Go-Live Webinar: Your Ultimate Guide to Launching the New Intranet

Description

The Go-Live Webinar is an essential tool for any intranet launch. We will plan a 45- to 60-minute webinar to coincide with the intranet launch. This is designed to show all users the key components and how to find and use them. This “all users webinar” or “go-live webinar” shows actual examples on the new intranet and teaches at a high level. And, as before, this webinar is also to generate excitement and positivity around the rollout of the new intranet. The purpose is to provide a site overview and a gentle introduction to their new Intranet for the audience, which includes all staff and contractors.

This strategic presentation is a crucial step in ensuring a high adoption rate for your new intranet. It’s the moment where all the planning and hard work of the design and development teams are revealed to the entire organization. A well-executed Go-Live Webinar transforms the launch from a mere technical event into a celebrated company milestone. It creates a sense of shared purpose and excitement, making employees feel like they are part of a positive and forward-looking change. Without this vital communication, even the most beautifully designed intranet can fall short of its potential.

 

Why a Go-Live Webinar is a Critical Launch Component

 

A successful Go-Live Webinar addresses key user pain points and provides clear direction. It saves countless hours of one-on-one troubleshooting by proactively answering the most common questions from all staff. Instead of hunting for information on their own, employees get a guided tour of the new platform, learning how to find essential documents, navigate to their department pages, and use new features.

This webinar is not just about what the intranet does; it’s about why it matters to each individual. By showcasing relevant use cases, you can demonstrate how the new intranet will make their daily jobs easier and more productive. It’s a proactive approach to change management that builds confidence and enthusiasm. For more on the importance of guided user introductions, you can find valuable insights from thought leaders in the field of user experience design. This article from Nielsen Norman Group provides excellent guidance on user onboarding principles that directly apply to this type of training.

 

Key Elements of a Successful Go-Live Webinar

 

To ensure your Go-Live Webinar is effective, it must be meticulously planned and executed. We recommend a live, interactive format that encourages participation and feedback. Key components of the presentation should include:

• A High-Level Site Overview: Start with a gentle introduction to the new intranet’s home page, showcasing its clean design and intuitive navigation.
• A Demo of Key Components: Walk users through the most important sections, such as the company news feed, employee directory, and document libraries. Use real-world examples to make the demonstration relevant and engaging.
• How-to Guides: Briefly teach high-level skills, such as how to search for information or how to request a new site. This empowers users to start exploring the intranet on their own immediately after the webinar.
• Q&A Session: End with a dedicated time for questions. This allows you to address any lingering doubts and provide personalized support. It’s a chance to hear directly from your audience and better understand their needs.

This powerful Go-Live Webinar is the perfect way to cap off all of your project planning and get your new intranet off to a flying start. It provides a site overview and a gentle introduction to the new platform, giving all staff and contractors the knowledge and confidence they need. For a broader view of how this fits into your overall launch strategy, our Go-Live Plan provides a perfect companion.