How to Create an Effective OnDemand Webinar That Converts

Table of Contents

1. What Is an On-Demand Webinar and Why It Matters
2. How on-demand webinars differ from live webinars
3. Benefits for both marketers and viewers
4. Why they are essential for modern sales funnels
5. Step-by-Step: How to Create an On-Demand Webinar That Sells
6. Boost Engagement and Conversion Rates
7. Promote Your On-Demand Webinar Across Channels
8. Scale with Automation and Sales Integration
9. Conclusion
10. FAQs

Did you know that 73% of ondemand webinar attendees could potentially turn into leads? That’s right—these digital assets aren’t just convenient content pieces; they’re lead-generating powerhouses.

In fact, research from McKinsey reveals that two-thirds of B2B decision makers now prefer remote interactions and digital self-service. This shift explains why on-demand webinars have become essential tools for modern sales funnels. Additionally, with live webinars boasting conversion rates between 15-19%, the potential for creating sales webinars that perform is substantial.

However, the real magic happens when you make your content available on demand. Approximately 45% of all webinar attendees participate after the live event, and on-demand webinar content sees a remarkable 69% increase in overall viewership. This means your carefully crafted presentation continues working for you long after the initial broadcast.

Whether you’re new to webinars that convert or looking to improve your existing strategy, this guide will walk you through creating, optimizing, and promoting on-demand webinars that actually sell. Let’s transform your webinar content into a self-guided buying journey that generates leads repeatedly.

What Is an On-Demand Webinar and Why It Matters

An on-demand webinar is a pre-recorded online presentation that viewers can access at any time according to their convenience. Unlike scheduled broadcasts, these webinars remain available 24/7, serving as valuable evergreen content for your marketing arsenal. Understanding this format and its advantages is crucial for maximizing your digital marketing strategy.

How on-demand webinars differ from live webinars

The fundamental difference between live and on-demand webinars lies in their timing and accessibility. Live webinars happen in real-time with presenters and attendees participating simultaneously, while on-demand webinars can be viewed anytime after recording. This distinction creates several key operational differences:

Scheduling flexibility: Live webinars require everyone to be available at a specific time, whereas on-demand content removes this constraint entirely.

Production approach: On-demand webinars can be either recordings of previous live sessions or presentations specifically created for on-demand viewing.

Viewing statistics: According to research, only 36% of registrants actually watch live webinars, but 55% view the recorded versions when available.

Interaction dynamics: Live webinars facilitate real-time engagement through Q&A and chat functions, while on-demand formats typically offer different interaction methods like scheduled follow-ups.

Benefits for both marketers and viewers

For marketers, on-demand webinars offer substantial advantages that extend beyond the initial broadcast. First, they dramatically expand your potential audience reach. One study showed that within just three months after a live event, 70% of total webinar views came from on-demand recordings. Furthermore, these webinars function as persistent lead generation tools that continue working long after creation.

On the viewer side, the benefits are equally compelling:

• Complete schedule flexibility, eliminating time zone barriers and calendar conflicts
• Ability to pause, rewind, and revisit complex information at their own pace
• Convenience that aligns with modern consumption preferences

This explains why 84% of B2B consumers either prefer on-demand viewing or have no preference between live and recorded formats. Additionally, studies show a 26% increase in total views when organizations implement on-demand options.

Why they are essential for modern sales funnels

On-demand webinars have become indispensable components of effective sales funnels for several reasons. Primarily, they serve as excellent qualification tools for leads at various funnel stages. Rather than immediately connecting potential customers with salespeople, businesses can direct less qualified leads to on-demand content first.

Moreover, these webinars provide valuable behavioral data that helps sales teams identify serious prospects. You can track viewing patterns, popular sections, and drop-off points to refine future content and tailor follow-up strategies. This data-driven approach enables more effective lead nurturing.

The evergreen nature of on-demand webinars also means they continue generating leads long after creation. As one industry expert noted, “On-demand webinars transform from a single event into a steady, long-term lead generation machine”. Consequently, they offer exceptional ROI compared to one-time live events, especially since they require fewer resources to maintain.

For maximum effectiveness, consider integrating your on-demand webinar strategy with CRM systems and marketing automation tools. This integration allows for seamless lead tracking and personalized follow-up sequences based on viewer engagement levels.

