I can’t say enough about what webinars (or web conferences) have done for my business in 2010.
My business has grown over 12x since last year, and I’ve had more free time to travel the world and do what I want.
This year I either hosted or was a presenter on over 300 webinars. This may seem like a lot (and it is) but there are a number of reasons why I continue to do them.
1. List Building
When you host free webinars then you are able to build a decent fresh list by promoting it via social media or by hosting it for someone else. Your database is your most valuable asset in business (besides yourself). The larger the database of people who know, like and trust you or are fans of your work the better. It’s pretty simple. If you can get your products and services in front of more people that like you, you will probably sell more and make more.
2. Brand Awareness
Building a list is one thing, but sometimes you may not be the one hosting the webinar, you may just be a speaker. For example, Social Media Examiner hosted a social media business summit (basically a number of webinars) and had roughly 2,000 paid attendees. I was one of the speakers Mike Stelzner asked to be in the summit, but I didn’t get to keep any of the list. I did, however, get to present in front of a couple thousand buyers who were extremely interested in my topic. I’ll speak in front of 2,000 people all day long, and if I can do it from the comfort of my home or office, then even better.
3. New Audience
It’s good to expand your reach to new audiences. I’ve done webinars to various industries outside of the social media world I normally wouldn’t get in front of. Those are sometimes the most profitable as you are able to bring fresh ideas to an audience that needs your guidance the most.
4. Perfect Your Craft
Each time I present, I learn how to make the next one better. Hosting a great webinar takes time to master in order to get more sales or achieve your professional goals. Record each webinar using ScreenFlow or Camtasia so you can go back and listen to how you presented and what you can improve on.
5. Prepare For The Big Game
No one in business is an overnight success. Although it may seem that way for some, most of the time they have spent years of preparation to get ready for big stages and big business opportunities. Webinars can set you up for the big game, and prepare you for that interview on CNN, or your moment on Oprah. It’s all about the journey for the big games.
6. Save Time
I like to make the most out my time. Don’t you? Speaking at live events definitely has its perks, but webinars save you time from traveling, and allow you to be in a more relaxed state without having to stand on stage in front of an audiences. Even the most shy individuals who are terrified of presenting can feel comfortable sharing their knowledge from behind the screen.
7. Increase Sales
Show me the money. Most of us are in business to make more money so we can do what we love. A number of individuals are making multiple six figures a year in extra sales just from webinars. Some companies like HubSpot use them as a primary lead gen source to increase sales along with their great blog content. I’ve seen some that have done more than a million in sales from a weeks worth of webinars. Think they can’t make you money? Think again.
8. Connect With Decision Makers
If you have a product or service that adds great value and converts well during a webinar, then you are setting yourself up to connect with some of the biggest decision makers in business. It’s very common to do a joint venture webinar with industry leaders who can share their information to your network or list and visa versa. If you build up a good reputation with your online presentation and add value to others, then word spreads fast in the world of webinars and be prepared to connect with some major players.
I recently did a show with someone I do nearly all of my webinars with, Sean Malarkey, and we break down a number of other reasons you should be hosting webinars, and some great ways to market and promote your magnetic webinars to increase your list. Check out the video below:
The reason I continue to use webinars as a major part of my marketing is because of one simple reason.
They Work!
Have you had success running your own webinars? Can you see the value they can provide in your business after reading this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts about the success you have had with webinars, or some concerns you may have as well. Please share your thoughts freely in the comments section below, and spread this article with your friends via Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
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If you haven’t already, make sure to download my free report that has a number of other webinar tips.
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