I’ve thrown a lot of information in the last few days so today’s lesson is going to be short and sweet! Remember, you can always save these posts to read over later. Keep them in a special folder on your desktop, so you can work on one thing at a time and then go back and take the next step. Just keep making progress!
Today, let’s talk about hosting webinars to build your blog readership and your business. Keep reading to find out what webinars can be used for, what to look for in webinar software, and some software suggestions.
According to Wikipedia a webinar is a web conference:
Web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings, training, or presentations via the Internet. In a web conference, each participant sits at his or her own computer and is connected to other participants via the internet. This can be either a downloaded application on each of the attendees’ computers or a web-based application where the attendees access the meeting by clicking on a link distributed by e-mail (meeting invitation) to enter the conference. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webinar
What’s a Webinar Good For?
You can use webinars to:
- teach a class
- demonstrate a technique
- provide customer or employee/contractor training
- sell a product or service
- introduce your business or blog
- record a class for a future product
As with teleseminars, choose your top one or two goals before scheduling your webinar.
What to Look for in Webinar Software
There are many companies that provide webinar software. What you look for will depend on what you need. Here are some of the most common features of webinar software:
- internet browser
- screensharing of your computer
- call-in phone number
- host can speak via computer microphone
- guests can speak via computer microphone
- whiteboard for host or guests to write on
- chat functions for guests to speak with host and amongst themselves
- ability to take polls or surveys
- ability for users to private message each other
- recordings of audio or video or both
- ability to open hyperlinks on users computers
You may need only a few of these, or you may want all of them! I suggest starting with a pared-down version and getting only what you need today – you can always add the bells and whistles the next time around! Remember, you want to keep the learning curve as low as possible for both you and your audience members.
Some Recommendations:
Based on my own experience as both a user and a host of webinars, I can tell you that it’s somewhat of a puzzle to find exactly what you’re looking for, and sometimes it takes trial and error before you find the right program. My goal with these recommendations is to point you in the right direction. Don’t assume these are your only choices, though, as the options are pretty vast when it comes to webinar software.
GotoWebinar – This paid program is available in three levels. It allows online demos, Q&A, polls, surveys, computer microphones and more. Check it out here: http://www.gotomeeting.com/fec/webinar
Adobe Connect Pro – The site says this software is great for web conferencing, elearning, web-seminars, individuals and small groups. It doesn’t require users to download and install software, which is a good point; any barrier to a user’s participation can cause a drop in enrollment. Check it out here: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/
Glance – Glance is purely screensharing. There is no audio. If you want a full fledged webinar with this program you’ll need to pair it with an audio conference line. Check it out here: http://www.glance.net
Webex – This is a popular program and robust in features. It also includes a webcam option where the host can be seen by attendees. Check it out here: http://www.webex.com/
Dimdim – This is probably one of the most affordable solutions with free small meetings and up to 50 users for just $25/month. Again, the features vary so check out the site for details: http://www.dimdim.com/
Instant Teleseminar – This program has a feature that allows you to upload a PowerPoint presentation. Users can listen online and watch your presentation or listen over the phone and watch via computer. Check it out here: http://www.instantteleseminar.com
FreeSee – is a new offering and the one I use. I have done client orientation to their new websites or conducted Facebook overview with this simple interface. http://www.freesee.com
Again, don’t go for overkill when you host your first webinar. Look for something that suits your needs. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm your visitors so they don’t want to return!
Good luck in finding the program that helps you generate more business, traffic and sales. Just be yourself, share your good stuff and keep at it.
See you tomorrow when we talk about how to podcasting to build customer loyalty.
Joanne
