Now that you are convinced why a virtual summit is a great idea for your business, here is a rundown of the tools you will need. Running a virtual summit doesn’t need to be expensive, but keep in mind the outcome will be equal to what you put into it. You don’t need to buy a professional several-thousand-dollar video and microphone set-up, but you don’t want to buy a $20 one either. Let’s meet somewhere in the middle and here’s a few of our favorites:
#1 Webcam
Unlike podcasts, a virtual summit requires a webcam. High quality helps to engage and keep your viewers interested. While most laptops, desktops and phones do have a webcam built in, they are usually not the best quality. Some smart phones do have a great camera, but lack in microphone quality. Besides, it’s much easier to manage broadcasting when you have a set-up at your computer station. Trying to do it all mobile proves to be a challenge.
You do not want to purchase a webcam that is less than 1080P since most services like YouTube often compress your videos. You can combat this by starting out by recording at higher quality.
The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 is a great middle-of-the-road USB option! It has a 73% 5-star rating on Amazon with a substantial amount of written customer reviews, which make this camera a very promising one. It offers widescreen video calling, automatic low-light correction, and works on all computers.
#2 Microphone
Webcams almost always come with a built-in microphone, but again the quality will never be as good than if you invest in a separate USB microphone. A microphone is just as important as your video; what good is a virtual summit if nobody can understand a word you are saying? You do not need to dive into professional recording equipment for this. Just look for a microphone that is recommended for podcasts and gaming with noise cancellation.
The CAD GXL2400 US Microphone is a great option that won’t break the bank. It promises to produce studio-quality output and a shock mount that will allow for it to sit at a comfortable height at your desk. It has 4/5-star review with great customer reviews and the best part is it’s only $30!
#3 Video Recording Software
You need software that allows you to see, hear and interview your guest speakers. You have two ways you can approach a virtual seminar:
If you want to do live broadcasting, I recommend using YouTube.
If you want to record the interview so you can broadcast at a later time, we highly recommend Zoom. It’s a web-based webinar program that’s free for up to 2 attendees.
#4 Video Editing Software
It doesn’t matter what video editing software you use. It is up to you to use whatever tool you feel most comfortable working in. There are complex video editing software costs hundreds of dollars, but there are many free options as well. If you have a Mac computer your computer already comes with iMovie which is simple and easy to edit your videos. Another great option is Camtasia where you can create a screencast, add callouts, and more. You can even edit your videos inside of YouTube for free!
#5 Video Host
YouTube is the largest video hosting platform out there. It’s great if you want to broadcast live or later date. Vimeo is another good choice. Both work great and both can embed the video on your own website or create an easily shareable link.
#6 eCommerce & Membership Site
Shopify is hands-down the best ecommerce plugin for your website. Eventbrite is another option to sell tickets for your event if you don’t sell or plan to sell products from your website. Both are secure and easy to use.
You might have to get creative in how you sell your all-access pass because your customers will need a way to log-in to the membership site. An example could include adding these customers to a separate mailing list and giving them a log-in and password to the membership site. This same mailing list could be used to market a new product/service as mentioned in the last article.
Shopify is good if you want to do implement order add-ons or physical products supporting your virtual summit and brand like t-shirts, hats, pens, etc.
However, Eventbrite is free and extremely user friendly. You can link it to social media and has several different customization options such as making it a public or private, set a limited quantity of tickets available, reserved seating, free/paid/donation ticket, and more!
#7 Backdrop
This is optional, but you want to consider a backdrop for your recording area so you look professional. This could be something as simple as a plain sheet or blanket pinned up on your wall. If you opt-out of a backdrop be aware of potential distractions or items in the background of your video.
There you have it…all the basics without breaking the bank. If you need more help in setting all this up or tips from our pro, contact us at Alpine Small Business Solutions today!