Marketo Interactive Webinars - A Three Part Series - Part Two

GaryV

Part 2: Running Your Interactive Webinar

Introduction

Welcome back! In the first part of this series, we covered the setup of your interactive webinar using Marketo and Adobe Connect. Now, let's focus on running the webinar and making the most of Adobe Connect's features to engage your audience.

Preparing for the Webinar

Preparation is key to a successful webinar. Start with a pre-webinar checklist. Ensure all content is uploaded and ready in the Share Pod. Test your audio and video settings to avoid any technical glitches. Brief your co-hosts and presenters on their roles to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Using the Broadcast Control feature in Adobe Connect can create a virtual green room. This allows you to start the broadcast when you're ready and start recording the session for on-demand viewing. It's a great way to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience is crucial. Use the Poll Pod to ask questions and gather feedback. This not only keeps your audience engaged but also provides valuable insights. Encourage participants to ask questions and manage them through the Q&A Pod. The Chat Pod is another great tool for fostering interaction and networking among participants.

Managing layouts is another important aspect. Switch between different layouts to keep the webinar dynamic. Use the Prepare Mode to make ad hoc or unplanned changes without disrupting the live session. This ensures a seamless experience for your audience.

Post-Webinar Actions

Once the webinar is over, it's time to wrap things up. End the broadcast and thank your participants. Use the End Session for All option to close the webinar for everyone. This ensures that no one is left hanging, and stops the recording.

Reviewing engagement metrics is crucial for understanding how your webinar performed. Access the Engagement Dashboard in Marketo to review participant interactions. Download reports on poll responses, Q&A, and other interactions. This data is invaluable for improving future webinars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about running webinars:

Can I reuse Adobe Connect rooms for multiple webinars?

Yes, you can reuse rooms by clearing the content from pods between sessions.

How do I handle audio/video issues during the webinar?

Adobe Connect uses WebRTC for audio/video/screen-sharing. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and avoid using VPNs during the webinar.

What should I do if I need more capacity for my webinars?

Contact your Adobe Account Team to discuss options for increasing your webinar capacity.

Conclusion

Running an interactive webinar involves more than just presenting content. By leveraging Adobe Connect's interactive features and managing the flow of the webinar effectively, you can create a more engaging and impactful experience for your audience. In the final part of this series, we will explore how to manage event registration and communications through Marketo.

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