Hosting A Webinar – 5 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make

Hosting a webinar is a great way to effectively generate leads and build loyalty around your brand. The process is extremely accessible, as well, since there are a ton of options as far as software, marketing tools and platforms available for hosting this type of event.

That being said, there are a few mistakes people sometimes make. Luckily, they can be avoided – are you making any of these mistakes?

You’re using a poor-quality microphone

You can have the greatest microphone on the market, and chances are, your audience wouldn’t know the difference. They will, however notice if you’re using a microphone that puts out poor, muffled sound quality or creates feedback during your presentation.

When it comes to your business, it’s almost always the best choice to invest in high quality tools.

The microphone you’ll use during your event is no exception. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive model on the market. Just be sure that you get a clear sound – of course, be sure to test the microphone before your event goes live.

2- You don’t have an outline

If you go into your event without an outlined plan for the points you’d like to cover, you’re setting yourself up for disaster.

Keeping to a detailed plan and discussing the main points in an order that is clear and follows a logical sequence makes your webinar much more streamlined and allows attendees to better retain the information given.

3- You’re boring. Plain and simple

if you’re not much fun to listen to, your event will be a dud.

Record yourself talking about some of the points you’re planning on covering – how do you sound? Are you too wordy or inarticulate? Do you use phrases like “So…” and “Um…” over and over? Are you talking too fast? Don’t be afraid to get others’ opinions about how you come across, either.

A good rule of thumb is to speak similarly to the way you would with a friend – not like you would hanging out at the bar, of course, but as if you were showing them how to do something.

If speaking just isn’t one of your strong points, you might even consider getting coaching in that area.

4- You’re clueless when it comes to the platform you’re using

Most popular web conferencing programs offer video training, articles and literature to help you understand how to use the platform – use them! Get to know the program as well as you can so that if any issues arise, you’ll know what to do. Even if you don’t remember the particular solution when you need it, you’ll at least remember where to look for one.

You don’t leave any buffer time

Don’t jam-pack your time slot with content. It’s a good idea to leave some extra time to account for unforeseen issues that might come up as well as for a Q & A session at the end of the event. Remember, your attendees likely won’t mind if the webinar wraps up a bit early, but they might have to duck out if it runs too long.

Advice!

If anything comes up during your event that you didn’t account for, don’t flip out. Stay calm and let your audience know what the situation is, thanking them for their patience as you attend to the issue. Rest assured, it won’t be nearly as big of a deal to them as it is to you. Just try to remain as professional and laid-back as you can, and above all, enjoy your event!

Image © Steve Young – Fotolia.com