost-per-impression model, so you'll incur expenses based on your advertising budget.
  

• Email Marketing: Building and maintaining an email list can be an effective way to promote your virtual event marketplace. While sending emails to your subscribers is relatively inexpensive, acquiring and maintaining a quality email list may require investment in email marketing tools and strategies.
  

• Affiliate Marketing: You can collaborate with affiliates who promote your platform in exchange for a commission on sales. While this model can be cost-effective, you'll still share a portion of your revenue with affiliates.
  

• Content Creation: Creating valuable content related to virtual events and event planning can attract organic traffic and engage potential users. However, producing high-quality content may require investments in content creation tools and resources.
  

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Partnering with event organizers, influencers, or complementary businesses can help you reach a broader audience without direct advertising costs. However, there may be costs associated with establishing and maintaining these partnerships.
  

How to find event organizers to host their events in your marketplace?

Finding event organizers is a critical step in building a successful virtual event platform. Here are some strategies to help you attract target audience:

• Networking: Attend industry-specific events, trade shows, and conferences both online and offline. Connect with event organizers and establish relationships. Networking platforms like LinkedIn can also be valuable for making connections.
  

• Online Presence: Create a professional and informative website for your marketplace. Highlight the benefits of using your platform and provide clear instructions on how event organizers can list their events. Include contact information and an easy-to-use sign-up process.
  

• Social Media: Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to promote your marketplace. Share success stories, showcase user testimonials, and engage with potential event organizers.
  

• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send targeted campaigns to event organizers. Highlight the advantages of using your platform and provide compelling reasons to choose your marketplace.
  

What are the biggest risks of selling virtual events services in your marketplace?

Selling virtual event services in your marketplace carries several significant risks, including technical issues that can disrupt events and harm your platform's reputation. Low attendance may lead to dissatisfaction among event organizers and potential refund requests. Fierce competition in the virtual events market can make it challenging to attract organizers and attendees.

Data security and legal compliance, especially with European data protection regulations like GDPR, are critical concerns. Payment disputes, refund handling, and adapting to changing industry trends are other additional risks. To mitigate these risks, strong technical infrastructure, clear policies, and excellent customer support are essential.

What is the return policy for virtual event marketplaces in Europe?

Regarding return policies for virtual event marketplaces in Europe, they can vary, often depending on event organizers. Common principles include transparent communication of refund policies during ticket purchases, diverse refund options, and procedures for event cancellations or rescheduling.

Dispute resolution mechanisms may also be in place. Compliance with European consumer protection laws, such as the Consumer Rights Directive, is crucial. Ultimately, both event organizers and attendees should thoroughly review the specific refund and cancellation policies provided by the marketplace and the event organizers. So, you can ensure a clear understanding and avoid potential disputes.

What are examples of the best marketplaces for selling virtual events services?

Here are some notable examples of successful marketplaces for selling virtual event services:

• Eventbrite: Eventbrite is a well-known platform that allows event organizers to create, promote, and sell tickets for both physical and virtual events. It offers a wide range of features, including event registration, ticketing, and marketing tools.
  

• Zoom Events: Zoom, a leading video conferencing platform, introduced Zoom Events to facilitate the hosting and ticketing of virtual events. It integrates with Zoom Meetings, making it easy for organizers to manage and monetize their online events.
  

• Hopin: Hopin is a virtual events platform that offers a marketplace for event organizers to host conferences, webinars, and expos. It provides interactive features like networking sessions, sponsorships, and virtual booths.
  

• Airmeet: Airmeet is known for its interactive virtual event experiences. It allows organizers to create online conferences, expos, and networking events with features like breakout rooms and networking lounges.
  

• Bizzabo: Bizzabo is an event management platform that includes virtual event capabilities. It offers tools for event registration, engagement, and analytics.
  

How to support customers after their purchase from your virtual event marketplace?

You can begin with immediate confirmation and clear pre-event communication, providing attendees with all necessary details and resources. Technical support channels must be readily available to assist customers in case of issues.

Also, offer post-event resources, like recordings and forums for attendee interaction. This way, you can add value to your services. Moreover, prompt issue resolution and personalized communication show your commitment to customer satisfaction.

What do you need to know about the sales regulation of selling virtual events services in Europe?

Selling virtual event services in Europe requires adherence to various sales regulations. Key considerations include compliance with consumer protection laws. One of them is the Consumer Rights Directive, which mandates clear information on terms and conditions, refund policies, and cancellation rights for customers. GDPR and similar rules require strict rules for protecting customer data. Handling VAT (Value Added Tax) across European countries, and understanding industry-specific rules for virtual events like ticket reselling and content licensing are crucial, as well.

How does Selldone make it easy to build a marketplace for virtual events in Europe?

Selldone, as a no-plugin e-commerce platform has changed the way of creating marketplaces around the world. With the useful features it offers, business owners who want to have their own marketplaces will face minimal challenges in their paths. Here are some of the features Selldone offers that lead to a successful online business.

• No-plugin, No code
  

Selldone allows you to establish, operate, and expand your business without the need for coding or hiring developers to install plugins or apps. Selldone includes all the necessary features and you won’t need to install any additional ones.

• Multi-Vendor Marketplace
  

Selldone enables you to effortlessly onboard and manage an unlimited number of vendors or event organizers. Each receives their dedicated control panel, granting them autonomy in handling their products, inventory, and orders.

• Intuitive Dashboard for Event Organizers
  

Your event organizers have one dedicated panel that has a clean and easy-to-use UI/UX. So, they can manage their events efficiently.

• Supporting All Types of Products
  

Apart from virtual event services, you can add any kind of products in your marketplace, including physical products and files. So, you can attract a wider range of customers.

• Scalability and Performance
  

The platform is built to handle lots of visitors, bigger files and prodcuts, and more event organizers as the business grows. It stays fast even on busy marketplace days as it's designed like a real web-app.

What do our customers say about us?

Here are some reviews of our previous customers.

From G2:

From Producthunt: