
Explaining the difference between webinar platforms and meeting tools can be likened to comparing a seminar to a board meeting. Quite different, right?
Webinar platforms are purpose-built for hosting webinars, or online seminars, which allow presenters to connect with large audiences and share information online. Whereas, meeting tools are designed for small gatherings of people and allow teams to plan, organize and run meetings in a virtual environment.
We’ve all heard of Google Hangouts, Skype and Zoom – these are all video meeting tools that allow you to run meetings virtually. And now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are having to rely on video conferencing platforms more than ever to run meetings with colleagues, give presentations, share thought leadership, run training, conduct seminars, conferences, check in with loved ones and in some cases, even go on first dates.
So, with the world around us constantly changing and more and more people turning to video conferencing solutions, it’s essential that you can decipher the difference between a webinar and a meeting tool. That way, you can choose the right platform for your needs and maximize your results. You wouldn’t host an intimate meeting in a concert hall, or a conference in a meeting room, and the same holds true for your online events. You need to find the right venue – or software, in this case.
The best way to decide whether you require a webinar platform or a meeting tool is to understand their use cases, so you can make an informed decision and avoid finding yourself in a square-peg-round-hole scenario. As it’s often said:
One size does not fit all when it comes to online events.
Webinar Use Cases
Webinars are powerful tools for marketers due to their many benefits, which include lead generation, audience engagement and experience and branding. Some of the main use cases for webinars include:
It may come as no surprise, but meeting tools are designed to be used for exactly that: running online meetings.
Free meeting tools, such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, GoToMeetings and Skype, can all be used to run video meetings of small groups of colleagues and even company-wide meetings. However, as they are free, they will not have all the premium features of the paid versions, so this is something to keep in mind when choosing one.
Some of the primary use cases for online meeting tools include:
If you’re still asking yourself this question, then you’re not alone. Knowing exactly what platform is best for you and you business needs isn’t easy, which is why we always recommend asking yourself the following questions when deciding between a webinar and a meeting tool:
If you can answer these questions, then you’ll be able to determine whether you require a webinar platform or a meeting tool. For example, if you’re looking to run a quick 15-minute daily catch-up with your small team of 8 people, then you would opt for a meeting tool, whereas if you’re looking to boost lead generation and generate revenue for your medium-size business, then you would choose a webinar platform. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you’re looking to get out of your platform.
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