Further down the page, you’ll be able to view and edit various aspects of your webinar:
- Required payment (webinars are automatically set to free)
- Recording settings
- Audio access for the host, panelists, and attendees
- Branding for the event landing page
- Registration limit
- Approval settings
- Attendee emails
You can also create polls and surveys to learn more about your audience and determine how effective your webinar was.
Settings are automatically saved as you update them.
Best practices for how to create a webinar
Hosting a successful webinar is about more than software. You can boost your chances of success by following some basic rules:
- Choose the right topic. Your webinar, like all of your content, should be designed to address a specific problem your audience has.
- Plan your content. This can be a full script or a point-form outline; the key is to plan enough to keep yourself on track during the presentation.
- Leave room for questions. One of the best things about webinars is the opportunity for interaction. Leave 20-30 minutes at the end of your webinar for questions.
- Do a practice run. Test the software and your recording equipment before the big day. This is also a good opportunity to run panelists or co-hosts through the webinar process and content.
Of course, you also want to make sure you have the right equipment for the job. Camera quality is somewhat negotiable, but you want to invest in a high-quality microphone like the Blue Yeti.
GoToWebinar alternatives
GoToWebinar is a fantastic tool, but it isn’t for everyone. You might not want all of the advanced features, or you may simply not be able to justify the cost. Either way, there are several great GoToWebinar alternatives.
1. LiveStorm
LiveStorm is a popular browser-based streaming tool used for webinars and professional meetings. The software is easy to use, optimized for mobile, and built to maximize opportunities for audience interaction. LiveStorm also integrates with an impressive array of marketing tools, including popular options like Salesforce and Mailchimp.
The company offers a variety of plans for different types of businesses, including a free plan with unlimited 20-minute webinars. This is a great way to test the software out and get a feel for it before you purchase one of the premium plans.
⚙️ Features:
Browser-based // HD streaming // Unlimited webinars // Automated webinar recording // Unlimited replay // Recurring webinars // Guest presenters // Live answer notification // Q&A functionality // Opportunities for custom branding // Customizable registration page // Analytics // Integrations with a wide variety of marketing tools
? Pricing: Free for unlimited 20-minute webinars. €89/month for unlimited webinars of up to four hours.
? Who this tool is best for: Users who want high-quality browser-based webinar software that’s also free.
2. ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting is an executable software tool for hosting online meetings and webinars. Some of the tool’s most notable features are the ability to host parallel events, breakout rooms, and real-time translation. These features make it possible to plan a fully-featured virtual conference.
Another notable feature of ClickMeeting is the ability to charge for your webinars. You can charge in any currency and receive payments through a variety of payment processing systems, including Stripe and PayPal.
⚙️ Features:
Executable local software // Unlimited webinars // Up to four cameras in each webinar // Unlimited online meetings // Up to five cameras in each meeting // Parallel events // Breakout rooms // Recording capacity (storage varies based on your plan) // Screen sharing // Screen control // Presentation mode // Q&A // Polls and surveys // Chat moderation // Event landing pages // Mobile app // Real-time translation // Automated recurring webinars // Automated email marketing // Integrations with a variety of payment systems, marketing tools, and analytics tools
? Pricing: ClickMeeting offers sliding-scale pricing based on the number of attendees you want to have in each webinar. For 25 attendees, you’ll pay $25/month. For 100 attendees (the standard limit on most platforms), you’ll pay $60/month.
? Who this tool is best for: Users who want access to advanced features without paying the full price of GoToWebinar.
3. WebinarGeek
WebinarGeek is a highly reliable browser-based webinar streaming platform. Some of the most notable features are the ability to create measurable registration links, the embedded registration form, and the ability to import contacts who have registered for your webinar in another matter. The program also allows for “Video injection”, which means you can play clips of pre-recorded videos during your live webinar.
WebinarGeek is also the most affordable option on this list.
⚙️ Features:
Browser-based // Unlimited live webinars // Recording capacity // On-demand webinars with unlimited replays // Option to offer downloads of recordings // Presentation sharing // Screen sharing // Embeddable registration forms // Personalized emails // Video injection // Co-presenters // Private and public chat, complete with moderation tools // Ability to ask for attendee evaluation // Analytics // Polls // Sales page builder
? Pricing: The Starter plan (webinars for up to 25 attendees) is available for $11/month when billed annually. The Premium plan, which allows for up to 100 attendees per webinar and unlocks advanced customization features is $35/month when billed annually. Find out more on the WebinarGeek pricing page.
? Who this tool is best for: Users who want to save money without sacrificing advanced webinar features.
4. Zoom Webinars
Zoom has become ubiquitous in the streaming world since COVID-19 forced communities around the globe into physical isolation. There’s a good chance you’re already using it for your internal meetings. If so, you can upgrade your plan to include Zoom Webinars.
Zoom Webinars lets you host webinars with unlimited panelists. The chat function comes with a suite of tools for moderation, including a Q&A tool. You can also connect Zoom to PayPal and charge money for your webinars.
The popularity of Zoom also gives it an edge when it comes to accessibility. Many people already know how to use it, and might therefore be more willing to sign up for webinars with Zoom than with other software.
On the other hand, Zoom doesn’t offer the same opportunities for branding and customization. Your ability to customize the emails your audience receives is limited, and there’s absolutely zero control over registration pages. This means you lose one of your best opportunities to solidify your brand in the viewer’s mind.
⚙️ Features:
Unlimited webinars // HD video and audio // Unlimited panelists // Ability to separate panelists from participants // Live streaming options on YouTube, Facebook and more // Full-featured host controls // Chat // Q&A function // Monetization options // Analytics // Easy recording // Integrations with a variety of marketing tools
? Pricing: You must already be signed up for Zoom Pro ($14.99/month). You can then purchase the Zoom Webinars add-on for $40/month/user.
? Who this tool is best for: People who are already using Zoom Pro.
Final advice on how to create a webinar
Webinars are an excellent way to educate your audience, deepen relationships with leads and customers, and establish yourself as an expert. Some advanced webinar solutions even provide the tools you need to host a fully-featured online conference.
? GoToWebinar is our top choice for both ease of use and variety of features, but it isn’t the only option. Test out how to create a webinar with alternatives like LiveStorm, ClickMeeting, WebinarGeek, or even Zoom Webinars. The only way to be sure of the best webinar software for your business is to experiment.
Finally, remember to plan and practice your presentation. You don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of a live audience. ?
Do you have any tips for running a successful webinar? Share them in the comments section!
Keep reading the article at CodeinWP. The article was originally written by Dianna Gunn on 2021-02-15 05:58:47.
The article was hand-picked and curated for you by the Editorial Team of WP Archives.