As an entrepreneur, I used to constantly feel overwhelmed. My days look like this:
Produce new content for my website and current audience, find sites to guest blog for so that they drive more traffic back to my site, build my email list, build a relationship with my subscribers, and try to sell my products/services to generate revenue, etc.
Then, repeat the cycle over and over again.
It felt like I was running 100 miles per hour and I could barely keep up.
Then I discovered webinars and realized that I could do all of those things at once.
My entire online business is now based around hosting webinars. And, it has drastically simplified my entire business model and saved me a ton of time.
Here’s how webinars allowed me to build a successful online business that now allows me to travel the world, living and working wherever I want.
1. Build Your Email List Faster Than Ever Before
I used to work really hard just to get ONE new email subscriber. After that one, I’d work just as hard to get another.
The entire process was exhausting and I felt like my business was growing so slowly that it wasn’t worth my time and effort.
Then, I started hosting webinars and my subscriber list started growing exponentially.
My first few webinars would get 20 new sign-ups.
Then, I started getting 50 new sign-ups.
Then 100.
Now, my webinars get nearly 200 new sign-ups. Every single time.
My email inbox is full of new subscribers when I host a webinar.
Why are webinars so effective for list building? Well, webinars give people a much better reason to hand over their email address compared to most other offers online.
Think about it, which of these makes you want to take action:
“Join my newsletter”
or
“Sign up to my live online workshop where I’ll teach you exactly how to [insert topic here].”
People are going to be engaged AND enjoy themselves much more in a live workshop, plus they get something in return. And now you have them as a loyal member of your subscriber list.
Which leads me to my next point…
2. I Just Met You, And This Is Crazy…
So now you have someone’s email address – what’s next?
In the past I used to (slowly!) build relationships with my new subscribers over time by sending them weekly newsletters, content, and personal updates.
Building a relationship this way takes forever!
People need to feel like they know, like, and trust you before they would ever consider buying something from you.
And not only are webinars the fastest way to build your list and get new subscribers, but they’re also the fastest way of building a trusting relationship with them.
Broadcasting live and providing value in real time is much more personal than sending out emails. You can tell your story, show your personality and passion, and even answer questions on the spot.
It allows you to shine.
It is incredibly powerful to be able to say “Steph from Canada asks…” and then answer the question, LIVE.
People feel noticed and appreciated.
I’ve had people find my Instagram one morning, register for my webinar that was taking place later that night, and then purchase my product at the end of that webinar.
In less than 24 hours, I had someone go from not knowing I existed, to happily buying my course.
That’s how powerful webinars are.
3. You’re Leaving Money On The Table.
If you already have a business and you’re not hosting webinars, you’re leaving money on the table. (This also applies to you if you’re just starting a new business)
Not only do webinars build your list and create meaningful relationships with your audience, but they also convert much higher than anything else online.
The higher the conversion rate, the more money you’re making.
While email marketing usually converts around 2-3%, webinars can convert at 20% (and higher!).
I got an email one day from someone who was on the verge of giving up on her business. Her email read: “I launched my first information product to my list of 400 people, and no one bought it. I made 0 sales.”
After taking a look at her list and realizing it was a list of highly targeted people, I knew something didn’t make sense.
And, I knew it had nothing to do with her product or offer. It simply had to do with the way she was selling it.
So, I helped her set up a webinar and told her to send out the link to her live workshop to that same list of 400 people.
Out of 400 people who received her email, about 55 people joined her live webinar.
And out of those 55 people, 7 people bought the information product that she sold at the end of the webinar.
These were the same people who didn’t buy her product the first time she tried selling it to them!
Yet, they bought it this time.
People truly want to feel connected, respected and understood. Webinars hold the amazing potential to deliver this power. No longer are you ‘just another website’, you are now a person who understands their problems and has the ability to provide them with a solution.
Webinars are my superpower solution to getting the highest customer conversion possible.
4. Recycle. Reuse. And, Reduce.
When you host a webinar you are creating valuable content that can be used over and over again.
Always record your webinars, and you will be able to re-purpose them down the road. At the very least, they make amazing freebies to giveaway (therefore getting you even more email subscribers).
There are many different things you can do with a webinar recording:
Use it as a freebie giveaway: re-purpose your webinar recording as a lead magnet for your blog or website.
Sell it: you can sell your recording as an entry level training product at an entry level price. I’ve seen people do this anywhere between 19-47$.
Automate the replay: use an evergreen replay page, send traffic to it, and get signups (and make sales!) 24/7 for a webinar that you already hosted and recorded.
And much more: be creative and use it however you see fit…just please don’t let it sit and collect digital dust on your hard drive.
After you hosted your webinar, recycle it, re-use it, and make it work for you so it could reduce your workload.
