First of all, what is a webinar? A Webinar is an interactive online seminar about a particular topic. Typically, the host speaks at length about the topic alongside visual elements such as videos and slideshows. Often times you see the speaker and/or their screen and the audience listens and can use a chat feature. The audience also gets time to ask questions, either at the end of the seminar or at key points throughout.
In the wake of the COVID-19 virus, it’s becoming mandatory for people to stay at home and maintain social distance. Webinars are becoming particularly helpful in facilitating two-way communications. It’s a great way to market your products and engage with prospective customers.
5 Essential Tips to Hold a Webinar Successfully
One of the main advantages of using webinars is connecting with prospective customers even when they’re miles away.
Your target audience doesn’t have to attend the seminar physically or even while it is happening. However, holding webinars isn’t a walk in the park. You need to know the secrets of hosting a successful webinar. Here are some tips to get it right the first time.
1. Create Content that Interests Your Target Audience
Before you host a webinar, you should focus on both the content and the end sale. Most marketers forget about content and get carried away by the moment of sale.
Your customers will judge your product from the visual appeal. Ensure your presentation is professional, especially when engaging a professional audience. Never compromise on quality.
Present your products accurately and clearly. This means that you must be an entertaining and exciting storyteller. If this isn’t one of your strengths, consider hiring a copywriter or ghostwriter to help produce the webinar.
2. Prepare Adequately
Preparation is a requisite if you want to avoid hitches during the presentation. Do a dry run (dress rehearsals for a webinar) to acquaint yourself with the webinar platform.
Practice several times in front of friends and family. It’s also recommended to use tools you’re familiar with and avoid testing new equipment.
While you can hold the webinar solo, the best idea is to have a host introduce the presenter. This method isn’t just effective but also exciting to participants.
3. Choose a Topnotch Webinar Platform
A suitable online conferencing tool should match your needs. Does the platform allow you to record the webinar?
Recordings are useful for people who won’t make it to the live webinar. An ideal platform will come with easy registration tools. Some great platforms to consider include Zoom, Go to Webinar, WebEx, Blue Jeans, and Join.me.
4. Promote Your Webinar Well in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to start marketing your online seminar. You can begin advertising a month in advance or even further out. Remember to send reminders as the event day draws closer. You can also get the audience involved beforehand by asking them for questions online before the event day.
It’s prudent to do a countdown on your social media channels. Additionally, send an email reminder the day before and on the day of the event. Ensure you have a compelling topic and tell the audience what they should expect to learn from you.
5. Choose an Ideal Time
Proper timing is one of the essential keys to a successful webinar. When deciding on a suitable time to host a webinar, ensure it’s convenient for both you and participants.
You should also consider how long your webinar will last. Remember the people in your audience are busy and are setting aside some of their precious time to listen to you.
It is recommended to restrict your webinar to between 30 and 60 minutes. Most of your listeners will stick around if they know the webinar has a predetermined timeline. Be concise and set aside about 10 minutes for a question and answer session.
Running a Successful Webinar has Never Been Easier
While webinars are effective in product marketing, holding a successful event can be quite challenging. However, this shouldn’t always be the case.
If you are well prepared, you can avoid hitches during the live presentation. Engage your audience and initiate interactions by asking questions. Don’t forget to promote your online conference on your social media channels.
At the end of your webinar, communicate a call to action clearly and give an excellent sales pitch. Follow these 5 tips and holding a successful webinar will be a breeze.
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