BigMarker versus Hopin:
Which Is Best for B2B Marketers?
Choosing the Right Digital Event Platform
Selecting the right digital event platform can make or break your pipeline and revenue goals for the year.
There is a lot at stake—from branding your events to engaging your audience to showcasing event ROI. The platform you use must also integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack.
To put it lightly: Finding the right tool is no easy task!
It's likely that at this point, you've narrowed down your search and need assistance choosing between Hopin and BigMarker.
To help, we've put together a comparison of both platforms so you can decide which webinar software works best for you. Let’s get to it!
BigMarker versus Hopin
Here’s a quick, high-level breakdown of the features and functionality offered by each SaaS platform and how they compare.
BigMarker
BigMarker is a browser-based virtual event platform. The company was one of the first entrants into the webinar space. Customers use BigMarker for all types of events, including hybrid, webinars, online events, and virtual summits.
Many people tout BigMarker's reliability and stability. Basically, you can count on them to help you put on an event with few issues. However, the platform lacks the functionality that today's B2B marketer is looking for, like attractive branding and robust engagement options. If you're looking to bolster revenue and pipeline goals, you might also be frustrated with BigMarker's lack of MarTech integrations.
Finally, while BigMarker does have in-person features, they aren't on par with industry leaders like Cvent.
Let's explore more about BigMarker.
Live webinars and pre-recorded webinars
With BigMarker, event organizers have the flexibility to host both real-time and pre-recorded webinars.
Ability to host multiple downloadable resources
Would you like to host additional resources during your event? With BigMarker, you can upload and share documents, links, handouts, and more.
Polls, Q&A, and Chat
While they’re not considered best-in-class, BigMarker does support table-stakes engagement features like the ability to launch polls, live chat, screen sharing, and Q&A during your events. These are essential to amp up audience energy and interaction during online events.
Built-in feedback surveys
Looking to get a pulse on event attendees? BigMarker offers built-in surveys, making it easy to solicit feedback on the fly.
Very few native integrations
As a marketer, you'll want native integrations so that you can easily transfer data across your most-used tools. Most of BigMarker's integrations are only available through Zapier, which restricts the amount of sharing you'll be able to do.
Steep learning curve
Many customers felt that BigMarker was quite difficult to learn and confusing to manage. This can make onboarding new users and speakers a hassle and limit scaling events across different teams.
Limited customization
One of BigMarker’s biggest downfalls is its customization—or lack thereof. Many users note that event branding—from event registration landing pages and emails to the overall look and feel of events—is limited compared to other platforms.
Complex on-demand process
The ability to host on-demand webinars is an essential part of the overall virtual event experience. Unfortunately, this process is far from seamless with BigMarker. Customers say the platform makes it difficult to launch and scale evergreen webinar content.
The Details: BigMarker Pros & Cons
To summarize, here’s a simplified chart that outlines the top pros and cons of BigMarker.
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Hopin
Now we'll take a look at Hopin, another well-known event software provider.
Hopin is especially suited for large events—think more than 10,000 attendees. It was created to bring the magic of in-person events to the virtual sphere. Marketers host public and private events of all sizes on the platform, including webinars, virtual conferences, trade shows, workshops, and more.
Flexible and scalable
As we mentioned before, Hopin is a great platform for organizers hosting large events with more than 10,000 attendees, and it can be used for a variety of events.
Virtual lobby and stage
Before an event begins, you have access to a virtual lobby. Then, through the Hopin stage, you can host live and pre-recorded sessions with native engagement features such as chat, Q&A, and polls.
High-end production with StreamYard for professional live streaming
Many creators use StreamYard to create professional live streaming content that can be shared through social media platforms, including Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook.
1:1 networking for event attendee matchmaking
The Networking feature on Hopin is the place for automated 1:1 meetings and is Hopin’s way of facilitating connection discovery at an event. Essentially, Hopin pairs two people over a direct video call, similar to FaceTime or Zoom.