I re-purposed a webinar recording for a freebie opt-in on the homepage of my website at michaelcarbone.ca
5. Own The Stage
Think of any TED Talk you may have watched, or any live speakers at an event you attended. Think back to how you felt about them when they spoke.
Chances are, even if you had never heard of them before, you instantly gave them a certain amount of credibility and saw them as an authority. Simply because they’re on that stage.
They must be there for a reason, right?
Well, the same is true for webinars. When you host your own live webinars, people start looking at you as an authority and a major player in your niche.
My article was featured on the cover of Branders Magazine and I had a full 2-page spread inside.
Since I started doing webinars, I’ve been featured in magazines, blogs, podcasts and in the press.
So, go out there and own the virtual stage, present awesome content, and propel yourself and your business to a place of high recognition.
6. Start Now, Even If You’re Small.
My favourite thing about webinars is that they’re PERFECT for people who have a small list and want to increase sales, or even those who want to start an online business but haven’t launched yet.
The reason why this matters to me so much is because I started using webinars when I had a a small email list and I was struggling to make sales. And without webinars, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
We all look at the size of our list and feel that we are insufficient: “I can’t host a webinar when I only have 100 people on my list.”
A screen shot of my Paypal account after hosting a webinar that made over $2,500 while backpacking across Australia.
But, because webinars have such a high conversion rate, you are able to generate a significantly higher amount of revenue than you think, even with a small list of subscribers.
If you can manage to get 20 people on a webinar, and convert at 10-20%, you’re already making 2-4 sales.
Selling an entry level product of 100-200$ and making 400-800$ is not too shabby in my opinion!
And, that’s just on 1 webinar…what if you hosted 1 every month?
Or even, every week?
Bio:
Michael Carbone is an online entrepreneur, Ironman, traveler, and the founder of the Unleash Yourself podcast on iTunes. If you enjoyed this article and want to take it a step further, join his free 3-day course on webinars or learn more at michaelcarbone.ca.
Webinars scare the you know what out of me. I realize how beneficial they can be to my blog, but I’m just not there yet. This article was a great read and great for getting me psyched up to do my first… at some point 🙂
If you’re scared, which is totally normal by the way, consider doing your first webinar with a co-host. That could take a lot of the pressure off 🙂
Excellent article and you hit on the key points.
Webinars take some work to plan and execute, but they are remarkable for list building.
Thank you! Planning and set up is easier than you think. I’ve had students create, promote, and host successful webinars in less than 10 days. I appreciate your comment and kind words, Tom.
I love the idea of webinars in theory (I like watching them, but…) it drives me nuts that bloggers have to hit up video in order to accomplish similar results as what writing used to do. I love writing, I don’t like being the centre of attention by video, lol. I do recognize the need for change in order to keep up though.
Thanks for the comment Aeryn! I used to be super shy to be on camera and the centre of attention, too. Usually the thing that scares you the most, is the thing you most need to do. Step out of your comfort zone and amazing things will happen. I believe in you!
This is great Brian! I am not so techy..so the idea of creating a webinar..sounds like a very complicated task for me..ha..but I know they are very effective for gaining susscribers..! Thanks for sharing. I am very shy on camera as well…hope I get over that!
Valerie
Hey Valerie, the tech stuff is super simple. I do it all through LeadPages and set up everything I need from the registration page, to the webinar live page with video and chat, in under 30 minutes. As for the shyness, think about finding a co-host, that could take some pressure off 🙂
Hi Valerie, Instapage (disclosure, I work there) is another solid option for building your webinar marketing. It offers integration with many of the major webinar services and helps you quickly build webinar-specific landing pages so you can focus on the other important factors, such as promoting it and developing the content for it. In fact, there is a whole section of webinar templates.
As for the shyness, Michael’s idea of having a co-host is an excellent idea. Also just going out and doing a few will help. Practice makes perfect!
Honestly, I can’t figure out *what* to do one on. The same things I write about? My only product at the moment is a cookbook.
I’d love to help you with this! Think about it this way: your webinar doesn’t have to be a powerpoint presentation. It could be just you, in your kitchen, making 1 awesome recipe. And then pitching your cookbook at the end. I have a whole segment in my course about this and I’ve actually used the cookbook analogy before – so I’m glad to see you can apply it in real life 🙂
I LOVE this idea vs. trying to build subscribers to send a weekly e-mail to. I just need to figure out a product!
Yes! You don’t always need to sell on a webinar though. You can just use them to build your list, provide content, and build a relationship with your audience. Then, you’ll see what their needs are and you’ll find it easier to come up with a product.
Thanks!!
Anytime 🙂
This is true, are webinars are paying off. Our webinars are free too.
Awesome!
Great Article. I am not into doing webinars but I love watching them.
Thanks Teresa!
