EverWebinar Review
EverWebinar is a cloud-based platform designed for hosting automated, evergreen webinars. Launched in 2015 by Genesis Digital, the creators of WebinarJam, EverWebinar specializes in taking pre-recorded webinars and presenting them as live events. This automation allows businesses to engage audiences across time zones without requiring a host to be present for every session. Whether you’re a marketer, coach, e-learning provider, or small business owner, EverWebinar aims to streamline your webinar strategy by offering tools like live chat simulation, dynamic attendance, and integrations with marketing platforms.
Unlike its sister product, WebinarJam, which focuses on live webinars, EverWebinar is built for scalability and efficiency. It’s particularly suited for businesses looking to repurpose high-performing webinars into evergreen funnels that run 24/7. With features like just-in-time webinars and A/B split testing, EverWebinar caters to users who want to optimize conversions while minimizing manual effort.
Key Features of EverWebinar
EverWebinar boasts a wide array of features designed to enhance user experience and drive results. Below, we’ll dive into the platform’s standout capabilities.
1. Automated and Evergreen Webinars
EverWebinar’s core strength lies in its ability to automate webinars. Users can upload a pre-recorded video—whether from WebinarJam, YouTube, Vimeo, or another file-hosting service—and configure it to run on a recurring schedule. The platform simulates a live experience by incorporating elements like live chat, polls, and dynamic attendee counts. This makes it ideal for businesses that want to scale their reach without hosting live sessions repeatedly.
2. Live Chat Simulator
One of EverWebinar’s most innovative features is its live chat simulator. This tool allows users to pre-configure chat messages that appear during the webinar, mimicking real-time interaction. Attendees can also ask questions, which are sent to the host via email, creating the illusion of a live Q&A session. While this feature boosts engagement, some users note that it can feel artificial if not executed carefully.
3. Just-in-Time Webinars
EverWebinar’s just-in-time webinar feature ensures that a session is always about to start, typically within 15–30 minutes of a user registering. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging higher attendance rates. Users can customize schedules to block out holidays or specific times, ensuring flexibility.
4. Dynamic Attendance
To enhance social proof, EverWebinar allows users to display a fluctuating attendee count during webinars. This feature mimics the ebb and flow of a live event, making viewers feel like they’re part of a larger audience. Hosts can choose to show or hide this count, depending on their strategy.
5. Landing Page Templates and A/B Split Testing
EverWebinar offers a variety of pre-designed landing page templates optimized for conversions. These templates include countdown timers and other CRO (conversion rate optimization) tactics. Additionally, the platform supports A/B split testing, allowing users to test different landing pages or webinar content to identify what drives the most conversions. However, some users have criticized the visual design of these templates as outdated.
6. Advanced Analytics
EverWebinar provides detailed analytics to track webinar performance. Metrics include peak attendance, attendee duration, click-through rates, and financial performance (e.g., dollar-per-signup ratios). While these insights are valuable, some users have reported that the analytics lack depth, particularly for tracking specific drop-off points in the webinar.
7. Integrations
EverWebinar integrates seamlessly with popular marketing tools like MailChimp, AWeber, Keap, and Infusionsoft. It also supports Zapier, enabling connections with thousands of third-party apps. For advanced users, deep integrations allow tagging based on attendee behavior, such as whether they watched the entire webinar or clicked a CTA.
8. Clickable Offers and CTAs
During webinars, hosts can display clickable call-to-action (CTA) buttons at strategic moments. These offers link directly to product pages, reducing friction in the purchase process. This feature is particularly useful for e-commerce businesses or course creators looking to drive sales.
9. Hybrid Webinars
EverWebinar supports hybrid webinars, blending pre-recorded content with live elements like Q&A sessions. This allows hosts to maintain automation while adding a personal touch when needed.
10. High-Quality Streaming
Webinars are streamed in HD (up to 720p) at 30 FPS, ensuring a professional viewing experience across devices. EverWebinar’s browser-based platform eliminates the need for downloads or plugins, making it accessible for attendees.
Pricing and Plans
EverWebinar offers two subscription plans, both billed periodically:
- Annual Plan: $499 per year (approximately $41.58/month).
- Biennial Plan: $874 for two years (approximately $36.41/month), which includes three months free, offering over 60% savings compared to monthly billing.
There’s no free trial, but EverWebinar provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, some sources mention a 14-day or 30-day trial for $1, though availability may vary.
While the pricing is competitive for an automated webinar platform, some users find it expensive, especially for beginners or small businesses with limited budgets. The lack of a monthly billing option may also deter users who prefer flexibility.
Pros of EverWebinar
EverWebinar has earned praise for its robust feature set and ease of use. Here are the key advantages:
- Time-Saving Automation: Automating webinars eliminates the need for live hosting, making it ideal for businesses with global audiences or limited schedules.
- Seamless Integrations: Native integrations with marketing tools and Zapier support streamline workflows.
- Live-Like Experience: Features like the live chat simulator and dynamic attendance create an engaging, authentic experience for viewers.
- Flexible Scheduling: Just-in-time webinars and customizable schedules boost attendance and conversions.
- Scalability: Unlimited attendees and the ability to repurpose content make EverWebinar suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Reliable Support: 24/7 email and live chat support, along with a shared help portal with WebinarJam, ensure users get assistance when needed.
Cons of EverWebinar
Despite its strengths, EverWebinar has some drawbacks that may impact its suitability for certain users:
- No Live Webinar Hosting: EverWebinar is exclusively for automated webinars. Users needing live webinars must purchase WebinarJam separately or opt for a competitor like Zoom or Demio.
