Webinars have always been here, but they are getting immensely popular these days because of the outbreak of COVID-19. The global pandemic has forced organizations and businesses to adjust to new innovative technologies.
Companies use webinars to connect with new customers, build brand authority, demonstrate expertise, or promote a product launch. It takes a lot of skills and effort in planning the perfect webinar that enables you to meet all your marketing objectives.
According to a study by ON24, almost 40,000 hours of webinar content are watched in a single day. If the world of webinars is new territory for you, read on to know how you can leverage this modern technology to thrive in your respective industry.
What Is A Webinar?
The word webinar originated from the combination of web and seminars, so webinars are like seminar-style workshops or presentations that companies host on the internet. There is a plethora of webinar software and platforms online that you can use to host your next webinar.
Though there is no specific rule to the duration, webinars are typically 30-60 minutes long. The primary objective of hosting webinars is to share industry insights and information with the viewers.
There are four main components of a webinar; speaker, attendees, chatbox, and visual aids. Each one has its defined role in the overall success of a webinar. For instance, a visual aid is like a slide deck or other presentation material that viewers can follow.
How Can You Shift To A Webinar?
The webinar is a marketing technology that companies are using to stay ahead of the curve. If you are wondering how to shift your physical conferences to a virtual webinar, follow the tips and steps discussed below.
1. Decide The Purpose Of Your Webinar
Before you start planning the perfect webinar, it is critically important that you define its purpose. It could be to onboard new users, generate new leads, or interact with your client base. Once you have a defined objective, you can pick the right topic, title, and format and craft a successful webinar.
2. Choose The Right Host
Finding the right presenter who will host the webinar for your company takes a fair bit of brainstorming. Apart from being a subject matter expert, this person should be good at public speaking.
If it fits within your budget, choose the top industry expert or an influential personality to draw a large number of viewers. You can also consider arranging a panel discussion for your webinars.
3. Plan Your Webinar Content Beforehand
Your content plays a significant role in the overall success of your webinar. If you want to create an engaging webinar, you need to plan your content wisely. Create a well-defined outline and structure with a proper timeline and implement it with complete dedication.
4. Prepare Your Tech And Environment
Before you run a webinar, make sure you have a stable internet connection and a camera that can record good quality videos. You can run your webinar from your office, or even your living room, but keep it professional to keep your viewers engaged.
5. Schedule Your Webinar
It is hard to decide the best time to run your webinar. A study shows that the ideal time to schedule a webinar is in the middle of a week, i.e., Tuesday to Thursday. Always keep in mind that you may have viewers from different time zones, so select a time that is suitable for everyone.
6. Promote Your Webinar
Once you have finished preparing for your webinar, it is time to promote it through the right medium so that your target audience is notified about the event and can join. Make the best use of email invitations, banner ads, and custom landing pages to spread the word.
7. Run The Webinar
When it’s time to host your webinar, try to stay calm, and focus on the structure and timeline. Pick a quiet room that’s free from distractions and inform any family members or roommates so that they give you your space. Be respectful of your audience’s time and start the presentation on time.
8. Make It Engaging
Greet your attendees in waiting time, make relevant comments, and answer their questions. Don’t let your webinar turn into a one-sided conversation: interact with your audience at every chance you get. If you manage to keep your viewers engaged, they are likely to return for your future webinars.
9. Ask For Feedback
Once you are done with your webinar, it is time to ask your attendees about their experience. You can use this feedback to upgrade your services and improve your webinar endeavors. Offer your viewers relevant resources to help them understand more about the subject.
Benefits Of Using Webinars
Businesses of all types are using webinars to fulfill their specific set of requirements. For instance, online course platforms are using webinars to update students about new development in their respective subjects.
There are many benefits of using webinars. Some of them are listed below.
- It helps you build credibility in your domain.
- It helps you in generating leads and building your list.
- It is an entertaining way to train and onboard new employees.
- A webinar is an exceptional tool for business branding.
- If recorded, a webinar is a valuable content to share with your audience.
Tackling The Most Common Webinar Challenges
Nervous Speaker
Attendees expect a passionate and engaging speaker in webinars. Rehearse to prevent your audience from leaving your webinar.
Background Noise
Background noises and chatter can distract the host as well as attendees. Let a third party manage your audience to eliminate any distracting sounds. If people wish to communicate or ask questions during the webinar, ask them to use the chatbox.
Technical Problems
Technical issues can make your audience lose interest. Make sure you check your cameras and microphones beforehand.
Access Issues For Attendees
Error messages, required plugins, etc. are some of the top reasons why attendees fail to join. Use a simple webinar platform that everyone can access.
Conclusion
Webinars and virtual workshops are a great way to connect with prospects while building your credibility in the industry. Since they are a great opportunity for branding and building brand awareness with minimum resources, businesses should arrange a well-planned and structured webinar.
