Live or Automated Webinars: Which One Should You Use and When?

If you’re trying to grow your business with webinars, you’ve probably asked yourself this question:

“Should I run my webinars live or automated?”

The truth is, it’s not about which one is better. It’s about when to use each one.

I’ve done both. And in this post, I’m going to break down exactly how to start with live webinars, hit a 10%+ conversion rate, and then scale using automation with a method I call The Webinar Sprint Method.

Let’s dive in.

Here’s Why You Start with Live Webinars

If you’re new to webinars, running them live is the best way to refine your offer, connect with your audience, and actually make sales.

  1. Real-Time Engagement and Q&A

You can interact with your audience as it happens, answer questions, overcome objections, and make people feel seen and heard. And when people feel connected, they’re way more likely to buy.

  1. Instant Feedback = Faster Optimization

Live webinars give you real-time insight into what works and what doesn’t. Where are people dropping off? What confused them? What questions keep popping up? Each session is a chance to refine your stories, hooks, and pitch.

  1. Higher Urgency and Focus

Live creates FOMO. People show up with more intention. That higher energy = higher conversions.

But live webinars also come with a catch…

They take time. You have to show up live every time.

And yes, there’s always a chance your kid throws ketchup at your face in the middle of your pitch. Ask me how I know 😅!!!

When to Move to Automated Webinars

Once your live webinar is consistently converting, around 10% of attendees into buyers, it’s time to automate.

Here’s what automation gives you:

  1. Scale 24/7

Automated webinars let people join from any time zone, any time of day. Your content keeps selling, even when you are busy doing other things.

  1. Consistency and Control

Live webinars can be unpredictable. With automation, you record your best version once, and it runs perfectly every single time.

  1. Leads on Autopilot

You can take a day off. Go to the beach. And still hear that ding that says, “You just made a sale.”

Automation helps you buy back your time, without sacrificing results.

The Webinar Sprint Method Offers You the Best of Both Worlds

So what’s the best strategy?

I recommend this simple three-step process:

Step 1: Sprint with Live

Run 5 to 10 live webinars. Use them to sharpen your message, tweak your offer, and get your conversion rate up to 10% or more.

Step 2: Automate the Best Version

Take your best live session, polish it, and record it. Set it to run on-demand or at scheduled times, and let it scale.

Step 3: Go Hybrid (Optional Bonus)

Want the energy of live + the ease of automation? Pre-record the main presentation, but show up live for the Q&A. That’s hybrid, and it gives you the best of both worlds.

So… What’s Your Webinar Style?

Are you running webinars live right now? Thinking of trying automation for the first time?

Drop a comment, I read every single one.

And if you want help creating a high-converting webinar, whether live, automated, or hybrid, I’ve put together a free checklist for you. 

Download the high-converting webinar checklist

If this was helpful, head over to my YouTube channel, hit subscribe, and turn on notifications. I’ve got more real, practical tips coming your way to help you grow your business using webinars.

Watch the full video here:

Hi, I’m Casey Zeman – obsessed with webinars and helping creators grow through video and live content. From actor to entrepreneur, I found my calling in building tools that connect you with your audience.

Explore Topics