Simulated vs. Automated Webinars: A Definitive Guide

Simulated? Let’s just call it what it is: fake. Lies are bad marketing, even if it takes a while to catch up to you. This is especially true for small businesses whose brand growth depends on trust. That’s not to say recorded webinars are inherently bad or dishonest—understanding simulated vs. automated webinars can make a big difference. 

There’s a way to use them honestly and effectively. A recorded webinar can be fantastic for lead generation and sales. It just depends on how and why you record it and what you do with it afterward.

Recorded webinars come in a few different types:

• Live Webinar Replays
• Automated Webinars
• Hybrid Webinars
• Simulated Live Webinars

Let’s take a closer look at each.

What Are the Types of Recorded Webinars?

As we mentioned above, let’s get a detailed look at the types of recorded webinars. Besides, we’ll also make an automated vs. simulated webinar comparison to get a better idea of them.

Live Webinar Replays

Say you deliver a live webinar—a real-time presentation to an online audience. You teach them something and maybe showcase a product or service. Then, you offer a “Call to Action,” the next step to move attendees down your sales funnel.

So far, so good.

Now, let’s say you record that live webinar. You make the recording available to people who signed up but didn’t attend or attendees who want to watch again. Cool.

Maybe you even tell new contacts about a great live webinar you did, and make the recording available as a content offer. The key is that everyone watching your replay knows it’s a recording.

Replays and recordings are an excellent way to repurpose live webinars and get more out of them. You’re not fibbing about what they are. You’re simply letting people enjoy a rerun. They get some value, and you get some leads.

Everyone wins.

Automated Webinars

Alternatively, you shoot your whole presentation without an audience. Then, you put it online for people to watch. It’s not live, but it still includes valuable content and a way for the audience to learn more (or buy). That’s automation!

…and there’s nothing wrong with it.

As long as you’re up-front about the fact that you recorded in advance, no harm, no foul. Since time zones and schedules aren’t an issue, it’s a great way to expand your reach.

The sales conversions for automated webinars aren’t as great as the live kind. However, automated webinars are still powerful marketing assets. That’s true whether you create scheduled automated webinars that broadcast at certain times or offer a “Watch Now” option.

For example, you can use automated webinars to generate signups for live webinars. The automation is a great soft intro to your brand, with no sales offer. Instead, your call to action is simply to register for the next live event.

From there, you can haul in the sales by connecting live in real-time. Hello, revenue!

Hybrid Webinars

Some platforms offer hybrid webinars. 

That’s where you take a recorded presentation and play it for a live audience. You’re on the webinar with your attendees off-camera. You’re still chatting, answering questions, and making offers. It’s not quite as cool for the audience, but it’s easier for you.

In other words, you get (most of) the intimacy of live webinars, and (some of) the convenience of automation. Not too shabby.

Simulated Webinars

Then, there are “simulated live” webinars. You create a presentation designed to look like it’s live, or you repackage a previous live webinar. But unlike with a replay, you register people who think it’s live. They think so because you told them so. Or you let them assume it.

You hope the audience buys it, along with whatever else you’re selling. Some platforms even offer “simulated” chat to make the whole charade more convincing.

Here’s where I get a little emotional.

I’m no one’s judge, but does anyone want to start their relationship with customers on a lie? There are platforms now whose USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is basically “We’ll deceive your audience for you.” Call me old-fashioned, but that’s bad business.

Whether you’re running WebinarNinja webinars or Zoom webinars, honesty should always be the foundation of your strategy.

Every lie has a clock attached to it. You can fool people early on, but not forever. Once that clock runs out, you will have permanently ruined the relationship. For anyone thinking long-term, it’s a terrible strategy.

Simulated vs. Automated Webinars: Key Differences

Here’s a table outlining the key differences between simulated and automated webinars:

Why (and How) We Use Automated Webinars

For value to the audience and conversions for you, nothing beats a live webinar. They’re the best way to create a real relationship with an audience. They build the living heck out of that sales-driving trust. In a word, live webinars are irreplaceable.

Of course, you can’t be online all the time. 

As I already discussed, there’s nothing wrong with extending your reach by automating. You can market your webinars 24/7 with automation. You just have to be okay with sacrificing a little of that intimacy and accepting a lower conversion rate. 

That’s ok! Automation is just closer to the top of the funnel. 

Automation is best for getting more people interested. Live webinars are best for getting people more interested. You’ll convert a certain percentage of attendees to your automated webinar. The rest will need a little more love. But if it weren’t for automation, you might never have had their attention in the first place!

How Simulation Can Backfire

A hammer is great at hammering because it’s not a screwdriver. 

Screwdrivers are fine and precise. Hammers offer blunt force. Now, can you get a screw into wood with a hammer? Sure. It fails to take advantage of the fact that screwdrivers exist, won’t be as secure, and may split or weaken the wood.

But you can do it. The question is: should you? Using live webinars for mass lead generation is like using a screwdriver to bang in nails. It’s possible, but you’re gonna wear yourself out. Using fake live webinars is like using a hammer to install screws. You can do it, but the foundation you build will be unstable. 

So here’s my advice: While your competitors are manipulating people that’ll find out eventually, don’t. Be the one who makes the sale and builds long-term loyalty. Later, your customers will spread the word about your brand. And the victims of your competitors’ scam will be telling their own story. 

You might get some short-term benefits if you present recorded content as live. But real success for entrepreneurs is a long game. Your audience’s trust is the single most valuable asset you have.

It’s also the hardest asset to build.

So, if you’re looking to get more out of your webinars, it’s simple. Automate, don’t simulate. You’ll be glad you did. 

Simulated vs. Automated Webinars: Your Pick?

When comparing automated vs. simulated webinars, you must consider your audience’s preferences and engagement needs. 

Simulated webinars allow a more interactive, real-time feel, ideal for live engagement, while automated webinars offer convenience and scalability, allowing you to reach more attendees easily.

With a robust platform like WebinarNinja, you can effortlessly create both types, thanks to features that support interaction, automation, and customization. Whether you’re looking for flexibility or engagement, it can help you deliver effective webinars tailored to your unique goals and audience.