Posted on Mon, Jul 19, 2010 @ 11:32 AM
We recently introduced the value of providing viewers content-based information, but it’s time to look at a much more interactive solution to providing information. Webinars have become very popular since they became capable of informing viewers, “live”. This is a very attractive setting and allows interaction with the speaker of the webinar through Q&A sessions, surveys, and polling to increase product awareness. Typically, participants will be e-mailed a powerpoint presentation before the "live" webinar begins to give an even better understanding of the topic. I enjoy webinars because it gives me a chance to respond to the speaker without the added pressure of an entire room of people wondering, “Why would he ever ask that?” Here are five reasons to use webinars and how they can be used efficiently.
1. Create Brand Awareness
There is great response to an event being “live” and having the ability to hear the "real voice" of the speaker. This gives your viewers a chance to interact with you and others in an attempt to inform and notify what services you intend to promote. “Live” webinars are a professional setting that can take place virtually anywhere, which makes it a very attractive place for viewers.
2. Interaction
What viewers love is the fact that they can break down components of the webinar into what he/she finds most interesting and have the ability to ask questions that are of importance to them. This eliminates the guesswork of creating content online because you’re able to instantly respond to what is being asked. Also, if you’re providing information that is resourceful to others, it can be passed on virally in the form of the webinar's video file. That can be the easiest form of promotion without actually having to do anything yourself.
3. Build A Community
This is about as close as you are going to get to having a one-on-one meeting with a client without actually having to move from your desk. “Live” webinars allow thousands of viewers from all parts of the world to attend your meeting. Such a feat simply cannot be achieved through simple content production. Once you provide valuable information, your viewers will be hooked and an online relationship is born. Creating a series of “live” webinars will attract a following that will need more information and have even more questions that you can respond to instantaneously. This in turn creates brand loyalty for your product.
4. Convert Visitors into Business Partners
Webinars will help you find out who really is interested in what you have to say. Before having webinars, you may have been missing out on a niche market that you didn’t think was there but was starving for information. From your new niche markets, you can target these visitors to form partnerships. If anything, these visitors will inform their current market about the value that you hold for them.
5. Generate Income
With the ability to promote your product “live”, you’re able to sell your product without the sales pitch. All you’re doing is providing information about your product to those interested. It’s not as if you’re going after them for a sale, so the information you provide is much more valuable to those in need of answers. Conversion rates will rise with the addition of webinars and that is added revenue for your company that was missing beforehand.
By Cameron Moulton, Internet Marketing Associate