Tell me if this sounds familiar.
You have a message that you want to get out and you have heard that webinars are a great way to do that, but you hesitate and the more you think about it the more overwhelmed you get!
You don’t know what software to use, what equipment you need and there are doubt gremlins running through your mind…
Do you need a webinar assistant?
Do you need to rehearse for weeks?
What if someone asks me a question I don’t know the answer to?
Worst yet, what if no one shows up?!
I get it, been there done that! What I want to share with you today are a few nuggets to take all that worry away, and as I like to say, make it simple! So let’s dive in!
First, I want to dispel a myth. Most people think that there are only two types of webinars, evergreen or live.
Well let’s blow that myth right up, my favorite type of webinar is a hybrid! It allows you to bookend your webinar with live interaction and content, while the middle is pre-recorded. It is simply brilliant when you think about it!
It takes the pressure off and lets YOU interact with your audience in real time and is why I recommend this to all my clients.
So let’s look at the problems this type of webinar solves, you no longer have to worry about if you are going to mess up or forget something or need someone else on the webinar with you to answer questions unless you want an extra set of hands and eyes
But perhaps the best part is you can objectively watch to see how everyone is engaging and responding so you can continue to tweak and improve for your next one.
Sounds magical right? I think so!
Alright so now that you know about a new type of webinar, I bet you are asking how do these hybrid webinars actually work?
Well, we use a product called WebinarJam. What WebinarJam allows us to to is pre-record the actual presentation and then as I mentioned, bookend live aspects around it.
In simple terms, you are able to welcome and interact with people live, counting down if you will, then you hit play, and can sit back and engage with your audience via chat without your presentation being derailed or distracted.
BONUS throw out those really awesome specials or freebies you have to offer your attendees. Your first one or two might be a little rocky, but I promise you this, after your second, you will be sold and will never go back to 100% live again and as for evergreen – WebinarJam records them so you can use that and play it through EverWebinar if you choose.
I say that is a win win!
Now that I have blown your mind with hybrid webinars, I want to leave you with four tips to have more successful webinars.
- Start promoting about 5 days before. I have found this to be the sweet spot that keeps them excited all the while too much time doesn’t pass that causes them to forget about it.
- Create a fill-in-the blank handout. This gives them something tangible but it also gently nudges them to show up so they can get all the answers. Win-win!
- Have a end plan. Make sure you are leading them where you want to go and showing them how it will benefit them. I also like to make sure that I have a time sensitive special offer just for the people who show up live. It gives them a sense of appreciation and a way to show my gratitude.
- Fortune is in the follow up. If 50% of the people who registered show up live, you are a head of the game, but on the off chance most don’t, make sure to have a follow up, time sensitive email with the replay. You want to give them enough info and encouragement to not wait.
One last thing. Yes, we use webinarjam, but that doesn’t mean it will be a fit for what you need so always do your due diligence. Here are some other options to check out as well.
As always, keep things simple so you can grow – and if you need a little help, we are always happy to chat more. Feel free to request a free consultation to learn more.
