What is a webinar?

A webinar is understood to be free online events that are followed live, where you just need to sign up by filling out a short contact form or simply receive a direct invitation from the company organizing the event.

In practice, it is an online meeting or presentation in real time, which gives customers the ability to connect from anywhere in the world. Thanks to this feature, it proves to be an effective marketing tool and an essential communication channel at times when physical conferences, seminars, and trade fairs cannot be organized.

The characteristics of webinars

The main features of webinars are multiple, and we can divide them with:

• Interactivity: the ability to discuss, send and receive information in real-time, also thanks to the "screen sharing" option;
• The recording of interventions: to be able to review them later on;
• The creation of virtual whiteboards: where concepts can be explained and notes can be taken;
• Cost containment: there is no need to invest a budget and rent locations;
• The minimal effort of organization: there's no longer a need to waste time choosing catering, and organizing trips.

Thanks to these features, it is possible to gather more people than at a physical event. Thus, along with less organizational effort, we also add more guests participating, leading to greater interaction.

How does a webinar work?

The functionality of a webinar is quite simple, usually just before the start of the event you receive an email containing a link that allows you to connect and access the chosen platform for presentations.

The presenter shares their presentation, with the screen sharing option, to be clearer and faster. 

For anyone who has registered, participation is almost always free, except in those cases where webinars are private meetings and require an admission fee.

Once the webinar has started, it is possible to intervene with direct questions without interrupting the speaker and note down your queries in the chat.

A webinar can last from one to two hours, no more, and can be hosted on various platforms. 

Why Use a Webinar?

Webinars provide training on specific topics, and the communication needs that are managed by a webinar include:

• Distance learning
• Educational speeches
• Press conferences
• Seminars
• New product presentations
• Presentation of market research findings
• Industry analysis
• Workshops

Important! Once you have selected the topic and the platform, you need to prepare an "agenda" and make sure that the first online event does not last more than an hour to keep your audience from losing concentration.