5 unexpected challenges when selling an online course through a webinar — and what to do about them

Do you think the worst thing that can happen during a sales campaign is low sales? In my opinion, not entirely — especially in mission-driven projects backed by strong personal motivation. These are the kinds of campaigns we truly experience emotionally.

For inspiration, below you will find five challenges I have personally faced or observed in webinar campaigns.

They are not meant to scare you. They are meant to help you prevent them — or simply accept that they may happen.

1. Emails delayed by 9 hours — maximum chaos and minimum webinar attendance

We are running a webinar campaign. We send reminder emails: “We start in 6 hours”, “Starting in 30 minutes.” The emails do not reach recipients. Due to server overload in GetResponse (the email marketing tool), the messages are sent 9 hours late — long after the webinar has ended.

What to do?

• Accept that it happened. The good news: the probability of such a situation is very low.

• Send an additional email with an explanation and add a personal message. Also explain the situation on social media — people will understand.

• Immediately report the issue to the platform’s support — you may receive financial compensation.

• If you have the budget, you can use a dedicated mailing server independent of other users’ campaigns.

2. The website crashes at the key moment

You open sales during a webinar attended by about 2,000 people. Participants enter the sales page — and the server cannot handle the traffic. The website stops working. Sales disappear.

What to do?

• Prepare a backup checkout page (for example on EasyTools).

• Invest in a stronger dedicated server or a cloud solution such as AWS (only once your business is more developed, as configuration and maintenance costs are high).

3. Internet connection drops during the live broadcast

You are in the middle of the webinar and suddenly — a black screen. The internet connection is lost. Participants are waiting. Stress appears.

What to do?

• Have a plan B ready, for example a mobile hotspot on your phone.

• If you cannot reconnect, record the webinar and send it to participants by email with an explanation.

4. The microphone stops working

You join the webinar and suddenly the sound fades. The microphone stops working even though everything was fine during testing.

What to do?

• Always test your equipment about 30 minutes before the start.

• Keep a backup microphone or headphones with a built-in microphone nearby.

• Use the laptop’s built-in microphone if necessary — and check beforehand how to switch the audio source in settings.

5. Incorrect link in the email

You send a message to several hundred webinar registrants. They click the link to enter the webinar room — and land on a completely different page. Just before the webinar, a wave of emails and Instagram DMs begins.

What to do?

• Always send a test email to yourself and a few team members. Open every link before sending the message to your entire list.

• Send a follow-up email and include in the subject line [CORRECT LINK] or [IMPORTANT] so it definitely attracts attention.

The most important lesson?

It is what it is.

Technical problems and mistakes will happen. They are part of running an online business.

But you know what? People remember the value you gave them — not small technical mishaps.

Do not let fear of imperfection stop you from launching your course or hosting a webinar. Your knowledge is too valuable to keep to yourself.

Take action, learn from mistakes and improve each new campaign by at least one chosen element.

Good luck!