Learn about different webinar services

There are many different webinar providers, and each one offers their own, unique services. Some offer audio and video conferencing; some allow you to host webinars directly through their web site, for a fee; and some provide you with software you'll have to set up and use. Before you can decide what provider to use, you'll want to compare different webinar services and determine which one will meet your needs.

I recommend: Phone and Web Conferencing Resource matches you to as many as five different web conference providers you can compare. BuyerZone provides a questionnaire that allows you to compare services and prices of different companies that provide webinars, webcast and web conference services.

Find a webinar provider

Once you determine what type of webinar service you'll need, you're ready to find a provider. There are many different providers, but choosing one that can offer you different services may be your best bet. These providers will grow with your business, allowing you to host smaller webinars now, but providing the services you'll need to host larger seminars in the future.

I recommend: Cisco Webex provides video conferencing, web conferencing and online meetings. MegaMeeting.com provides affordable, easy-to-use video and web conferencing software.

Set up a webinar

After you have selected your webinar provider, you'll want to know everything you can do with it to get your money's worth. One way of doing this is by sharing experiences of using webinars with other users, and by finding information to help you use your webinar service to its full potential.

I recommend: Webinar Wire is a blog site that allows webinar users to post messages about producing, promoting and powering webinars and web conferences. Webinar Success offers information on hosting webinars, making them more effective and learning the basics.