- Outdated Design: Some users find the landing page and registration templates visually unappealing or lacking customization options.
- Learning Curve: Setting up automated campaigns can be time-consuming and complex for beginners.
- Limited Analytics: The analytics suite, while useful, lacks granular insights, such as specific drop-off points or robust split-testing capabilities.
- Pricing Concerns: The upfront cost and lack of a free trial may deter small businesses or those testing the platform.
- Email Deliverability Issues: Some users report low deliverability rates for built-in email notifications, requiring third-party SMTP setups.
- No YouTube or Facebook Live Integration: Unlike WebinarJam, EverWebinar doesn’t support live streaming to social platforms, limiting its versatility.
Who Should Use EverWebinar?
EverWebinar is best suited for:
- Online Businesses: Companies selling products or services can use webinars to showcase offerings and drive sales.
- Freelancers and Coaches: Professionals can automate service promotions, saving time while reaching clients.
- eLearning Providers: Course creators can host evergreen training sessions and charge for access.
- Marketers with Proven Content: Businesses with high-converting webinars can maximize ROI by automating them.
- SaaS and E-commerce Companies: These businesses can leverage webinars to educate and convert leads.
However, EverWebinar may not be ideal for users who prioritize live interaction, need advanced analytics, or have limited budgets.
EverWebinar vs. Alternatives
To determine if EverWebinar is the best choice, let’s compare it to popular alternatives:
1. WebinarJam
- Best For: Live webinars.
- Key Differences: WebinarJam, EverWebinar’s sister platform, focuses on live events with features like polls, whiteboards, and YouTube Live integration. It’s ideal for real-time engagement but lacks automation. Many users combine both for a comprehensive webinar strategy.
- Pricing: Starts at $479/year.
2. Demio
- Best For: Marketers seeking a modern, user-friendly platform.
- Key Differences: Demio supports both live and automated webinars, offering a sleeker interface and better reporting than EverWebinar. However, it lacks some of EverWebinar’s advanced automation features, like just-in-time webinars.
- Pricing: Starts at $34/month (billed annually).
3. Zoom Webinars
- Best For: Live, large-scale webinars.
- Key Differences: Zoom excels in live video conferencing but lacks robust automation. It’s better for real-time interaction but less suited for evergreen funnels.
- Pricing: Starts at $690/year for webinars.
4. Livestorm
- Best For: Versatile webinar and video conferencing needs.
- Key Differences: Livestorm supports live, on-demand, and automated webinars with a modern interface. It’s more customizable than EverWebinar but may not match its automation depth.
- Pricing: Starts at $99/month.
5. EasyWebinar
- Best For: Hybrid live and automated webinars.
- Key Differences: EasyWebinar combines live and automated capabilities, making it a direct competitor. It offers similar features but may have a steeper learning curve.
- Pricing: Starts at $78/month.
User Feedback and Ratings
EverWebinar receives mixed reviews across platforms, with ratings ranging from 3.2 to 4.0 out of 5. Users praise its automation, ease of use, and integration capabilities but criticize its pricing, outdated templates, and limited analytics. On TrustRadius, it’s lauded for reliability but faulted for lagging behind competitors in innovation. G2 reviews highlight its time-saving features but note pricing transparency issues.
Getting Started with EverWebinar
Setting up an EverWebinar campaign involves a few key steps:
- Create or Upload a Webinar: Record a webinar using WebinarJam or upload a pre-recorded video from YouTube, Vimeo, or a file-hosting service.
- Configure Settings: Choose a schedule (e.g., daily, weekly, or just-in-time), enable live chat, and add CTAs or polls.
- Design Landing Pages: Select a template or customize your registration page with branding.
- Integrate Tools: Connect EverWebinar to your CRM, email marketing platform, or analytics tools.
- Test and Launch: Use A/B split testing to optimize performance, then launch your campaign.
- Monitor Analytics: Track attendance, engagement, and conversions to refine your strategy.
EverWebinar’s step-by-step guides and Jam Academy training portal help beginners navigate the setup process.
Is EverWebinar Worth It?
EverWebinar is a powerful tool for businesses looking to automate their webinar strategy. Its ability to simulate live webinars, coupled with features like just-in-time scheduling and clickable CTAs, makes it a strong choice for lead generation and sales. The platform’s integrations and analytics further enhance its value for marketers with established funnels.
However, EverWebinar isn’t perfect. Its pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses, and the lack of live webinar hosting limits its versatility. Users seeking advanced analytics or modern design templates may find competitors like Demio or Livestorm more appealing. Additionally, the platform’s reliance on pre-recorded content means it may not suit those who prioritize real-time engagement.
For businesses with proven webinar content and a focus on automation, EverWebinar is a worthwhile investment. Its 30-day money-back guarantee and $1 trial (where available) provide a low-risk way to test the platform. If you’re new to webinars or need live capabilities, consider pairing EverWebinar with WebinarJam or exploring alternatives.
Conclusion
EverWebinar remains a leader in automated webinar software, offering a robust suite of tools to help businesses scale their marketing efforts. Its strengths in automation, integrations, and engagement features make it a go-to choice for online businesses, coaches, and e-learning providers. While it has limitations—such as pricing, design, and analytics—it delivers significant value for those who prioritize evergreen webinars.
Before committing, weigh your needs against EverWebinar’s capabilities and consider testing it alongside competitors. With the right strategy, EverWebinar can transform your webinars into a 24/7 revenue-generating machine, freeing up time to focus on growing your business.