In a previous hub, I talked about the uniqueness and appeal of a webinar, also known as a webcast or online web conferencing. In the few months since I've been using them in my own business, I have seen a significant increase in interest and sales of my information products. I really attribute this to the distinctive features of a webinar. Let me explain.

Surveys show that the more of your senses you engage the better you'll retain the information being presented.  This truth is probably the greatest selling point of the webinar.  Your clients hear you talking, they see you and your presentation or product on the screen, and they use their hands to operate their computers or write down what you're saying.  This kind of interaction becomes a total involvement of the senses.  It's like an online show and tell!

Webinars are amazingly interactive. In fact, when I run a webinar, I open a question and answer box. The people listening can type in their questions as they're watching, and I can answer right away or at the end of the webinar. This kind of interaction is limited if not impossible in other types of medium like a teleseminar, video, or conference call.

With a teleseminar, you are at the mercy of every barking dog, ringing telephone, or yelling spouse. Seriously. One time when I was running a teleseminar, a man wasn't listening when I mentioned I was going to un-mute everybody and open the floor for questions. Sadly, we all sat there and listened while he yelled at his wife. He had no idea we could hear him. But with a webinar, you retain control over the interactions. You decide whose questions are answered and when.

I live in the States, but I often have clients join my webinars from places like the UK, Australia, or Africa. They prefer the webinar medium because they can listen over the internet free of charge. The underlying bonus is that they are free to spend their money on my products and not their phone bill.

At the end of a webinar, you can conduct exit polls. From these, you get an immediate feel for who is interested in your products. You can also get referrals, and you can even gather up instant testimonials from the people who buy your products.

Also, at the end of a webinar, you can direct your listeners to your website or blog. The beauty is that they're already on the internet and, therefore, more likely to stay seated and read than get up and leave. They can then place an order directly through your site.

There's no doubt in my mind that the features of a webinar make it the next best step for any entrepreneur hoping to grow his or her business. And no matter the type of business you run, a webinar can boost your exposure and your bottom line.