Webinar: What it is, how it works and how to do one

A webinar, short for "web-based seminar," is an online event in which a host or group of presenters shares information with an audience in real time.

Webinars may include presentations, workshops, product demonstrations and Q&A sessions.

Features of a webinar

• Interactivity : Participants can ask questions and receive answers in real time.
• Accessibility : Webinars can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Variety of formats : These can include live presentations, pre-recorded videos, polls, and more.
• Recording : Many webinars are recorded and available for later viewing.

How does a webinar work?

What are the key elements of a webinar?

1. Webinar Platform : Tools like Zoom, GoToWebinar, and Webex allow you to host and stream webinars.
2. Content : Presentations, slides, videos and any other materials that will be shared during the event.
3. Promotion : Marketing strategies to attract audiences, such as emails, social media, and advertisements.
4. Live Interaction : Features for Q&A, polls, and live chats.
5. Recording and Tracking : Options to record the webinar and analyze audience participation and engagement.

How does a webinar develop?

The development of a webinar includes several stages, from planning to execution and follow-up.

1. Planning : Define the objective, target audience and topic of the webinar.
2. Content preparation : Create presentations and other necessary materials.
3. Promotion : Announce the webinar and register participants.
4. Conducting the webinar : Execute the live event, managing interaction with the audience.
5. Follow-up : Analyze participation and send follow-up materials to attendees.

What steps should be followed to organize a webinar?

1. Choosing an appropriate platform : Select a tool that fits your needs and technical capabilities.
2. Plan the content : Clearly define the topic, key points and flow of the presentation.
3. Promote the event : Use various channels to attract your target audience.
4. Conduct technical testing : Ensure that all equipment and technology are working properly.
5. Engage with your audience : Encourage participation through questions, polls, and comments.
6. Record the webinar : Offer the recording to participants for later review and to those who were unable to attend live.

What are the best practices for a successful webinar?

• Preparation : Rehearse the presentation and familiarize yourself with the platform.
• Audio and video quality : Use good quality equipment to ensure a clear and professional transmission.
• Interaction : Include question and answer sessions to keep the audience engaged.
• Relevant content : Provide valuable and useful information for participants.
• Follow-up : Send a thank you email and additional materials after the event.

What are the best webinar platforms?

There are several popular platforms that offer various features and capabilities:

• Zoom : Known for its ease of use and interactive features.
• GoToWebinar : Provides robust tools for planning and executing webinars.
• Webex : Provides advanced customization and security options.
• Microsoft Teams : Integrated with Microsoft applications, ideal for corporate users.

How to choose the best webinar platform?

To select the right platform, consider factors such as your audience size, necessary features (such as polls and recording), budget, and ease of use.

It is important to try several options and read reviews before making a decision.

Written by Moises Hamui Abadi : I am an entrepreneur, founding partner of Viceversa and SoyMacho. After leading several digital businesses and advising several other businesses, I decided to form MHA Consulting, a digital marketing consultancy dedicated to growing and empowering digital businesses in more than 7 countries and generating more than 1,500 million pesos.