Step #7 on our podcasting roadmap is building a community intentionally around your podcast. What’s the best way to build your community? There’s nothing quite like a shared experience to bring people together.

But what kind of experience and how do you even go about making it happen?

Our guest today is Jen Kline and she believes that a virtual conference is the ultimate community builder. Jen will share with us when to host an online event for your audience, how to market it, and some super insider tips to overcoming the challenges virtual events bring. I’m so impressed by Jen’s commitment to helping others build substantive communities and I can’t wait to introduce her to you.

After listening to this conversation, you’ll be ready to start your own online conference, too.

Join her free online conference to learn how here!

Quotes from the episode:

Building a community is how you draw people in and really serve them. You create something that's bigger than you. They can serve each other, and it's really powerful. - Eric Nevins

Virtual events are one of the best ways to grow your podcast and your business. You can reach people all over the world and bring the message of hope that God has placed in you to those who may not have access otherwise. - Jen Klein

A virtual conference is like a value bomb for your audience and everybody else's audiences. It's about serving and giving before asking for more. Don't you want to be known as a giver and a server? - Eric Nevins

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn the importance of joining virtual conferences for your podcast

• Collaborate with podcasters and creators for endless opportunities

• Ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of virtual events for a wider audience

• Embrace the importance of community and shared experiences for meaningful connections.

• Discover effective timing and marketing strategies for virtual events

• Start planning your own virtual event
• Create a landing page or registration form for your event

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:05 - The Power of Virtual Events
Virtual events are a great way to grow your podcast or email list and create a sense of community among your audience.

00:01:33 - Discovering the Power of Virtual Events
Jen Klein shares her experience of hosting her first virtual conference and how it led to building relationships and a sense of community.

00:04:39 - The Relevance of Virtual Conferences
Virtual conferences are still relevant, especially for those who can't attend in-person conferences due to various reasons. They provide a platform to reach a global audience and share messages of hope and transformation.

00:07:05 - Connecting with Your Ideal Audience
Virtual events allow podcasters to connect with their ideal audience by collaborating with like-minded thinkers and offering valuable content that resonates with their audience's needs and interests.

00:09:05 - Collaboration and Serving Your Audience
Collaboration is key in online business, and virtual conferences provide an opportunity to collaborate with others in the industry to serve a larger audience. Serving your audience first and providing value can lead to growth and success.

00:15:48 - The Value of Virtual Events
Virtual events provide a valuable space for shared experiences and community-building. They can serve as a platform to connect with your audience and provide them with transformative content and opportunities. While in-person events have their own advantages, virtual events have their own unique benefits.

00:17:19 - Choosing the Right Time for a Virtual Event
The best time to host a virtual event depends on your audience and their needs. It's important to consider the timing of your industry or niche and align your event with relevant seasons or milestones. February and March may be conference season for some, but it's essential to strategize based on your specific audience.

00:22:38 - Marketing and Growing Your Virtual Event
Treat your virtual event as the top of your sales funnel and use it to grow your email list and reach new audiences. Offer a free event with a paid upgrade for additional content and bonuses. Utilize affiliate links for speakers to help promote the event and track registrations.

00:25:39 - Keeping Attendees Engaged
To keep attendees engaged during a virtual event, make use of interactive features and opportunities for connection. Use a platform that allows for chat discussions, networking, and multiple ways to engage with content. Keep the event moving and consider the preferences and behaviors of your specific audience.

00:26:51 - Leveraging Technology for Virtual Events
Choose a platform that offers various features to enhance the virtual event experience. Look for options that allow for chat discussions,

00:31:38 - Introduction and Using Kajabi for Events
The conversation starts with the guest, Jen, expressing her love for Kajabi and how she uses it for her events. She explains that she has a WordPress website as her base and uses ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit as her email service provider. Jen also mentions using Thrive cart for a cart platform and RingCentral (formerly Hoppin) as her preferred event platform.

00:33:36 - Overcoming Intimidation and Mindset
The importance of having the right mindset when hosting an event is discussed. Jen emphasizes the need to ground thinking in truth and not let emotions drive decision-making. She also highlights the value of having someone outside of oneself to provide support and keep the mindset aligned.

00:37:08 - Realistic Expectations and Results
Jen shares a case study of the Show Pig Conference, which started with zero audience and email list but achieved significant growth and generated a five-figure income. She advises being prepared to capitalize on the event's success by having the next offer ready for participants to continue their engagement.

00:39:26 - Continuing the Conversation and Enthusiasm
The importance of having a follow-up offer or community after the event is stressed. Jen mentions different options like coaching, memberships, group programs, high-ticket offers, podcasts, and Facebook communities. It's essential to strike while the enthusiasm for the event is still high.

00:40:59 - Post-Event Feelings

Connect with Jen Kline:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Email

Resources:

• Join the Christian Podcasters Association: Visit the Christian Podcasters Association website and sign up to become a member. This will give you access to resources, community forums, and networking opportunities with other podcasters.

• Join the Christian Podcast Association Facebook group - Search Christian Podcast Association on Facebook and join our free group to connect with other Christian podcasters.

• Listen and subscribe to the official podcast of Christian Podcasters Association for valuable insights and interviews with fellow podcasters
• Visit the CPA website to learn more about how they can help you with your podcasting journey and sign up for services.

Are you ready to grow your podcast into the ministry you first envisioned? Join CPA Gold to find the resources, support, and community that will take you from mindset to monetization.