Tried using webinars yet?
I haven’t but I’m going to. Why? Because implementing a webinar strategy as part of my marketing mix gives me a chance to make a stronger connection with people I can help.
Short for web-based seminar, a webinar is simply a presentation, workshop or seminar presented over the internet using specialized software.
There are several companies that offer this service. Go To Meeting is one of the most popular and offers a free, 30-day trial.
Perhaps the biggest upside of a webinar is its ability to provide you with interactive elements: you can give, receive and discuss information in real-time.
Participants in a webinar can share audio, documents and applications.
Here are 6 ways you can use webinars to grow your business:
1: You can build targeted lists of qualified prospects.
Webinars are non-threatening because prospects know they can hide behind the anonymity of being online without having to meet you face-to-face.
For that reason, webinars are easier to sell than live events because there’s no travel involved and people can sign up at the last minute – because there’s no travel involved and people can sign up at the last minute.
By combining offering free and low cost webinars, you’ll be able to build a list of people who are interested in your training and, most importantly, will be primed to buy future products and services.
2: You can test new content and ideas quickly and easily – and cheaply.
Many marketers make a big mistake and invest all kinds of money, time and energy up front and then try to get prospects to buy it.
A webinar allows you to put your idea into a one presentation and test the waters. If your prospects bite, you’ve got a winner. If they don’t, you haven’t invested much.
3: You can create relationships easily.
Developing a “know, like and trust” factor with qualified prospects is a lot easier when you’re talking to them face to face.
Although a webinar doesn’t exactly give you that, it does offer a personal environment. And you can present and sell to dozens and even hundreds of prospects simultaneously.
4: You can create a new revenue stream.
Using webinars to offer training provides your audience with an inexpensive way to access your educational content.
5: You can still make money when the economy takes a hit.
Market fluctuations can wreak havoc on training budgets. Every seminar related expense comes into the cross hairs for assessment as to whether or not it will be approved.
Training via webinars is perfect for limited budgets and gives your prospects the training they still need and want – at an affordable price. You don’t lose out.
6: You Assume Less Risk.
Presenting “live” seminars and workshops can be risky business. There’s lots more promotion to do and of course, there are some out of pocket costs like a hotel conference room or hall, audio/visual equipment etc. that’s you’re on the hook for whether you sell out your event or not.
Offering webinars is far less risky. They don’t cost nearly as much to produce or promote. And the registration process is a lot simpler.
