7 Google Hangout Webinar Tips For 2019

In this piece, we share a few tips on how to create a successful webinar using Google Hangouts or YouTube Live.

1. Pick the right topic

Instead of trying to cover everything under the sun, focus your webinar on one specific topic, i.e. ideally your prospect or client’s biggest challenge.

The best place to start is talk to your sales team to find out what questions your prospects most frequently ask. Identify a common thread and focus your webinar on answering that one specific challenge.

Alternatively, if you have Google Search Console set up, you can identify the keywords that people are using to get to your site. From these, select a common keyword and decide whether you can cover that topic in depth.

2. Pick an engaging speaker

Nothing kills a great topic quite like a boring speaker. Ideally find someone in your organization who is not only knowledgeable enough to answer any questions but can also engage the audience for the duration of your webinar.

Have the speaker practice beforehand with the team and provide him or her with feedback.

3. Decide on the right format

Once you’ve identified some possible speakers, choose the format you think is going to be best for the video, i.e. interview, panel or a single presenter?

Will you need an experienced moderator? (Something we can provide.)

The format will dictate the resources necessary.

4. Write an excellent script

No matter how knowledgeable or engaging your speaker is, they’ll need a great script to guide the flow of the webinar and most importantly keep people interested. A writer with experience scripting for presenters will allow for a good structure and flow of ideas but also use the tricks of the trade to keep the audience glued to the screen or headphones.

We help clients by providing journalists who are well-versed in script writing from the ideation process to execution, so that their stories are told in the most impactful way. (The key here is to elevate your brand without hard selling.)

5. Get the right producer or director onboard

While having technical support is a good place to start, it’s also important that you have an experienced producer or director onboard (which we can provide) who will be able to handle any hiccups from ruining your webinar and keep the whole show on track.

6. Make sure to include a strong call-to-action

What do you want people to do after watching the webinar? Sign up for your newsletter? Speak with a sales representative?

Whatever it is, make sure its explicitly made at the end and/or during your webinar. That way, you can work towards your ultimate goal of awareness, lead gen and so on.

7. Share on different channels

What should you do after the webinar? If you’ve recorded the webinar, which occurs automatically using Google Hangouts webinar, consider how you can share it on your different channels, i.e. newsletters, social media, and so on.

You’ve spent a considerable amount of time planning and developing the webinar. Make sure that you’re getting your bang for your buck by sharing wherever your relevant audiences are.

While webinars can be a great way to reach a wider audience, it’s important to ask yourself if other formats, for example, articles, videos, or social can help supplement or amplify your marketing efforts.