As more and more businesses incorporate webcasts into their marketing strategies, having an in-house webcast production setup has become all the more crucial. While there are third-party webcast organizers that you can hire, it just makes more sense both logistically and financially to set up on your own webcast. However, setting up for a webcast may make you a bit agitated.
Nervous about hosting your first webcast? Are you looking to make the switch from a third-party organizer to an in-house setup? Either way, we’ve got your back. Here’s a complete checklist of webcast technologies so you can start hosting your very own immersive and engaging webcasts.
Also read about – Picking the Perfect Webcast Production Software: Six Easy Steps
Webcast technologies: Equipment
- Computer or laptop: This one’s a no-brainer. Your computer or laptop is the device from which you’ll be going live. If you’re using your laptop, ensure that you have your charger at hand since webcasts can drain the battery in the blink of an eye.
- High-speed internet connection: Hosting a webcast takes up a significant amount of bandwidth. Therefore, a high-speed and stable internet connection is absolutely imperative for a smooth sailing webcast.
- Webcam: While you can use your laptop’s built-in webcam, we’d recommend investing in an HD webcam if you have the budget for it. A high-quality video feed is vital as it adds a more in-person feel to your webcasts.
- Headset: Invest in a quality headset either with or without a mic, depending on whether or not you plan on getting a separate microphone.
- Microphone: A quality microphone is another integral component of your webcast technologies checklist. Since you webcasts deliver a large volume of information, and since the communication is largely one-way, it’s of paramount importance that your audience can clearly hear you throughout.
- Lighting: To avoid looking overshadowed or washed out, set up your space with more than adequate lighting. We’d strongly advise using a ring light in addition to overhead lighting for a more professional appearance.
- Backdrop: A solid backdrop, though optional, can make your webcast look more polished. It helps keep the speaker in focus and prevents participants from being distracted by the background.
Webcast technologies: Software
- Webcast hosting platform – This is THE most important element in your webcast technologies toolkit. It’ll determine how well your webcast ultimately lends itself to your audience. You can determine the engagement capability of your audience largely by the platform you choose. Carefully look at all available options and find one that will best cater to your needs.
- Marketing automation tool – If your webcast hosting platform doesn’t have an integrated marketing automation tool, or if it’s not up to par, having a separate marketing automation tool is a must. You could use this platform to create compelling landing pages, send updates, email reminders, and thank you emails.
- Powerpoint – A well-designed slide deck can elevate the webcast experience for speakers and attendees alike. It also boosts engagement by making it easier for your audience to focus on the presentation.
- Video editing software – While this is optional, video editing software can come in handy if you plan on archiving your webcasts for future reference.
The Ultimate Webcast Technologies Checklist
Webcasts can be slightly trickier to set up for than webinars. Refer to this webcast technologies checklist while preparing for your next webcast to deliver a well-rounded and fulfilling experience to your audience.
