Over the last year, it has been more common than ever to conduct seminars and training online. This trend will likely continue long after the pandemic since as well as saving on travel costs, it is possible to bring together people from across the world conveniently and with less disruption.
The advantage of webinar software compared to video conferencing is that it enables transactions to take place within the platform meaning customers can register and pay instantly.
Let’s look at the main features of the top 5 platforms:
1. WebinarNinja
WebinarNinja is packed with tools for engaging with your audience that are perfect for coaching, teaching and training. There are features such as group chat, individual chat, sharing materials and taking a poll. It comes with a 14-day free trial and a selection of package options.
- It has a contemporary design with flexible capabilities and is better value than Demio for smaller groups.
- For coaching and training, it is possible to upload PowerPoints, share information and create a Q&A section.
- It integrates with Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Squarespace and other important platforms.
- It comes with outstanding templates for creating your webinar.
- Excellent marketing content with easy access and pages designed to convert.
- It has great customer service offering support by LiveChat, email and a troubleshooting library.
2. Livestorm
Livestorm offers simplicity and automation with its versatile webinar software that will run live, on-demand or automated webinars. Perfect for any live event, product demos, courses or training. It has a free plan for up to 10 attendees with payment options for bigger requirements.
- Easy for non-technical people to set up a webinar with automation for event registration, promotional emails and reminders.
- Attendees can join the webinar in any browser with one click
- Webinar styles including live, on-demand, and pre-recorded.
- Ability to screen share.
- Interactive features such as live chat, polls, and Q&A.
- Superb analytics and reporting.
- Comprehensive multilingual customer support and easy to access help documentation.
3. EasyWebinar
EasyWebinar makes it easy for people wanting to set up their first webinar with its page builder and integrated features such as marketing. Capable of reaching a big audience, there are three pricing plans with a free demo option.
- Easy to host live streams to social media like Facebook and YouTube.
- Easy integration with platforms like WordPress and MailChimp.
- Analysis and tracking tools covering engagement and conversion.
- Browser-based viewing
- Up to 4 presenters with sharing capabilities.
4. WebinarJam Review
WebinarJam is the best platform for large businesses with its capability to host up to 5000 attendees without compromising on losing excellent interactive features that bring a personal touch. There are three price plans with an excellent risk-free 30 Day money-back guarantee.
- Interactive Live chat feature that sends the video to the stage, pop-ups and countdowns.
- Excellent 24 Hour customer support
- Email and text reminder notifications
- Collect payments for fee-paying webinars directly within the platform.
- Direct live streaming to YouTube.
- Works with multiple browsers and systems.
- Automatic recording.
5. Demio Review
Demio is perfect for hosting live events with its contemporary, easy to use software that is great for any size business. Its extensive interactivity is particularly suited for delivering marketing that feels very personal.
There are three pricing plans with a 14-day free trial option.
- Attendees can join webinars with one click from any browser.
- Features interactive polls and real-time statistics.
- You can include CTAs to convert sales with launch offers all within the platform.
- Attendees can download the information you share.
- Permissions can be given for attendees’ video or microphone when needed.
- There are both public and private chat functions for live Q&A sessions.
- Ability to record webinars and send them to those who could not make the live event.
Webinar Software: What are the most important features to consider?
Deciding on which webinar platform to choose means prioritising what you need most. Since they all enable you to share and record high-quality videos you must think about what you hope to gain from hosting a webinar.
Interactive Features
Most of the platforms offer some kind of interactive features. If you want your attendees to participate and increase engagement then you will want to consider live chat, polls and Q&A capabilities.
Think about how you expect your attendees to engage and how this will affect your marketing opportunities.
Size of Audience
Part of your decision will be thinking about the number of attendees that you are trying to attract to your webinar. The different platforms are geared towards different sized groups.
You will also need to think about the future. It is hard to predict how your audience will grow but the possibility of upgrading your plan as you scale up will future proof your webinar system.
As well as cost you want to know that the platform can host a larger audience without compromising on quality. Technical issues will deter engagement.
Ease of Use
This isn’t just about you being able to create a webinar easily. It is also about how easy it is for your attendees to log in.
When attendees are required to download an App, they are less likely to bother. Being able to access the webinar straight from their browser encourages participation.
When your aim is marketing, it is worth considering webinar platforms that allow participants to log in from a browser to encourage a larger audience and prevent apathy from keeping them away.
Support and Help
No matter what your level of technical expertise, you don’t want to be let down when you have organised a live event.
Being let down by your software at the last moment could prove to be a disaster.
This is where it is worth choosing a provider that has 24-hour support that can get you back up and running for live events. It will bring you peace of mind and avoid costly PR disasters.
Final Thoughts
Every business will need something different from its webinar software.
You can use the above advice to help you make the right choice for your needs.
The good news is that most of the providers allow you to have a free trial so that you can test out the functions and features for yourself without committing to a long term plan.
For more helpful advice and information, visit our blog page.
