What is a Webinar and How Do You Make a Good One?
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What is a webinar? Why should you consider learning how to host one? How do you go about this?

In the modern working world, webinars are a crucial method of connecting customers with companies and employees of those companies. Since the covid-19 pandemic began, many individuals have started working from home, and webinars have proven to be one of the most important and valuable methods of making this work happen.

In the article below, you'll find out more about what makes a webinar and what you should plan for when setting up yours. With this information, you can create the best possible webinar for your needs.

What Makes a Webinar

A webinar is an online seminar that can take place through live streaming or through specialized webinar software. Although live streaming may be easier to set up initially, webinar software makes it easier to record your event and provide more features and information to your customers at the same time.

During a webinar, the presenter as well as some other representatives from the company will provide lecture-style information to customers. The presenter may also choose to open up to discussion, Q&A sessions, and other elements that can combine to create the perfect webinar.

Best Webinar Features

Some of the best features for a webinar include discussion and Q&A elements. These functions allow customers and clients to speak directly to the presenter, and in turn provide the presenter with an easier method of answering questions and concerns along the way.

Webinars should also provide screen sharing, which makes it easier for presenters to show their information to customers. The ideal webinar should facilitate easier discussion as well as easier presentation, combining both features of a traditional business meeting in a convenient online format. 

Additionally, the software you choose should provide browser-based access for customers who do not want to download software.

Ideal Uses for a Webinar

There are dozens of ways to put a webinar to work for you. One of the most common is the product description or business presentation method. Through this type of webinar, you can showcase either your product or your services to potential customers and connect with your existing customers to provide updates as well.

You may also provide announcements about your products, leadership seminars on topics relevant to your industry, or round table discussions among customers and members of your industry. Any meeting you could potentially hold within your business, you can hold through a webinar.

Interacting with Webinar Participants

Interacting with your participants is another vital part of a good webinar. As previously discussed, you should be willing to open up the floor to questions or concerns from customers or other members of your industry throughout the webinar, providing Q&A sessions when possible for this purpose.

You should also take time to speak to your attendees and find out just what information they are looking for. This may occur during an informal session at the beginning of the webinar, or it could even take place through a survey you send out before the day of the event. Gauging interest on your topic is a great way to set yourself up for success.

Picking the Best Webinar Platform

When you choose the best webinar platform for your event, you'll be better able to spend your time constructing the ideal presentation rather than worrying about your software. Choose webinar software that makes it easy for you to set up and present through the use of screen sharing, recording, and mic and camera access for all participants.

Be sure to choose browser-based software as previously discussed, and don't pick a program that is too complicated for customers or clients to sign up with and use.

Lead-In and Follow-Up

Last but not least, if you want to make a good webinar, you should take time to make lead-in and follow-up phone calls. This is all part of the promotion process, and you should provide your attendees and potential attendees with as much information as possible about the event during these brief, informal phone calls.

The lead-in calls should be used to generate interest, while the follow-up can provide another opportunity for customers to ask questions. You may also provide download information for the recording of the webinar when you make your follow-up phone call as well.

Final Thoughts

Putting together a great webinar takes some practice, and it isn't necessarily something you're going to get right the first time you do. However, when you choose to work with a high-quality webinar software, you'll be setting yourself up for success and will be more capable than ever of creating a memorable event. The stronger your webinar, the more likely you will be to generate new customers and leads.