We’ve all become a lot more savvy with video technology in recent weeks thanks to lockdown, from Zooming clients or colleagues to posting Facebook Lives and chatting with relatives via Facetime or Skype. But now things are gradually easing, why not take that new-found skill and try a webinar?
For business owners video – particularly webinars – are a powerful and inexpensive tool that can enhance your brand voice, establish you as a thought leader, and bring your products or services to a new audience. They do take a bit of planning and organisation though, so sit back and soak up our step-by-step guide to hosting a successful webinar.
Which platform?
First and foremost, where will your webinar happen? There are so many to choose from right now, from Zoom to Google Hangouts and WebinarJam. Take some time to familiarise yourself with a few, and find one that’s totally right for you.
What content?
Grab your marketing calendar and identify what issues or subjects you haven’t covered with other forms of communication, then assess if you can come up with content that will plug these gaps or engage specific groups. Have an optimum time slot in mind that will attract the biggest audience. After that, it’s time to get creative.
Give yourself several weeks to assemble the content for your webinar and determine if topics you’re planning to explore have been covered recently, or whether there’s a trend you can capitalise on. When you’re fully prepped, the invitations can go out (don’t forget those follow-ups) and you can start actively promoting the event.
Testing, testing, testing…
At least a day before your scheduled webinar, check all your pre-recorded pieces are good to go, any poll questions are done (and the answers), and all your equipment has been thoroughly tested, including your internet connection. Then it’s time for a complete dress rehearsal – conduct the entire webinar as if it was the live version, keeping an eye on time and sorting out any technical hiccups as they go without swearing…
The big day
On the day of the webinar itself, make sure you’re suited and booted, with hair whipped into shape and make-up if you need it. Ensure sure your voice is good and warmed up and we’d say avoid eating too much just before, but have some water to hand. Make sure your internet connection is solid, the light is good, your background is clear and do a full battery and headphone check. Finally, check the camera, which needs to be at eye level if possible, is switched ON. Line up those pre-recorded segments and then smile as you go live.
The aftermath
It’s always good to examine the pros and cons of any webinar, to see what worked and where you could make improvements. Download a recording and try to analyse it objectively. Further editing and post-production can help create valuable snippets for social media to enhance your brand or business. Don’t forget to share both the webinar or clips with the people who took part, as well as the wider social media public.
Fancy running your own webinar but still not confident about taking that first step? Chat to us at 24 fingers and we’ll help you dive right in.
