Live v Automated Webinars - What Is Best?
Pro's, Cons's & Summary
I've been getting a lot of questions about live versus automated webinars lately.
"Isn't an automated webinar just as good but with less work?"
"Why go through the hassle of doing it live every time?"
Fair questions. And honestly, I get the appeal of automated webinars.
But after running dozens of campaigns for our clients, the data is crystal clear:
Live webinars outperform automated ones in almost every meaningful metric.
Why Live Webinars Win
#1: People Can Smell Authenticity
Despite what some "experts" claim, audiences can tell when something is pre-recorded. The energy is different. The engagement is different. Any smart or sophisticated buyer will be able to notice immediately.
Nobody wants to feel like they're watching a recording that's pretending to be live. They now know they have the option to simply leave and that they will probably be able to sign up for the next one.
#2: Real-Time Engagement Changes Everything
When someone asks a question in the chat and you answer it directly - the entire audience feels seen and heard.
That single moment creates more trust than 10 minutes of your best pre-recorded content ever could.
#3: The "Can't Miss It" Factor
With automated webinars, there's always another one tomorrow. With live events, there's a genuine reason for someone to be there right there and then.
When people know they might miss something that won't be repeated, they show up with intent and focus.
But What About Automation's Benefits?
I'm not completely against automated webinars. They have their place:
They're great for initial lead generation and education
They can work for lower-ticket offers (under £500)
They're useful for time zones you can't reasonably serve live
But for the core of your high-ticket sales process? Live is almost always superior.
The Hybrid Approach That's Working Now
The strategy that's working best for our clients is a hybrid model:
Live flagship webinars every 30-45 days for your primary audience
Recordings of those live sessions sent to those who didn't attend.
Appointment settings + email follow up for those who watch the reply but don't book.
This combines the best of both worlds - the leverage of recorded content with the conversion power of live interaction.
The Bottom Line
If your primary goal is lead generation and brand building, automated webinars can work.
But if your goal is maximum revenue and conversion rate? Nothing beats a well-executed live webinar.
I know it's more work. I know it's more pressure. I know it means showing up consistently.
But that's exactly why it works.
To your success,
Charlie McCormack