Step-by-Step: How to Create an On-Demand Webinar That Sells

Creating an effective on-demand webinar requires careful planning and execution. By following these five critical steps, you’ll develop content that resonates with your audience and drives sales consistently long after publication.

1. Choose a topic that solves a real problem

The foundation of any successful on-demand webinar begins with selecting a topic that directly addresses your audience’s challenges. Instead of reinventing the wheel, examine which blog posts or content pieces consistently perform well in your industry. These high-performing assets often indicate topics your audience genuinely cares about.

First, identify your audience’s specific pain points through surveys or by analyzing common questions from your existing customers. Focus on solving a single problem rather than covering multiple issues, as this prevents overwhelming your viewers. According to research, webinars that address one specific challenge yield better engagement than those covering broader topics.

Above all, ensure your topic aligns with your product as the logical next step. Your webinar should educate viewers about why they’re struggling (the why), what needs to happen (the how), and offer your product as the complete solution.

2. Record or repurpose a high-quality webinar

Once you’ve selected your topic, decide whether to create new content or repurpose existing material. For new recordings, invest in quality equipment—proper microphones and cameras are essential for professional results.

Before recording, prepare a structured outline following this format:

Introduction (5-10 minutes): Welcome, agenda overview

Main content (20-40 minutes): Detailed presentation with examples

Q&A section (10-15 minutes): Address common questions

Conclusion (5 minutes): Summary and call-to-action

If repurposing live webinars, remember that approximately 30% of your audience will watch the on-demand version rather than attending live. This makes your recording quality particularly important for this significant portion of viewers.

3. Edit for clarity, flow, and engagement

Effective editing transforms raw webinar recordings into polished, engaging experiences. Start by trimming excessive content—cut filler words, rambling segments, and unnecessary pauses to maintain a streamlined pace.

Subsequently, enhance visual engagement by incorporating on-screen text for emphasis, graphs, or brief animations to reinforce key points. This visual variety keeps viewers engaged and makes information more digestible.

During editing, focus on creating a strong hook at the beginning. The first few minutes set the stage for viewer retention—jump straight into valuable content rather than lengthy introductions to minimize drop-offs.

4. Add chapters, CTAs, and interactive elements

Interactive elements significantly boost engagement in on-demand webinars. Add chapters to your content so viewers can easily navigate to specific sections of interest. This improves user experience by allowing viewers to jump directly to relevant segments.

Include strategic calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide viewers toward next steps, whether that’s signing up for another webinar, downloading resources, or requesting a demo. Personalized CTAs based on viewer behavior can increase conversion rates dramatically.

Furthermore, incorporate interactive features like polls, surveys, and Q&A sections that appear at predetermined times throughout the webinar. These interactions increase viewing time and prevent viewers from dropping off.

5. Upload to your on demand webinar platform

Selecting the right platform for hosting your on-demand webinar is crucial for success. Look for software that offers customizable registration pages, branding options, and robust analytics to track viewer engagement.

Most importantly, configure your webinar’s availability settings. You can choose between just-in-time scheduling (immediate access after registration) or recurring schedules with multiple daily viewing options. Offering flexible viewing options increases attendance rates—EasyWebinar, for example, is built to optimize engagement with these features and helps users consistently see higher-than-average attendance rates.

Finally, set up automated email notifications including registration confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups. These notifications significantly improve attendance rates and help nurture leads after they’ve viewed your content.

Boost Engagement and Conversion Rates

Turning passive viewers into active participants requires strategic engagement techniques. After creating your on-demand webinar, implementing these proven strategies will substantially increase both engagement and conversion rates.

Use personalized CTAs based on viewer behavior

Personalized calls-to-action generate significantly higher conversions than generic ones—studies show personalized CTAs can increase conversion rates by up to 202%. Rather than using vague phrases like “Learn more,” create specific CTAs such as “Register now” or “Watch replay” that clearly communicate the next step. Furthermore, tailor your CTAs based on viewing patterns and previous interactions. For instance, if viewers showed particular interest in a specific topic, your follow-up could include CTAs addressing those exact pain points.

Add polls, surveys, and downloadable resources

Interactive elements transform passive watching into active participation. Strategically place polls throughout your on-demand webinar—at the beginning to break the ice, midway to check comprehension, and at the end to gather feedback. These interactions not only keep viewers engaged but also provide valuable data for segmenting your follow-up marketing. Additionally, offering downloadable resources like guides, templates, or checklists creates tangible value beyond the webinar itself.

