Webinar software buying guide
Webinars are the perfect platform when you need to speak with a large number of people simultaneously. Unlike other web conferencing solutions, webinar software is created to support up to thousands of attendees and provide you with the necessary tools to run engaging presentations. Consequently, webinar platforms are the perfect software for showcasing a product to clients, training a team of employees, or giving online lectures, just to name a few. While most companies always provide the basics, there are details you need to consider to ensure you get the webinar platform that answers your needs best at the lowest cost possible – something you can do by following our five-step buying guide.
1. What is the best webinar platform for you?
Although some webinar platforms stand out from the competition, the truth is there isn’t one that can be considered the best for everyone. Each company has its own strategy, so it may or may not work for you. Consequently, the choice of the best webinar platform on the market is a very personal one. Most webinar software providers offer the basic tools to run engaging sessions such as live chat, Q&As, or live polls. However, from there each company tries to cater to a specific audience. Some providers offer limited features for a lower price, while others have a comprehensive list of features but at a steeper cost. Some examples of these more advanced features are the ability to run recurring automated events, room branding, auto-sharing tools, and a built-in video editor. For this reason, it’s essential to place these companies side by side to understand which one best answers your needs.
2. Find and compare webinar platforms
Webinar software is built with different purposes in mind and therefore offers distinct features. For example, a webinar platform whose main goal is to help its customers run product demos doesn’t necessarily need to have a built-in feature to enable hosts to receive payments from the audience. On the other hand, entrepreneurs that use webinar software in order to run online courses will highly benefit from webinar software that provides the option to run recurring, on-demand sessions. But how to find these differences?
Articles discussing the best webinar platforms on the market are a good first step. While they don’t compare companies side by side, they’re a great way to find a couple of solutions that provide the features you need. When you have a list with a few webinar software providers you’re interested in, read some comparison articles. These are the perfect place to find the small details where companies differ, and you’ll quickly limit your list to two or three webinar platforms.
3. Read reviews of webinar software
Since comparison articles are usually shorter than reviews, there are always some aspects that are left out. Due to this, you may still not be 100% certain of which webinar platform to use. That’s why reviews exist. These more comprehensive articles tackle everything from the webinar’s interface to the company’s customer service. You’ll also find ratings from both experts and users, helping you understand if the image you had of the product is accurate. After reading some reviews and visiting the websites of the few providers still on your list, you’ll know for sure which one works best for you.
4. Sign up for a free trial
Most webinar software providers offer a limited period to try out the product. It can be a free trial where you only need to sign up, or it can be a money-back guarantee where the company refunds the full investment if you’re not happy with the product. This is the best way to test the software for yourself and see if it works as you imagined. Although reading comparisons and reviews is perfect for saving you some time, you’ll only know if you like the webinar platform after using it yourself.
5. Make your purchasing decision and use coupons!
The last step is, of course, making a purchase. But before you start typing your credit card information, it’s essential to understand the company’s pricing structure and to look for coupons. Whether it’s by discounting longer subscriptions, offering coupon codes, or providing temporary discounts, one thing webinar software providers have in common is giving you a way to save money.
Side-by-side comparisons
Our side-by-side comparisons are the best way to find which one of two webinar software products works best for you. They always place two webinar platforms side by side, showing you the main differences between them in the tiniest detail.
Daniel C.
Inês P.
