Why webinars are so powerful (and how to host one)

11 Jan 2022 Why webinars are so powerful (and how to host one)

Over the past two years, Zoom has become a go-to mode of communication. Now, we’ve all got a love/hate relationship with the world’s most popular video platform (though we’ve only got love for Zoom jokes). But hosting webinars just might change your entire perspective on Zoom.

In case you haven’t heard, webinars can be incredibly powerful – and impactful.

According to HubSpot, “More than half (53%) of marketers say webinars is the top-of-the-funnel format that generates the most high-quality leads.”

So how do you host a lead-producing webinar of your own? Follow this guide!

How to host webinars that generate leads:

Webinar with nine attendees displayed on laptop computer screen

1. Promote your webinars ahead of time

First thing’s first – if you want people to attend your webinar, you actually have to tell them about it. So come up with an event marketing strategy! Post about your webinar on social media, mention it to your email list, write a promotional blog post and/or run social ads.

If you have co-hosts, guests or influencers involved in the webinar, encourage them to do the same!

2. Get the technical details down

Technical difficulties are always possible, but there’s lots you can do to prevent them:

Pick a familiar platform (like Zoom)
Ensure your sound is clear
Prep your slides (Canva is perfect for this)
Decide on your background (if you’ll be on camera)
Do a run-through or two

And on the actual day of the webinar, don’t forget to record it! The ability to send out replays increases the value of your presentation.

A laptop computer sitting on desk with "webinar" displayed on the screen

3. Write your script

Create a script that aligns with your presentation slide deck (to stay on track and on time), but remember that sometimes, less is more. Don’t try to cover everything you know about your industry – just pick one topic, and go in-depth. Aim for a 40-45 minute presentation, so you’ll have lots of time for questions at the end.

4. Find ways to make it interactive

Want to add even more value to your webinar? Interactive elements can help turn a “lecture” into an actual experience for your attendees. Try a quick activity, or ask your attendees to answer a few fun questions in the chat feature. If people can walk away from your webinar with something tangible (like a strategy outline, for example), even better.

CTA call to action written on notepad sitting on desk

5. Focus on your call to action (CTA)

Include a CTA at the end of the webinar, like:

“Sign up for our paid course”
“Request a free one-on-one consultation”
“Listen to our podcast”

Sure, it’s a free webinar – but it can also help you achieve your othe marketing and business objectives. Whether you want to appeal to investors, share your organization’s key message or increase sales, don’t forget you’re playing the long game. Your webinar is just the first step in achieving your brand’s overarching goals.

Also, make sure your CTA is relevant to the content in your presentation. Ideally, the webinar should serve as a teaser – leave your attendees wanting more!

6. Have a post-webinar plan

Once your webinar is over, have a strategy for staying top-of-mind with your attendees.

A few options? Try:

Creating a drip marketing campaign for attendees
Sending out more value add-ons like coupons or a whitepaper
Invite them to attend more of your online events

While running a free webinar is a big task, the payoff could be huge. It’s definitely worth adding one or two to your 2022 digital marketing game plan! And if you don’t have a digital marketing strategy yet, no sweat – we can give you a hand!