Create teaser clips to drive interest

Short teaser videos dramatically increase webinar registration and engagement. Research indicates videos under one minute receive 50% more engagement, making them ideal for promotion. When creating teasers:

• Keep them concise (1-2 minutes maximum)
• Include the most compelling highlights from your webinar
• End with a strong call-to-action like “Register now” or “Save your spot”
• Distribute across email newsletters, social media, and relevant web pages

Consider creating a series of teasers released progressively closer to your launch date to build anticipation.

Segment your audience for better targeting

Audience segmentation transforms generic presentations into personalized experiences. By dividing viewers based on interests, behaviors, and demographics, you can deliver tailored content that resonates deeply. Track which interactive elements viewers engage with during your webinar, then use this data to customize follow-up communications. For example, if certain viewers downloaded specific resources or asked particular questions, send them related content that addresses their unique interests.

Ultimately, these engagement strategies create a dynamic viewing experience that turns casual viewers into qualified leads and customers.

Promote Your On-Demand Webinar Across Channels

Even the most valuable on-demand webinar won’t generate leads if nobody watches it. Effective promotion across multiple channels is the key to maximizing your webinar’s reach and return on investment.

Email campaigns and follow-up sequences

Your existing email subscribers represent your most receptive audience for webinar promotions. Develop a strategic email sequence that begins with an announcement 2-3 weeks before your webinar launch, followed by value-adding content that builds interest. Personalization significantly improves email performance—address recipients by their first name and tailor content based on previous interactions with your brand.

Certainly, don’t forget to send reminder emails. Create a teaser video or personalized invite and include it in your reminder email to give people a glimpse of what they’ll learn. For optimal results, send one reminder the day before and another 15 minutes before the scheduled viewing time.

After the webinar, send separate follow-up emails to those who attended and those who didn’t. Include a recap, replay link, and additional resources for attendees. For non-attendees, provide another opportunity to register for the on-demand version.

Social media and blog integration

Effectively harness social media by posting your webinar across all relevant platforms. Each platform requires a slightly different approach:

• LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B webinars with thought leadership content. Share updates on your personal profile and company page, create articles about the topics covered, and share with relevant LinkedIn Groups.
• Twitter: Tweet about your webinar using engaging messages with hashtags to reach a wider audience. Pin promotional tweets to your profile to increase visibility.
• Instagram: Capture attention using Stories or Reels with engaging videos related to your webinar. Create countdown stickers to build urgency.
• Facebook: Create Facebook Events with a dedicated webinar page, share posts with catchy visuals, and run targeted ads.

Additionally, write blog posts about the subject matter of your webinar on your own blog or as a guest on someone else’s. This naturally promotes your on-demand webinar while providing valuable content.

Embedding on landing pages and content hubs

Your landing page is arguably the most critical part of your webinar marketing strategy. It’s the link you’ll include in every email newsletter, social post, and call-to-action. Ensure your landing page clearly explains what attendees will gain from watching, lists key takeaways, and features any notable speakers.

Furthermore, embed your on-demand webinar directly into your website or content hubs. This enables visitors to watch videos without navigating away from your site. Many on-demand webinar platforms offer customizable embed codes that allow you to control aspects like registration forms, sidebars, and branding.

Ultimately, promoting your on-demand webinar across multiple channels creates numerous touchpoints with potential viewers, maximizing your registration and attendance rates.

Scale with Automation and Sales Integration

Unlocking the full potential of your on-demand webinars requires smart integration with your existing tech stack. To maximize return on investment, automation becomes your greatest ally in scaling webinar impact without proportionally increasing workload.

Use CRM and marketing automation tools

Integrating your on-demand webinar platform with your CRM creates a seamless data flow that eliminates manual entry and keeps customer information current. This integration automatically sends registration data from your webinar platform to your CRM database and vice versa. Notably, platforms like Demio connect with popular CRMs including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics to streamline workflows.

Marketing automation further amplifies your webinar’s reach by putting your events on autopilot. With proper integration, you can generate leads continuously—while cooking dinner, walking the dog, or attending meetings. These tools enable personalized follow-up campaigns triggered by specific viewer behaviors, increasing revenue potential by up to 40%.

