From BLAND To GRAND: How to host a compelling webinar in 2024

Alright, alright, alright! Let’s talk about webinars! 

Nidhi wants to host a fantastic webinar for her cooking class next week, but she’s unsure where to start. Hosting a compelling webinar is like turning a simple recipe into a gourmet dish. Only with the right ingredients—engaging content, interactive elements, and eye-catching visuals—can she transform her webinar from bland to grand.

 So, hold onto your (non-existent) seat belts because we’re about to reveal why webinars are the hidden herb of online success. We won’t bore you with lengthy lessons like that math professor who even stole your precious free time (the nerve!), but let’s boost things by kicking off with some stats. 

The surge in webinar popularity reflects a burgeoning market, accentuating its role as a vital marketing and communication tool in our digital era. The webinar market is expected to hit $19.6 billion by 2027, growing at an average annual rate of 24.6% from 2020 to 2027. According to a survey by ON24, 93% of marketers use webinars as part of their content marketing strategy. Now, Why do marketers swear by webinars like it’s their secret weapon? Because they’re the ultimate blend of accessibility, interactive engagement, personalized content delivery, lead generation prowess, authority-building opportunities, content repurposing magic, and measurable results. It’s like having magnets that attract potential customers with great content and turn them into honorable lovers.

Webinars are essential for a successful event, especially among B2B companies, where they take the spotlight in 61% of events! It’s a virtual fiesta for marketing, lead generation, and training galore. And guess what? Around 44% of the RSVP crew show up, turning mid-week days like Wednesday into prime time for webinar festivities. Talk about a midweek pick-me-up! The rise of webinars isn’t just a win for companies; it’s a cost-saving carnival! By swapping physical events and business travels for virtual gatherings, companies are cutting costs left and right. But wait, there’s more! This digital shift isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about expanding horizons. Now, training and marketing efforts can spread their wings across more expansive geographical locations without the hassle of physical presence. Exploring endless possibilities without ever having to step away from your desk. 

So, are we making progress here or what? These stat numbers are about as thrilling as binge-watching Netflix, but hey, one step at a time, right? Let’s keep it simple for our lovely readers. We’ll break down this information in a way that makes it easier to swallow than a bitter gourd with a straight face. 

Moving ahead, let’s tackle the obvious question everyone with a brain would ask: Why should we bother hosting webinars, and what’s the big deal about making them compelling? 

The simple answer? Webinars are an opportunity to host a significant, inclusive global event where everyone can participate! They break through distance barriers, giving you a front-row seat to connect with your audience in real time. It’s like one-on-one conversing with your fans, but they’re worldwide! And that’s not all! These excellent tools aren’t just for flaunting your skills; they’re lead-era powerhouses, producing top-notch data in no time. Also, don’t forget about building that brand authority. With webinars, you’re not just a name; you’re a digital legend, the guru of your niche. So why bother with webinars? Because they’re the noteworthy jewel to recreating the online contest.

No one wants a total yawn fest of a webinar, but a compelling one? Now, that’s the stuff dreams are made of! An engaging webinar is a magnet for attendees, similar to being given a free sample at a bakery. People can’t resist! Moreover, a considerable number of attendees means more interaction, which leads to better conversion rates. It’s a win-win-win situation! Hosting an excellent webinar is your key to becoming the digital VIP you were meant to be!

Why Are Webinars Absolute Game-changers?

Because they’re not just a trend; they’re the extraordinary fillings that sweeten up your marketing strategy and leave your opponents in the dust! They are great because they let you connect with people in real-time, no matter where they are. You can show off what you know, find potential customers, and make your brand look good, all while giving your audience something valuable. Plus, webinars are flexible and convenient for everyone involved, so they’re a must-have for modern marketing.

Phew, that took a while, huh? Now that we’re halfway through let’s dive into the meaty stuff, the heart and soul of our blog. (Virtual claps, everyone!) We’ve covered the stats and why webinars are a game changer, but now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of how we can transform our webinars from 😐to mesmerizing😍 in 2024. What kind of abracadabra can we whip up to host jaw-dropping webinars that’ll leave our audience begging for more? Let’s find out!

• Engaging content
  Let’s face it: nobody’s rushing to tune in to a webinar that feels like a one-way communication with zero interaction.
  You know, the kind where you’re fired on with information without any chance to ask questions or share your thoughts. Some folks might even nod off on the other end of the screen. (Sorry, but honesty is the best policy here). Hence, starting with a robust and relevant topic is necessary. It should resonate with your audience. Make sure the content is valuable, informative and engaging.
• Interactive Features
  Keep your audience engaged by being active throughout the webinar. Incorporating interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live chats can make the experience more dynamic and enticing for participants.
• Visual Appeal
  Just like with your favorite shows and movies, visual appeal matters.
  If the quality isn’t up to par, you’ll lose interest pretty quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to use high-quality visuals, such as slides, videos, and infographics, to make your presentation visually stimulating and easy to follow.
• Promotion
  You’re probably no stranger to the endless scroll of social media; it’s practically its own macrocosm.
  And? It’s not just for funny videos and memes; it’s a powerhouse for promoting your business, too! By leveraging social media, email marketing, and partnerships, you can cast a wide net and reel in a massive audience.
• Rehearsal
  We’ve all been there practicing until our brains felt like corn. But practice makes perfect. So, don’t skip out on those rehearsal sessions! Practice your webinar multiple times to ensure a smooth delivery and iron out any pesky technical glitches. After all, you want to impress your audience, not leave them baffled.
• Timely and relevant topics
  When selecting webinar topics, aim for the Goldilocks zone topics that are not too hot, not too cold, but just right! You want them to be as timely and relevant as your Starbucks Order, hitting the sweet spot that resonates with your audience’s current interests and challenges. Think of it like choosing the perfect pizza topped with the freshest ingredients and which satisfies your needs. So, omit the stale topics and serve something to make your audience want more. 
• Authentic engagement
  Think of authentic engagement like a heartfelt conversation over a house stay with a friend with no pretense, just a genuine connection. Be yourself, splash in some humor, and build trust with your audience.
• Post-webinar engagement
  Keep the momentum going strong by reaching out to attendees with surveys, extra goodies, or even VIP offers. It’s similar to sending a thank-you note after a grand occasion. It shows you care and keeps the conversation going, turning one-time attendees into frequent users.

