USE OF WEBINAR AS A MARKETING TOOL
Meaning:-
A
web-based seminar (webinar) is a conference that is hosted in near real-time
over the Internet. Webinars allow groups in remote geographic locations to
listen and participate in the same conference regardless of the geographic
distance between them. Webinars also have interactive elements such as two-way
audio (VoIP) and video that allows the presenters and participants to discuss
the information as it is presented.
Some
common uses for webinars include meetings, remote training and workshops.
Webinars can also be recorded for later viewing or distribution, but this
removes the interactive elements for later viewers. In this sense, a recorded
webinar becomes a webcast - a presentation that includes one-way audio and
video without any interaction between speakers and listeners.
Use
of Webinar in Business:
Business
owners are really starting to see the benefits of webinars to reach and engage
with people all over the world. But they offer so much more than just a way to
connect with people remotely. If used properly, they can become a very valuable
marketing tool in their own right. Making location not an issue, webinars are
not only cost effective, but they also make logistical sense and remain a
valuable tool in the modern day marketing mix. They can produce significant
results for generating sales leads, positioning your company in the market, and
reaching influencers. Here’s why:
1.
Demonstrate your expertise: If you can talk about a topical subject
knowledgeably, it puts you in the ideal position to expose potential clients to
your skills–which may result in future business. Key message here: viewers want
to know about something that will benefit them, but without actually being sold
to.
2.
Generate feedback: A webinar provides you with a great way to engage
with the public. Thanks to social media, people now expect to be able to
communicate with companies in real time, anticipating instant answers and
access to information.
3.
Lead generation: Staying in direct contact with your prospects helps you
guide and inform them through their purchasing decisions. However, you need to
strike the right balance between properly qualifying leads and scaring them off
(or boring them). Include lead generation questions in the webinar sign-up
form. This includes: first name, last name, phone number, email address,
company and job title. Don’t make the sign-up form too long; the barrier to
entry should be as easy as possible.
4.
Announce new products: When launching a new product, your mind might not
automatically veer toward using a webinar. It’s certainly not as common as a
physical launch or a PR/social media launch. Introducing a new product via
webinar can reach thousands of people at once without the costly need for room
hire, seminars, and props.