Track viewer behavior and notify sales teams

Comprehensive analytics transform webinar data into actionable insights. Quality platforms track metrics including registration numbers, attendance rates, engagement scores, and content interaction. Intercom, for example, achieved 32-35% average attendance rates—sometimes reaching 60%—after implementing robust tracking tools.

Primarily, viewer behavior tracking helps identify serious prospects. By monitoring which sections viewers watched, which polls they answered, and their overall engagement, you can automatically notify sales teams about hot leads ready for follow-up. This data-driven approach ensures your team prioritizes the most promising opportunities.

Repurpose content into blogs, podcasts, and ebooks

Maximize your webinar’s lifespan by transforming it into multiple content formats:

• Transform key points into blog articles using AI transcription tools
• Convert audio portions into podcast episodes
• Expand detailed segments into comprehensive ebooks or guides

This repurposing strategy can increase audience reach by up to 75%. Besides extending content lifespan, this approach provides valuable assets for lead generation, as downloadable resources can be offered in exchange for contact information.

Conclusion

On-demand webinars have undoubtedly become essential tools for modern marketing strategies. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned how these powerful assets generate leads long after their creation while providing viewers with the flexibility modern consumers demand.

Above all, successful on-demand webinars require thoughtful planning and execution. Your focus should remain on solving real problems for your audience, delivering high-quality recordings, and enhancing engagement through interactive elements. These fundamentals transform passive viewing experiences into dynamic sales journeys.

Promotion plays an equally crucial role in your webinar success. Therefore, leveraging email campaigns, social media platforms, and strategic website placement ensures maximum visibility for your content. This multi-channel approach creates numerous touchpoints with potential viewers, significantly increasing registration and attendance rates.

Additionally, the true power of on-demand webinars emerges when you integrate them with your existing tech stack. CRM connections, viewer behavior tracking, and automated follow-up sequences allow these assets to work continuously without requiring constant attention from your team.

Remember, your webinar content holds tremendous value beyond its original format. Repurposing key segments into blogs, podcasts, and downloadable resources extends your content’s lifespan while creating new lead generation opportunities.

The statistics speak for themselves—on-demand webinars see 69% more overall viewership than live-only events, with 45% of attendees participating after the initial broadcast. These numbers highlight why on-demand webinars deserve a central place in your marketing strategy.

Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your on-demand webinars transform from one-time presentations into consistent lead-generating machines that drive sales day after day. Your investment in quality on-demand content will continue delivering returns long after creation—making them among the most valuable assets in your marketing arsenal.

FAQs

Q1. What exactly is an on-demand webinar? 

An on-demand webinar is a pre-recorded online presentation that viewers can access at their convenience. Unlike live webinars, these are available 24/7, allowing participants to watch the content whenever it suits them best. This format offers flexibility for both presenters and viewers, making it an increasingly popular choice for businesses and educators.

Q2. How can I make my on-demand webinar more engaging? 

To boost engagement in your on-demand webinar, incorporate interactive elements such as polls, surveys, and downloadable resources. Add chapters to help viewers navigate easily, and use personalized calls-to-action based on viewer behavior. Creating short teaser clips can also drive interest and increase viewership. Remember to keep your content focused on solving a specific problem for your audience to maintain their attention.

Q3. What’s the best way to promote my on-demand webinar? 

Promote your on-demand webinar across multiple channels for maximum reach. Use email campaigns with personalized content and follow-up sequences. Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to share updates and teasers. Integrate your webinar into your blog content and embed it on relevant landing pages or content hubs on your website. A multi-channel approach ensures wider visibility and higher registration rates.

Q4. How can I use on-demand webinars to generate leads and sales? 

To generate leads and sales, integrate your on-demand webinar platform with your CRM and marketing automation tools. This allows you to track viewer behavior, automatically notify sales teams about hot leads, and create personalized follow-up campaigns. Additionally, repurpose your webinar content into other formats like blogs, podcasts, and ebooks to extend its lifespan and create new lead generation opportunities.

Q5. What should I consider when pricing my on-demand webinar? 

When pricing your on-demand webinar, consider factors such as your experience and expertise, the value of your content, your target audience, and industry standards. Start with a competitive price point based on research of similar webinars in your niche. Remember that pricing also reflects your positioning and perceived value. It’s often effective to start lower, gather feedback, and adjust your pricing strategy as you build your reputation and refine your offering.