Goldcast versus Zoom:
Which Is Best for B2B Marketers?
Choosing the Right Digital Event Platform
Finding the right platform to scale your digital event programs can be difficult. There are so many options available, all of which offer a similar but different experience. It can be tough to decide which one is right for you. We feel you!
If you’re looking for alternatives to Zoom that can help you manage and scale revenue-generating events, look no further than Goldcast. We’ve compared both platforms to help you evaluate the right one for your event strategy and overall business goals. Let’s dive in!
Goldcast versus Zoom
Here’s a quick breakdown of the features and functionality offered by each platform and how they compare.
Zoom
Who hasn’t heard of Zoom? The video conferencing platform became the go-to tool during the pandemic and is still a market leader for hosting virtual meetings and training sessions. Zoom also offers a webinar product that can be used for marketing, training, and enablement events through live broadcasting.
The catch? Zoom doesn’t deliver the modern and engaging experience expected for today’s B2B brands. It’s also extremely limited when it comes to connecting the data dots and scaling revenue-driven event programs. Let’s take a closer look at Zoom’s strengths and weaknesses.
Familiar and easy-to-use
Most people are at least vaguely familiar with Zoom and the experience. So, speakers and attendees do not need much training to get up and running with the platform.
Live stream to media platforms
Zoom allows organizers to live stream events to channels like YouTube, Facebook, and other social media channels. This is helpful for broadcast-style events with a large audience.
Filters and studio effects built into Zoom
Need to clean up a messy background or hide a long night awake with the kids? Zoom to the rescue. The platform offers built-in studio effects and virtual backgrounds, which are especially handy for at-home events.
Post-webinar surveys
Looking to get a pulse on your audience? Zoom allows organizers to collect timely feedback through flexible post-event surveys. These are available in multiple formats, including single choice, multiple choice, a rating scale, and open-ended answers.
Multiple engagement options (chat, reactions, and polling)
While they’re not industry-leading, Zoom does offer table-stakes audience engagement options like live chat, Q&A, and the ability to launch polls.
Can’t embed CTAs
Are you looking to drive leads from your digital event? If so, you probably want embedded CTAs to nudge prospects to learn more or schedule demos. Unfortunately, Zoom does not support this functionality.
App download required for mobile access
Attendees have to download the Zoom mobile app to participate in events on the go. This may be a concern for event accessibility and impact show rates.
Not designed for interactive digital events
Zoom webinars are designed for events that do not require much interaction—more like a broadcast-style event or conversation among panelists. If you want to pull attendees into the conversation or share Q&A on the stage, you’re going to hit roadblocks. Not to mention tracking these engagement points and sending them to other tools in your tech stack.
Breakout rooms aren’t part of the Zoom webinar package
Zoom event packages are somewhat limited. For example, the webinar package does not include breakout rooms, which are essential if you’re hosting networking events.
Not built for B2B marketers
Zoom is a great tool for small to mid-sized organizations and educational institutions. However, it is not the best platform for revenue-driven B2B marketers. Not only is Zoom limited from a production and engagement perspective, but it also lacks integrations and automation to help teams scale event programming.
The Details: Zoom Pros & Cons
To summarize, here’s a simplified chart that outlines the top pros and cons of Zoom.
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Goldcast: The Revenue-Driven Event Marketing Platform
Goldcast is the #1 platform for B2B marketers to run engaging digital events. Top B2B brands like 1Password, Mailchimp, Lattice, Drift, Salesloft, and others use Goldcast to power their digital events.
With Goldcast, you can easily set up and run high-quality digital events that drive pipeline while providing a memorable experience for attendees.
With Goldcast, your sales team can access actionable analytics and real-time insights through native CRM integrations. We make it easy for you to run pipeline-driving events.
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!
Goldcast is built for B2B marketers who want to create Netflix-like events and drive engagement with their prospects and customers
Flexibility: Goldcast is flexible for a plethora of B2B use cases, which include community events, webinars, product launches, demos, field events, hybrid events, user conferences, and more
With Goldcast, you can embed CTAs and resources in your event to drive conversions and engagemen
Built-in audience engagement features like chat, polls, and text and video Q&A in a completely customizable interface, which helps keep attendees engaged throughout the event
Video production tools that include overlays, lower thirds, and tickers for an enhanced attendee experience
Templates that can be duplicated, making it easy to create and scale events of any size and complexity
Accessibility: Goldcast makes accessibility simple with captioning, subtitles, and translation in 14+ languages
Actionable insights in the form of post-event analytics. Organizers have access to 16+ engagement points that are synced into CRMs and MAPs. This allows you to track and measure your event's success and get cracking on relevant and timely post-event follow-ups
Easily integrates with your existing MarTech stack: Deep, native integrations with popular tools like HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot, and more
Slack + Salesforce integration sends notifications to sales teams when prospects engage in the event, which ensures accurate follow-ups
On-demand access to all recordings within 24 hours
Dedicated customer success team with live customer support for ALL your events
Generous pricing model that allows multiple teams to scale digital events
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to see how easily you can start scaling your webinar program?
