Google Hangouts – The Best Free Webinar Tool Out There!
Google is known for coming up with new programs and then getting rid of them if they don’t work out. Anyone remember Google Wave, Google Buzz and now Google Reader? Even though many have predicted a very similar fate for Google , an addition to this may just save the day. Google Hangouts is Google’s latest addition, and one that truly has lots of usefulness. (Especially for marketers!)
Google Hangouts – So what is it exactly?
The short version is that Google Hangouts are a fantastic way to connect with others via a live video chat, one that can be recorded and utilized in various platforms and in many ways. Joined at the hip to your Google account, a hangout is extremely easy to launch, and has a goldmine of appealing features for marketers. You can host a hangout with up to ten other people, and many others can view live at your YouTube channel, Google page, or a web page. Google records the entire affair, and delivers a YouTube URL to you after you’re done, that you can then easy use in your marketing in a number of ways.
How to make use of Google Hangouts in your marketing
There are oodles of ways to integrate Google Hangouts into your marketing. Here are 10 ways people are using successfully.
- Webinars – A free replacement for expensive webinar systems such as GoToWebinar.
- Conferences – Easy to setup teleconferencing makes a Hangout a no-brainer for sharing a conference experience.
- Meetings – Hold meetings for clients, customer, prospect or affiliates on an informal, yet immediate platform.
- Product Launches – A creative way to create positive buzz on launch day. (Or before!)
- Interviews – Interviewing people made easy with Hangouts! Recorded, and transcribed.
- Product Demos – Show off your products or services in a Hangout.
- Virtual Press Conference – Share newsworthy items via Hangouts.
- Live Streaming Events – Want your own weekly live TV show? Many marketers now use Google Hangouts for precisely this purpose.
- Q & A with Customers – Engage with your customers live and answer their questions and concerns.
- Podcast from your Hangout – Making a Podcast to share through iTunes is another way to share your content.
Google Hangouts is a fantastic new tool to include in your marketing mix. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with your audience in a meaningful way.