Your welcome 🙂
Michael I think you’re absolutely right on all 6 points. I’ve been doing webinars consistently for the last 6 months, and after quiet a few try-outs have found my “webinar voice” and a system that works well for me to build a list, show expertise, offer a product or service and actually sell. As a business coach, this knowledge is something I pass on to my clients, and it’s invaluable for sure.
YES! Crush it 🙂
I guess I never thought about trying webinars, but that’s a great idea! I definitely will be looking into this more!
Awesome, let me know if I could help 🙂
I can’t wait to do my first webinar. Thanks for sharing this awesome info!
My pleasure! Don’t be shy to email me if you need some additional help 🙂
Love this! Just getting into webinars and fine tuning my systems/funnels. Great post!
Interesting insight. I’m not in a position to being hosting webinars but have been exploring all avenues in which I could day my blog. Saving for future reference!
Loved the post. I’m not into business myself but entrepreneurship is fast growing; and is a field worth exploring.
This is a great way to get emails, have people sign up! Having people choose to give their email = less likely to unsubscribe from e-shots. This was an insightful read, thanks!
This is great! I never new webinars would boost my blog! Im not ready to them quite yet but hopefully in the future!
Brain thank you so much for sharing Michael’s story. I am planning my first webinar so this is inspiring. It’s so funny to me the way he describes his day is just like me… go go go go .
These are some really good points. I hadn’t considered doing Webinars before but I think they would definitely benefit my business.
I am not trying to grow a business. I am not comfortable in front of a crowd or a camera. I am much too shy to do something like this! More power to those who can!
Very good information. I also heard that selling through live video is a faster and easier way to make money while at the same time growing the email list. Have you looked into this yet?
Awesome post! Just started hosting my own webinars last month. Starting was the biggest obstacle, but once you do it, it’s so easy! Thanks for the tips
Dude, this is genius!! I never thought of these benefits from webinars. Your blog is so informative, thanks as always for continuing to share your knowledge.
This is a great article. I love hearing how people are able to maximize their success by changing the way they work. Definitely gave me a lot to think about!
Great article… I never even thought of doing webinars, but after reading this article I’m seriously considering it.
Really good information. At this point, I don’t consider myself an expert in anything, but I’m motivated to invest in becoming one!
I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to do a webinar. Love the tips though and I will certainly think on it.
That’s a great idea! I don’t think I would be confident enough to do it but great tips 🙂
Great tips. I see that mosre and more people are hosting a webinar I whatever the theme of their blog and it seems to attract more people even if they aren’t really related to the blog. I’ll try to start with tteo 1 and see how far I go. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome information that I really needed. I’m doing the same right now… Running in circles trying to get my name out there. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Webinars sound like an important too, especially if you have a product to sell. This is great information, I am going to save this post, Thanks!
Thank you so much for this information! I’ve never done webinars before but I might try it now.
Such valuable food for thought. Webinars are making a huge entrance into the internet experience. I know that I personally sign up for about one per week.
This is awesome information… I would love to know how to do this with Art
great tips, I agree with everything! You write out so well!
Thank you for the tips! I have a blog and am wanting more traffic. I like the idea of answering questions that my audience may have. I am going to use that for sure.
Wow this is fantastic. I have no clue where to make a webinar about. But at my work we have webinars in our virtual classroom. We sell online trainings. It’s really working with the subscribers like that. Great way to build a lot of followers who are truly interested in your blog.
What a great idea – and the amount of business that would develop from just even one webinar!
What a great source of information, especially those aspiring entrepreneurs! Thanks!
Great information! Thank you!
Wow I can’t believe how many people sign up after just one webinar! That’s really inspiring, I hope I can do something similar for my own blog 🙂
Very interesting and informative post! I really didn’t know about webinars now I have to do more research about it! Thank you so much!
I never knew the power a webinars have with starting off a business. I will remember this when and if I start a new business. Thank you for the tips.
I agree, Michael — webinars so powerful! I’ve been considering putting up at least two a year for my new blog project, but I’m waiting to build my list a bit more and reach 100 subscribers first. My new is too new for now. 🙂 Your results are impressive, I’m going to keep this post for reference and motivation! Thank you!
I’ve never tried to attend in a webinar but it sounds interesting.
I have attended a webinar before and it was an experience I wont forget but all for the wrong reasons. It was very disorganized but your webinars sound a lot more thought out and well done for being able to do the job you love!
Thanks for posting this – I’ve never thought about doing that, but will definitely keep it in mind for the future!
I’ve done webinar but not for my blog. Thanks for reminding this to me. I think webinars nowadays are important and key to creating a successful business.
I have attended webinars before but not for my blog. Webinars are widely used now to be successful in a competitive world of business.
good information. I have done webinars before and plan to do them again. This encouraged me to do one sooner rather than later.