Attending an event nowadays is as simple as a few mouse clicks on your computer, thanks to webinars. Businesses use webinars to generate leads, educate customers, and even conduct team meetings with members from all over the world.
So, exactly what is a webinar? And how can you put it to use in your own business?
This blog will teach you everything you need to know about webinars, how they work, and how to successfully host your own webinar.
What is a Webinar?
A webinar is a type of online video conferencing tool that is used to hold interactive, web-based seminars, meetings, product demos, and other events.
It’s a planned event with a specific time and date. Those interested can sign up for a webinar using their email address, and they will receive a link to access the webinar once it is live.
Webinars can be an excellent substitute for in-person events. Attendees can interact with the speakers by asking questions or taking part in discussions, given that they are interactive. Webinars also remove the need to rent a venue and save on travel expenses.
7 Easy Steps To Host a Successful Webinar
Now that we’ve defined what a webinar is, let’s look at how you can produce one for your own company.
The procedure of conducting a webinar is rather straightforward. This is due to the fact that the majority of it is dependent on selecting the appropriate webinar software to work with.
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To get started, follow the instructions below.
1. Plan the Content of Your Webinar
It might be tempting to go straight into webinar development. However, if you want your webinar to be a success, make sure you arrange everything ahead of time.
This implies you’ll need a content strategy that describes everything. Determine the subject of conversation, plan the format and organization, and note down the key talking points.
What equipment do you intend to use? Will you be looking at the camera, or will you be sharing your screen? Who will be taking part in the webinar?
Before you begin, remember to specify the length of your webinar and choose an appropriate title. The title should be catchy and engaging, but it should also be clear to viewers what the webinar is about.
In terms of time, an ideal webinar should last between 30 and 60 minutes. Make sure to give time in the end for questions and answers.
2. Choose a Reliable Platform to Host Your Webinar
Once you’ve planned out all of your content, it’s important to choose the best webinar platform for your purposes. However, before you select one, there are a few factors to consider, such as:
- The number of individuals you anticipate attending the webinar.
- The number of presenters who will be participating.
- The duration of the webinar.
- The arrangement to use a whiteboard or share your screen.
- Text chat should be supported throughout the webinar.
- The price of the webinar software.
- Choose a tool that provides the most value for money regarding your usage requirements.
Livestorm, ClickMeeting, GoToWebinar, and BigMarker are some prominent webinar solutions. You can also utilize a free video-conferencing program like Zoom or Google Meet.
3. Set a Schedule For the Webinar
Choose a time and date for your event once you’ve chosen a webinar platform.
This is obviously dependent on the nature of your firm and its consumers. B2B webinars, for example, are more likely to be seen during business hours on weekdays. If you’re a B2C firm, your webinar can get more views on weekends or after work hours.
Schedule your webinar at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that you have enough time to advertise it and get as many people to register as possible.
4. Don’t Forget to Promote Your Webinar
So, how do you really get people to sign up for and attend your event?
The answer is webinar marketing!
You must ensure that you market your webinar via the appropriate sources in order to attract individuals who are truly interested in learning more about your subject. The majority of companies construct a landing page for their webinar.
A separate landing page allows you to give an appealing description of your webinar and how viewers can benefit from it.
The next stage is to advertise your webinar via various social media outlets. It’s a good idea to make promotional images to publish on social media since they’re more likely to be seen than conventional text-based postings.
You can also use animated GIFs instead of static photographs to publish on social media. Animated graphics are more engaging and will stand out in a sea of imagery on your audience’s newsfeed.
Don’t forget to advertise your webinar on Instagram stories. Instagram stories are participatory and interesting. You can also include a link in your post so that people can register by just swiping up.
5. Send a Reminder Email Before the Webinar
Webinars are planned and advertised in advance, so it’s natural for some individuals to forget they enrolled.
Send a reminder email to registrants a day before the event to enhance attendance. To be safe, send another email an hour or two before the event.
6. Conduct the Webinar
The big day has finally arrived.
Before the event, make sure you have all of your technology and equipment in working condition. Check your microphone, camera, screen sharing function, presentations, and whatever else you’ll be using.
Keep records of the questions and comments in the text chat throughout your webinar. Try to answer the most critical questions on video, if possible, or have a dedicated member address them in the conversation.
7. Follow up with Your Attendees
Your work is not over just once your webinar is ended. To get the most out of it, send an email to your guests thanking them for their participation.
Allow them to contact you if they have any questions, and don’t forget to provide a link to a recorded version of the webinar in case they want to review it later.
This gesture is crucial in developing a bond with your guests and leaving them delighted with your event.
Wrapping It Up
Webinars can assist your company or organization in accomplishing a variety of objectives, such as teaching a worldwide audience, generating high-quality leads, and casting light on your product.
Are you prepared to build your own webinar? Begin organizing your webinar content, design a webinar presentation using SlideUpLift’s Free PowerPoint templates, and make some eye-catching social visuals to advertise your event.