In-person check-in and badging solution
Hopin acquired Boomset, which provides check-in and badging solutions for in-person events.
Too many bells and whistles—especially for simple events like webinars
Hopin can be overwhelming to use if you’re creating a simple webinar or a smaller event. This makes sense, as it was originally created for large-scale conferences. There's also no easy way to duplicate events for future use.
Attendees have to download an app for mobile
With Hopin, there’s no responsive website or mobile-friendly web option for attendees. Instead, people have to download a separate mobile app if they want to attend an event via their phone.
Video streaming lag for attendees
Many users report that there is a lag when it comes to video streaming, with the event audio and video not in sync for attendees.
Registration-based pricing
Pricing for the platform is based on the registrants that come to the event, which makes it hard to forecast the actual price you’d pay. Compare this to platforms like Goldcast (more on this soon!), which allows for unlimited usage.
Complex backstage area for speakers while using StreamYard
Hopin uses StreamYard (a product they acquired) as the interface for speakers. As of right now, StreamYard is not completely integrated with the Hopin backend, and the experience is often clunky for speakers who are new to the platform. Simply put, the ease of use is less than ideal.
Basic integrations with CRM and marketing automation tools
Hopin was not built for B2B companies. The integrations they do offer with MarTech tools are very basic, which makes it a less-than-ideal fit for events that involve driving MQLs and creating pipeline.
The Details: Hopin Pros & Cons
To summarize, here’s a simplified chart that outlines the top pros and cons of Hopin.
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Goldcast: The Revenue-Driven Event Marketing Platform
While BigMarker and Hopin clearly have their sets of individual strengths, there is another option we'd like to share with you: Goldcast.
Goldcast was designed with B2B marketers in mind. Our entire platform was created to help you run digital events and experiences that dazzle and engage your audience. We've worked with top B2B brands like Salesloft, Lattice, Mailchimp, and more.
With Goldcast, B2B marketers can easily set up and run jaw-dropping digital events and provide sales with the right post-event insights to drive demand and pipeline. We’re truly an all-in-one digital event solution.
Proven results
Rate
every month
That was the best part—we made the decision to pivot on a Friday, and I didn’t have to work or stress over it on the weekend. I knew that I’d be able to move the whole event into Goldcast on Monday. It wasn’t even a concern.
Goldcast was super easy to use compared to other platforms for both our employees as well as our guest speakers
Our MQL goals saw an increase of 20% through Goldcast’s video production capabilities. The experience was super engaging and very modern!
Specifically built to help B2B marketers scale digital event programming
We thought of everything B2B marketers might need and designed around that.
State-of-the-art video production tools
Goldcast offers overlays, tickers, and chat publish capabilities for a memorable attendee experience.
Valuable integrations for sales
After an event, it's important to notify your salespeople about what prospects want to talk about. We integrate with Slack and Salesforce, so you can do that.
Simple process at every touchpoint
From onboarding, event set-up, execution, and beyond—we've made it as easy as possible for you.
Built to scale
As you grow, Goldcast can be used across teams, including demand generation, marketing operations, product, human resources, partner, and customer marketing teams.
Simple and intuitive platform
Goldcast is easy to use for everyone, and we mean everyone.
Sleek and modern UI
Our interface can be fully customized to your branding.
Easy-to-digest data and dashboards
Over 16 engagement points can be seamlessly synced into CRMs and marketing automation tools after your event, allowing you to analyze allllllll the data afterward.
Deep native integrations
We integrate with a range of CRMs and MAPs, including HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce, Eloqua, Pardot, Slack, and more.
Customer service and support that is second to none
We've got your back! Our implementation, customer support, and success teams are with you from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goldcast is also fully customizable and has an intuitive and modern interface that is user-friendly, even for non-tech-savvy users. The platform can be used for a plethora of use cases, including community events, product launches, webinars, hybrid events, employee engagement events, virtual conferences, and more.
Want to see how easily you can start scaling your webinar program?
