Webcasting - Maximizing Opportunities

Introduction

Webcasts have evolved from one-way broadcasts to two-way conversations, making them one of the most powerful communications tools available today. Creating a successful webcast takes a lot more than simply placing a camera in the back of the room and sending a video signal over the Internet. It takes planning and expertise to create a webcast that is as engaging an experience for the online viewer as it is for the physical attendees. We will explore the tools and techniques needed to plan and produce compelling webcasts.

With today's sophisticated viewer, you must provide a truly interactive experience with video, audio, graphics and live-interaction to grab and retain your audience. The days of wowing your audience with the simple novelty of including video online are long gone.

We will look at webcasts from several perspectives. First, we will explore how webcasts can be used in a variety of different ways to inform your stakeholders and expand your customer base. Webcasting can be used in marketing, public relations, internal communications and as a training tool.

Next, we will explore what it takes to actually produce and air a webcast, from the technical considerations to the many tools at your disposal to create a truly engaging, interactive and informative session for your participants.

The question today is, "How can I best use webcasting to expand my business?" Not using webcasting puts you at a distinct competitive disadvantage.

Webcasting

What was once just a cool thing to do has become a critical part of the way companies do business. Webcasting is used to communicate with customers, shareholders, employees and the media. It is a marketing tool, supporting the brand and driving revenue. Webcasting is the Swiss Army Knife of communications.

Webcasting allows you to bring together audiences from around the world without the travel costs. It allows journalists to attend and participate in press conferences that their schedules or budgets might not otherwise permit. Webcasts can connect employees in many different offices to share information and help build employee morale.

There are many other creative uses to help your company disseminate information and build your base of followers. For example, creating a series of regularly scheduled webcasts helps you build and keep your audience engaged between events. By allowing your audience to suggest, or even vote on topics and/or guests for the next episode, you keep them involved and increase the chances that they will participate in the next session.

Webcasting can also be used to interact between events at different locations around the world, at a fraction of the cost of satellite feeds.

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