Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, webinars have become very popular. However, many people are still unaware of what a webinar is and what are the advantages of both organizing and participating in one.
With this in mind, in this article we will tell you everything you need to know about this new way of transmitting so that you decide to try them.
What is a webinar and why is it called this way?
The word comes from the combination of “seminar” and “web”. Thus, the meaning of webinar, according to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, is a seminar that is conducted over the Internet. Thus, it is a lecture of an academic nature whose focus is the interaction between the experts who deliver the information and the participants.
Therefore, a webinar includes audiovisual components and allows interaction between a group of people and the person in charge.
Are the webinars live?
A frequent question is whether all webinars are conducted in real time. The answer is yes and no, i.e., there are two modes of presentation: live and pre-recorded.
Usually, pre-recorded webinars are used for explanations or recurring courses, for example, demos of products that people are constantly buying. This does not mean that there is no interaction with the participants, only that the answers may take a little longer.
On the other hand, a live format is effective in generating more interactions and connecting better with the audience as it allows the dialogue to take place in real time.
How does a webinar work?
After choosing the host and the topic to be taught, the date, start and end time are usually announced. This is so that participants can be sure that they can participate for the full duration of the course.
Because space is limited, webinars frequently request an email from those interested in participating. Once the quotas are filled, an email is sent either with an access key or with a link to the platform that will be used for the event.
Specialized webinar platforms usually have multiple tools to facilitate their organization, including a chat for participants or the ability to request permission to speak and the opportunity to share different multimedia content from the organizer.
In addition to the platform, the conversation takes place as a face-to-face seminar: a first part where the expert shares his knowledge and a second part where the audience intervenes.
Advantages of a webinar
Now that it is clear what a webinar is, it is important to highlight its many advantages and why they continue to be used even after most countries have lifted restrictions on face-to-face events.
First of all, it is much cheaper than a face-to-face seminar. Holding a face-to-face seminar involves paying for a space, and having the necessary equipment for the participants such as chairs, tables and, in some cases, beverages. Even if you pay for a specialized video conferencing platform it will be radically cheaper than organizing an in-person event.
Secondly, it allows knowledge to be shared around the world. Many times, the public wants to attend a seminar by a reputed expert in a specific field, but the seminar is held in another country. When a webinar is held, people from any corner of the universe can join in, all they need is a device with an Internet connection.
It is also an excellent marketing strategy. When a person signs up for a webinar, they not only openly tell you what they are interested in, but they also give you their email address. Having a potential customer’s email address allows you to send information about future webinars or products and create a loyal database.
Finally, if you want to know more about how to organize one, you can read more here or on the official website of our favorite webinar platform.
