Personally, I love webinars. They are so much more than just online (live) presentations, they are your chance to connect, engage, inspire, and grow your business. After organizing and running many of them myself, I’ve pulled together a list of practical, experience-based tips to help you get the most out of yours.
These aren’t rigid rules; every webinar is different, and its success comes down to careful preparation, choosing the right topic, and executing a well-thought-out promotional campaign. Here’s my mini guide to help increase your webinar’s impact.
1. Know Your Audience
Who are they? What keeps them up at night? Tailor your content to their needs and interests. Relevance is key! Don’t focus on “my product”, rather think “what it can do for your customer.” How does it solve their problems?
2. Choose a Hot Topic
Pick a subject that sparks curiosity and aligns with your goals. If it doesn’t excite you, it won’t excite them!
3. Get the Right Speakers on Board
Experts, thought leaders, or engaging storytellers, choose speakers who add value and credibility. I remember events where the topic was a magnet, but the delivery was so poor that I couldn’t stay until the end. A waste of time and effort for everyone.
4. Craft an Engaging Presentation
Avoid overwhelming your audience with long paragraphs. Use visuals, keep it structured, and tell a story to maintain attention from start to finish.
5. Pick the Right Platform
Zoom, Teams, LinkedIn, or a dedicated webinar tool like ON24?
Choose a reliable, user-friendly platform that fits your audience size and event format. Zoom, for example, works well for small groups.
6. Shout It from the Rooftops
Promote, promote, promote! Use LinkedIn, email, your website, anywhere your audience hangs out. Use your speaker’s network, too. Shout it from the rooftops!
You’ve prepared like a pro? Now it’s showtime. Here’s how to run the event smoothly and maximize the impact afterward:
7. Own the Stage – Even Virtually
This applies to both you and your guest speaker! Start with a test run a few days before the big day. Sometimes, even if the topic is great, the speaker might not meet expectations. A bit of coaching in advance can work wonders. And yes! Body language matters, even online. Smile, make eye contact, and bring your energy. If you’re passionate and excited, your audience will feel it.
8. Make Your Guest Speaker Feel Comfortable
They’re the star of the show, but virtual presentations can be tough. Make them feel supported, and the session will flow naturally.
9. Get Interactive
Polls, Q&A, live chat….get your audience involved. Interaction keeps them engaged and present.
10. End with a Bang – and a CTA
Don’t just say goodbye. Let your audience know what to do next: book a call, download a whitepaper, or follow your page. Some platforms allow you to share info in the waiting room or let attendees download a flyer right from the webinar page. Offer video-on-demand access afterward, too!
11. Follow Up – Keep the Connection Alive
Send a thank-you email, share the recording (as a link), and offer additional resources. Stay in touch and keep the momentum going.
12. Analyse and Learn
Review your webinar performance. What worked? What could be improved? Learn from every session to make the next one even better.
Bonus Pro Tips
✔ Ideal Length: Aim for 30-45 minutes to keep attention sharp
✔ Registration Form: Keep it short, max 5 fields
✔ Record It: Always record for on-demand access
✔ Timing: Midweek (Tues–Thurs), around 10-11 am tends to perform well
✔ Tech Check: Always have a backup plan
✔ Feedback: Use post-event surveys to collect insights
Hope you feel prepared and ready to hit the ground running!
With these best practices, you’ll leave a lasting impression with your next webinar. Need help? Let’s talk! I’d be more than happy to manage your next webinar and help make it a success.
FAQ
What is the best time to host a scientific webinar for maximum attendance?
The ideal time to host a scientific or B2B webinar is midweek: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday around 10-11 am in your target audience’s time zone. This timing tends to deliver the highest registration and attendance rates
How far in advance should I promote my webinar to boost attendance?
Start promoting your webinar at least 2-3 weeks before the event. Combine teaser posts on LinkedIn, email invites, and reminder campaigns across channels. The earlier and more consistent your marketing, the better your turnout.
Should I always record my webinar for on-demand viewing?
Yes, recording your webinar is essential. On-demand content extends its life and lets registrants who couldn’t attend still engage with your message. It also gives you reusable content for future email campaigns or gated content offers.
Which webinar platforms are best for scientific and life science webinars?
Popular platforms like ON24, GoToWebinar, and Zoom all have different strengths:
- ON24: Great for professional, data-rich webinars with strong analytics and engagement tools.
- GoToWebinar: Reliable for mid-to-large audiences with customizable registration features.
- Zoom: Best for smaller, interactive sessions or training-style webinars.
Choose a platform that suits your audience size, content style, and interaction level.
How do I keep attendees engaged during a live webinar?
Webinar engagement depends on interactivity. For example, use:
- Live polls and Q&A sessions
- A compelling story structure in your slides
- Speaker energy and clear visuals
Tip: Always rehearse and do a tech check before going live.
What are the key steps to follow up after a webinar?
Follow-up is critical for turning interest into leads. After your webinar:
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Include a link to the recording and any promised resources.
- Offer a clear next step (CTA), like booking a demo or downloading related content.
- Post highlights or clips on social media to extend reach.
How long should a webinar last to maintain attention?
For most scientific and marketing webinars, aim for 30-45 minutes. This length allows for depth without fatigue, and leaves time for Q&A without dragging..