If webinar is a term that youÂre not exactly up to speed on, a webinar is a live seminar or conference that is held over the Internet.
That being said, it is becoming an increasingly preferred marketing tool among small businesses, because it provides many benefits over a traditional seminar.
Here are a number of reasons why you should consider conducting a webinar for your company:
Cost-Effective and Hassle-Free
A webinar is a lot more cost-effective than a traditional seminar, because it does not require you to rent a convention hall and incur traveling expenses.
All you need to do is get web conferencing software and hire speakers, who can choose to speak from their home, office or any other place.
Also, organizing a traditional seminar entails considerable planning and effort. You need to make a lot of practical arrangements, ranging from organizing seating to catering if you are offering refreshments.
A webinar, on the other hand, can be conducted by just setting up a web conferencing system.
Promote Your Products to a Worldwide Audience
A webinar is not only easier to conduct; it is also more convenient to attend.
People from around the world can attend your webinar without having to travel to a specific location. As such, a webinar can potentially reach a much wider audience than a traditional seminar.
You can introduce and demonstrate your products to your viewers via screen sharing and encourage them to ask questions or visit a purchase page at the end of the webinar.
Establish and Maintain a Closer Relationship with Customers
In order to gain the trust of your customers, you need to add a personal touch to the way you communicate with them.
A webinar enables your customers to see and hear you talk about your company and products, giving them the assurance that you are a human being and not just a website.
There are many kinds of webinars that you can hold to build a closer relationship with your customers, including press release updates, online meetings and client training sessions.
Get More Business Contacts
Similar to a traditional seminar, a webinar is a great way to make new business contacts and enhance your brand identity.
The attendees can show their names and headshots, and interact with the speakers and you during or after the webinar. This helps build credibility and establish a more genuine connection between the audience and your company.
Position Your Company as an Authority in Your Niche
Conducting a webinar can also help you stand out from your competitors.
By providing helpful and expert information through a webinar, you will gain a reputation as an authority in your niche. As your reputation spreads, more and more people will come to you when they need information or advice that is related to your field.
A webinar provides an engaging and effective way for you to promote your small business to a large group of people from all over the world.
When it is used correctly, it can be an invaluable tool for ensuring business growth and success.
Photo credit: educationcloset.com
About the author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of subjects, from online marketing to biographies of entrepreneurs such as Steve Wynn, David Kiger and others.