Must-Haves To Make Your Webinars Stand Out

For a stellar webinar, you need standout features to make your online events irresistible, like a dropped cube of sugar to a colony of ants! Let us discuss a few of those features.

Polls
Interactive polls are similar to the game of “Would You Rather” but with a twist—you get to vote in real-time and see the results unfold before your eyes! Instead of trivial questions, participants engage by responding to inquiries in real-time and providing immediate feedback. This approach mirrors the role of a game show host, facilitating engagement among attendees who actively contribute to the discussion. Thus, it fosters a dynamic and participatory atmosphere, enhancing the webinar experience.

Live Q&A sessions
Keep in mind the following: it’s letting your audience ask you anything and everything, like a press conference, but without the reporters and cameras! During these sessions, participants can submit questions via chat or a dedicated Q&A feature. As the host, you can address these questions immediately, creating an interactive and dynamic experience. This not only keeps the audience engaged but also makes them feel valued and heard.

Interactive Demos
Demonstrate your product or service in real-time, offering your audience a hands-on experience. Similar to having a tutor who keeps an eye on you until you understand their subject ( sad, no?) They make sure you know all the intricacies and subtleties along the way!

Integration
Easily integrate with your CRM tool to streamline the process of adding webinar registrants and automating follow-up actions. With our platform, Capture every moment of your webinars and offer on-demand access, letting attendees watch or rewatch whenever they want. Similar to having a VIP pass, available 24/7!

We’ve come this far, folks, so now it’s time to shine the spotlight on our very own EasyWebinar. Why should you choose us over the other guys? Don’t worry; we’ll keep it short and sweet. And yes, we promise to spatter in some humour to keep things lively!

EasyWebinar – The ultimate choice for your next webinar adventure!

Is EasyWebinar the one-stop shop for all your webinar hosting needs? Well to be honest, we aren’t just a webinar hosting platform…..(But more about that later!)

• Run Evergreen webinars
  Evergreen webinars are the ultimate illusionists; they stream in real-time, giving your audience the entire live event experience, complete with all the bells and whistles. You can set the stage and initiate the action whenever you choose, creating an almost magical effect. It’s essential to recognise that people are motivated by the excitement of live action, which adds a sense of urgency and commitment that’ll have your audience ready to roll. 
• Just-In-Time Registration
  Say hello to precision timing! With our right-on-time feature, your webinars kick off at 15, 30, 45 minutes and an hour from when a visitor lands on your page. So, if they swing by at 2:05 PM, they’ll be in the front row for the 2:15 PM show. Imagine having a perfectly synchronised watch, guaranteeing that every opportunity gets the spotlight exactly when it’s most impactful. Talk about making an entry.
• Advanced Analytics and Reporting
  Prepare to dive deep into valuable data insights with EasyWebinar’s advanced analytics. We’re talking about a Sherlock Holmes-level investigation here. Find out who showed up to the squad, how long they stuck around for fun, and if they took the lure on the endearing offer you dangled. With this information, you’ll become a pro at webinars, adjusting and perfecting your events to make them top-notch.
• Instant Access, Lasting Impact
  On-demand Event Access removes the barriers to entry, no more juggling schedules or missing out on valuable content. With a single click, you can access the insights and strategies you need whenever you need them. It’s learning made convenient, with the potential to leave a lasting impact on your knowledge and skills.
• Registration widget
  The EasyWebinar registration widget is a fantastic feature that allows you to use your website or landing page for registrations. By embedding the EasyWebinar registration widget on your site, you can directly collect registrations for EasyWebinar. The widget is fully customizable, allowing you to add multiple elements, change widget button colors (according to the brand), add headings or subheadings, incorporate countdowns, and much more. It also allows the addition of custom fields and UTM parameters to track conversions. This widget is the best option for creating a registration form tailored to your brand.   

So, are you ready to create a webinar that leaves your audience in awe? To achieve this thrilling experience, make sure you choose the right platform. Remember all the features we’ve discussed, engagement tools, real-time interaction, and seamless demonstrations. With the perfect platform in hand, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a phenomenal webinar and what better way to do so than by giving our platform a chance to make your experience worth it?

EasyWebinar isn’t just a platform; it’s your friend in need who helps craft unforgettable webinars. Imagine the possibilities! Webinars that convert viewers into loyal subscribers establish you as an industry leader and boost your brand recognition.

Ready to upgrade your webinars? Start your FREE 7-day trial now and become a webinar geek.

Till then, adios and we will see you next time.