How to Use GoToWebinar for Virtual Events

How to Use GoToWebinar: Your Guide to Awesome Virtual Events

Want to run amazing online events? GoToWebinar can help! It's great for webinars, conferences – anything virtual. This guide will walk you through everything, from start to finish.

Getting Started: Setting Up Your Account

First things first: you need a GoToWebinar account. It’s easy! Just go to their website and sign up. You can try it free, or choose a paid plan depending on how many people you expect.

• Account Creation: Simple! Just give them your email, password, and company info. Then verify your email.
• Plan Selection: They have different plans. Think about how many people will attend and what features you need.
• Profile Configuration: Make it yours! Add your logo and company details. This makes your webinars look professional.

Scheduling Your Webinar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Scheduling is key! GoToWebinar makes it simple. You'll set the date, time, and all the details.

1. Select "Schedule a Webinar": Log in and find the scheduling section. Easy peasy!
2. Enter Webinar Details: Give it a catchy title, date, time, and how long it'll be.
3. Customize Webinar Settings: Decide what info you need from people registering. Will they ask questions beforehand?
4. Choose Your Webinar Type: Standard, automated, or recurring? Your choice!
5. Add Your Panelists (if needed): Got co-presenters? Invite them and give them roles.
6. Review and Save: Check everything before saving. You'll get a confirmation email.

Promoting Your Webinar: Get the Word Out!

Nobody comes if they don't know about it! Here’s how to spread the news.

• Email Marketing: Send emails to your list. Tell them why they need to attend!
• Social Media Marketing: Post about it on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook – wherever your audience hangs out.
• Website and Blog: Put a big link on your website and blog. Make it look awesome!
• Paid Advertising: Consider ads on Google or social media to reach more people. Think of it like this; you're throwing a party, you have to invite people.

Running Your Webinar: Keeping Your Audience Engaged

Just presenting slides isn't enough. Keep them hooked!

• Interactive Q&A Sessions: Leave time for questions. It makes it feel like a conversation.
• Polls and Surveys: Check if everyone is following along.
• Visual Aids: Pictures and videos make things more interesting.
• Breakout Rooms (For Larger Webinars): Split into smaller groups for better interaction.
• Chat Functionality: Use the chat to answer questions and connect with people in real time.
• Screen Sharing: Show them what you're talking about! It's way more engaging.

Post-Webinar Follow-Up: What Happened?

Don't just end it! See what worked and what didn't.

• Attendee Engagement Metrics: GoToWebinar shows you how many people came, how long they stayed, and more. This is important data.
• Follow-up Emails: Send a thank you email with recordings or extra resources.
• Feedback Collection: Ask for feedback. What could be better next time?
• Lead Nurturing: Use the information you got to connect with potential customers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things go wrong. Here's what to do.

• Audio Problems: Check your mic and speakers. Are they plugged in?
• Video Issues: Make sure your webcam is working. Good internet is important too.
• Connectivity Problems: Check your internet connection. Restart your computer or modem if needed.
• GoToWebinar Support: If you're really stuck, check their help section or contact support.

Advanced GoToWebinar Features

There's even more GoToWebinar can do!

• Custom Branding: Make it look exactly like your company's website.
• Integration with Other Tools: Works with other apps to make things smoother.
• Automated Email Sequences: Send out emails automatically. No more manual work!
• Reporting and Analytics: Get detailed reports to see what's working.

That’s it! With a little practice, you'll be running awesome virtual events in no time. Remember to test everything beforehand. You want it to run smoothly!