No, Webinars Aren’t Dead (And How to Make Your Next One Rock)

Think about it—just a few years ago we were in a global pandemic, with remote working and social distancing the new norms for conducting business. Webinars exploded in popularity as companies scrambled to maintain engagement in a world that had suddenly gone virtual by necessity.

While this led to some temporary webinar fatigue, it would be a mistake to write off these events as relics of the COVID-19 era. 

In fact, 91% of B2B professionals say webinars remain their preferred type of content.

Why The Appeal?

• They’re cost-effective. Webinar hosting costs far less than a physical event, eliminating the need for venue rental, equipment rental, and catering. They’re also accessible to a wider audience since participants do not have to pay for travel or lodging to attend.

• They provide greater access to experts. Because sought-after speakers appear virtually, it’s easier for them to give an hour of their time online than fly across the country to present in person. This means high-value speakers are often more accessible (and affordable) for your event.

• Their content has longevity. Webinars can be recorded for on-demand content, extending their value beyond a one-time live event. (As an example, watch this replay of our popular webinar, “How To Build Better Business Opportunities On LinkedIn.”)

6 Tips For Successful Webinars

To maximize the impact of your next webinar, factor in these steps:

1. Know What Your Audience Wants

   Select topics of high relevance to your audience. Conduct market research or surveys to identify the most pressing issues your webinar can address.

2. Enlist The Best Speakers

   Your webinar presenters should be knowledgeable and engaging. Their name recognition and presentation style can make or break your webinar’s success.

3. Select Top Technology

   The pandemic accelerated webinar platform development, so use it to your advantage. Choose one with interactive features like screen sharing, polling, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms for greater engagement. Above all, ensure a seamless technical experience to maintain professionalism and audience satisfaction. (This Forbes article is a solid start on evaluating webinar technologies.) 

4. Promote Early and Widely

   Market your webinar well in advance through multiple channels, including email, social media, and professional groups, to reach a broad audience. Make the key takeaways for attendees clear and compelling in your copy.

5. Keep It Concise

   Respect your audience’s time by aiming for a duration of 45 to 60 minutes. Stay focused on the topic and avoid unnecessary tangents.

6. Conduct Post-Event Follow-Up

   Send a thank-you email, share the recording, and provide valuable resources such as handouts and checklists. This is your chance to gather feedback and continue the conversation.

The good news is that webinars are far from dead—they’re continually evolving as a powerful tool for education, engagement, and lead generation. While we thankfully have a host of options for events these days, don’t forget the specific advantages that webinars offer.

Do you need assistance planning and executing an upcoming event? Our experience extends across a range of in-person and virtual functions, from intimate gatherings to big blow-outs. We help conceptualize the “big picture” and manage things down to the smallest detail to ensure your success. Contact us today.