Over the last few years, webinars have become a content asset in marketing and brand development. A common misconception about webinars is that they do not require as much planning as their offline counterparts, which is far from the truth.
Hosting a webinar requires meticulous planning. It is a multi-step process, and you need to plan each layer with careful consideration. You need to prepare a checklist of things you should do to have a successful webinar. If you begin the checklist ahead of time, you will be proactive with your webinar development. Planning your webinar in detail ensures that it stays on track and provides maximum value to your attendees.
Let us look at six essential steps that you should incorporate into your webinar planning.
- Stay on Top of the Subject of Your Webinar
To deliver a good webinar, you must know your subject well. Your audience will expect you to have tons of information on your topic. If you make too many mistakes or factual errors, you lose your credibility as a subject matter expert.
Prepare and internalize your materials very well. Conduct intensive research and double or triple-check every little fact and statistic. Keep all your sources handy and prepare additional material to respond to tricky questions eloquently
2. Prepare Flash Cards or a Script
Depending on how confident you are, have a detailed script or a few flashcards in front of you. If this is your first webinar, a fleshed-out script may help you deliver your material articulately. If you use flashcards, make an outline containing the key points, so you can elaborate on them during the webinar
3. Assign Different Roles to Your Employees/Colleagues
You could do a small-scale in-house webinar single-handedly. When conducting a webinar on a larger scale, however, you will undoubtedly benefit from some extra help. A colleague could help you conduct the Q&A session and ensure it goes smoothly. You could also ask someone to take charge of the technical aspect of the webinar, such as granting access to participants
4. Double Check the Necessary Equipment and Software
Hardware or software failures are common problems when conducting a webinar. To prevent any such technological failure from interrupting the session, double-check them and ensure that they are functioning optimally. Check that your internet connection is stable and that your computer, webcam, headset, and microphone are working.
5. Leave Room for Spontaneity
A certain degree of spontaneity can make your webinar much more engaging and less sterile. A presentation that is too formal can seem tedious and dull and make your audience lose interest.
Intersperse your presentation with improvisations, narrate relevant anecdotes, and interact with your audience whenever possible to keep them captivated
6. Conduct Multiple Dry Runs
Dry runs are the most crucial aspect of your webinar planning. Conduct a few dry runs to confirm there will be no disruptions during your presentation. These dry runs will reveal any potential interruption or shortcoming so that you can address it well in advance.
Final Thoughts
Planning your webinar in advance will guarantee that your attendees walk away with information they value in exchange for their time. If they have a memorable experience, they will be more likely to sign up for your future webinars.
