10 Tips for How to Make a Webinar
A webinar is a real-time conference hosted online. The purpose of these meetings is to stimulate curiosity which then brings people in through conversation. You then use the opportunity to turn them into customers. This multidimensional conference supports presentations and videos,it allows sharing the presenter's desktop and records broadcast for further watching.
The host of the webinar requires Internet access,headset,webcam and a webinar hosting software. The attendees only need Internet access and a headset. There are,however,other preparations which must be made before hosting a webinar. Below is a list of ten important tips which you should consult while preparing to make a webinar.
1. Choose the Date in Advance
The first tips on how to make a webinar is to choose the date ahead of time. The reason is that the people you will invite to the webinar have busy schedules. Prior notice will enable them to create time to attend the webinar. Conversely,excess time in between could result to loss of motivation. It is advisable to consider selecting the date(s) to increase chances of attendance carefully. Pick on weekends and holidays which are not associated with many activities.2. Get the Timing Right
If you are inviting people from different parts of the globe,it is necessary to consider the time-zone differences. You do not want to set the meeting at a time when some of the attendees are almost leaving the office or when they are at home. Selecting the time which works for everyone is nearly impossible. Another option is to hold the webinar more than once for people of different time zones.
3. Choose a Webinar Tool
The idea on how to make a webinar presentation for free successfully is that you'd better choose a webinar tool. The webinar tool which suits you best depends on the number of attendees you expect,whether you want a series of the meetings and the relevance of the interaction. A good example of this is ezTalks Meetings,powerful and trustworthy webinar tool found online.
Using this tool,you can connect with a maximum of 100 people in different parts of the world at no cost. It has an easy to use interface and offers unlimited meeting time. It features a full-screen view,can be used with interactive whiteboards and allows remote screen sharing,record video and audio of the webinar.
4. Practice
You as the host (and other presenters) are expected to run a smooth webinar. You should,therefore,practice using the webinar before the actual event. You can use the practice mode of the program or invite a colleague to help you practice with the webinar tools. Among the things you should learn from the practice are as follows:
I. How to switch between speakers.
II. The process of taking a poll.
III. How to share video,audio,files and others.
5. Agenda and Invitation
The invitation should have an outline of the program of the webinar. The plan should indicate how long the meeting will last,the key points of discussion and the order of events. Additional information includes the webinar title,a list of the speakers and the target audience and a call to action. The information contained in the invitation is important to the invitees as it helps them determine if the webinar is relevant to them.
6. Invite Audience
Ensure to make a webinar effortlessly,you should choose the right members of your audience for the webinar. Follow up the RSVP responses,to be sure of the number of people who plan to attend. This will help you prepare your follow-up. The audience should have your in-house list of targets,a rented list and media partners and sponsors (for obvious reasons). You can also use social media and blogs to spread news of the meeting to interested parties.
7. Design the Presentation
To make a webinar efficient,the presentation should be entertaining and informative. Use graphic enhancements such as pictures and videos to add life to your presentation. You can even send materials to the attendees before the live webinar. This serves to make them slightly informed,and they will follow through the conference. The speaker should receive training on the right tone and pace to use during the presentation.
8. Record webinars While Hosting
Recoding webinars is useful for the members who would like to revisit the discussion or for those who could not attend. The video can also be included in the webinar for online marketing campaigns to reinforce the message.
9. Post-webinar Follow-up
After the webinar,you should do some follow-up. First,send thank you emails to all the people you had invited,regardless of whether they attended. Also,remind the participants of what was discussed and gather their thoughts on the webinar. This is also the best time to inform them of the dates of proceeding meetings.
10. Review the Feedback
The response of the participants is the reason why you hold a webinar in the first place. This feedback is usually helpful as it highlights what you can do to improve the next webinars. It can also be the point where you bag customers.
The measure of return of the webinar is determined by the number of new prospects,closed deals and that of scheduled appointments. The impact of the webinar can also be measured by the amount of awareness it created as this would improve your business. Using the tips provided,you are assured of making a webinar successfully which is bound to be beneficial to you and all the people who attend the webinar. Good luck!