Handouts add tangible value to your webinars by giving attendees resources they can download, save, and use beyond the presentation. From worksheets and checklists to templates and bonus content, handouts increase perceived value, encourage engagement, and give viewers a reason to stay connected after the webinar ends.

📄 Downloadable Value

Handouts appear in a sidebar panel during your webinar. Attendees can browse and download resources with a single click. Every download is tracked, giving you insight into what content resonates most.

How Handouts Work

During your webinar, a handouts panel is available in the sidebar. Attendees can:

  • View the list of available handouts
  • See titles and descriptions for each resource
  • Click to download files directly
  • Access handouts at any point during the webinar

Each download is tracked and attributed to the specific attendee, providing valuable engagement data.

Creating Handouts

Step 1: Navigate to Handout Settings

From your webinar editor, go to the Handouts tab to manage downloadable resources.

Step 2: Add a Handout

Click Add Handout and configure:

Basic Information

  • Title: Clear, descriptive name (e.g., "Webinar Worksheet", "Implementation Checklist")
  • Description: Brief explanation of what the resource contains and how to use it

File Upload

  • Upload your file (PDF, document, spreadsheet, etc.)
  • Supported formats include PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and common document types
  • Files are hosted securely and delivered via Zyntro's CDN

Availability Settings

  • Show During Webinar: Available in the handouts panel during the presentation
  • Show Pre-Webinar: Available in the waiting room before the webinar starts

💡 Pro Tip

Make at least one valuable handout available pre-webinar in the waiting room. This rewards early arrivers, sets expectations for quality, and gives attendees something to do while they wait.

Types of Handouts

Worksheets

Interactive documents attendees fill out during or after the webinar:

  • Exercise sheets with fill-in-the-blank sections
  • Planning templates they customize
  • Assessment tools for self-evaluation

Best For: Training webinars, coaching sessions, educational content

Checklists

Step-by-step guides attendees can follow:

  • Implementation checklists
  • Preparation guides
  • Quality assurance lists

Best For: How-to webinars, process explanations, technical content

Slides and Notes

Reference materials from your presentation:

  • PDF of presentation slides
  • Detailed notes expanding on key points
  • Speaker notes with additional context

Best For: Educational webinars, complex topics, content people want to review

Templates

Ready-to-use documents attendees can adapt:

  • Email templates
  • Spreadsheet templates
  • Document frameworks

Best For: Practical webinars, tool demonstrations, implementation-focused content

Bonus Content

Exclusive materials that add extra value:

  • Extended resources not covered in the webinar
  • Case studies and examples
  • Tool recommendations and guides

Best For: Creating perceived value, rewarding attendance, lead magnets

Pre-Webinar Handouts

Some handouts can be made available in the waiting room before the webinar begins:

Benefits of Pre-Webinar Handouts

  • Reward early arrivers: Give engaged attendees something valuable while they wait
  • Set expectations: Preview the quality of content they'll receive
  • Enable preparation: Provide materials they need to follow along
  • Reduce perceived wait time: Make the waiting room productive

What to Offer Pre-Webinar

  • Worksheets they'll use during the presentation
  • Preparation guides or pre-requisite reading
  • Agenda or outline of what's covered
  • Quick reference cards

Configuring Pre-Webinar Availability

When creating a handout, enable the Show Pre-Webinar option. The handout will appear in the waiting room for attendees who arrive before start time.

💡 Pro Tip

Create a "Follow Along Worksheet" that attendees print or have ready during your presentation. This increases engagement by giving them an active task and ensures they have notes to reference later.

Handout Strategy

The Value Stack

Use handouts to increase perceived value of your webinar:

  • Core Resource: Primary handout directly related to your topic
  • Quick Reference: Cheat sheet or summary they'll use often
  • Bonus Content: Extra material that exceeds expectations

Lead Nurturing

Handouts extend the relationship beyond the webinar:

  • Resources with your branding keep you top of mind
  • Valuable content they actually use builds trust
  • Follow-up emails can reference the handouts

Content Repurposing

Handout content can come from existing assets:

  • Blog post summaries
  • Course excerpts
  • Previous webinar materials
  • Client-facing documents (redacted/generalized)

Tracking Handout Downloads

Every download is tracked in your analytics:

Aggregate Metrics

  • Total Downloads: How many times each handout was downloaded
  • Download Rate: Downloads ÷ Attendees
  • Most Popular: Which handouts get the most engagement

Attendee-Level Data

Track individual behavior:

  • Which handouts each attendee downloaded
  • When they downloaded (during webinar vs. later)
  • Use download data for lead scoring

Using Download Data

Handout downloads signal engagement:

  • Downloaded multiple: Highly engaged, prioritize for follow-up
  • Downloaded specific topics: Indicates areas of interest
  • Downloaded nothing: May need different nurturing approach

Business Use Cases

📋 Implementation Workshop

Scenario: You're teaching attendees how to implement a strategy or process.

Handouts: Step-by-step checklist, planning template, example documents, resource list

Outcome: Attendees leave with everything they need to take action, increasing the likelihood they'll succeed (and attribute that success to you).

🎓 Educational Webinar

Scenario: You're delivering training content that attendees need to reference later.

Handouts: Presentation slides, detailed notes, quick reference guide, practice exercises

Outcome: Comprehensive learning materials that reinforce your content and position you as a thorough educator.

💼 Sales Presentation

Scenario: You're demonstrating your product or service to prospects.

Handouts: Product comparison sheet, ROI calculator, case study, pricing guide

Outcome: Prospects have the information they need to make a decision, reducing follow-up friction.

Handout Best Practices

Content Quality

  • Make it useful: Handouts should provide genuine value, not just filler
  • Keep it focused: Each handout should serve a clear purpose
  • Ensure accuracy: Errors in handouts reflect poorly on your brand
  • Update regularly: Outdated information diminishes trust

Design

  • Include branding: Logo, colors, contact information
  • Make it scannable: Clear headings, bullet points, white space
  • Consider printing: Some attendees will print; ensure it looks good on paper
  • Optimize file size: Large files frustrate downloaders

Naming and Description

  • Use clear titles: "Implementation Checklist" beats "Document 1"
  • Write compelling descriptions: Tell them what they'll get and why it matters
  • Highlight key features: "Includes 15 templates" or "Printable format"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too many handouts: Quality over quantity; 2-4 focused resources beat 10 mediocre ones
  • Low-value content: Don't use handouts just to have handouts
  • No branding: Unbranded documents miss marketing opportunities
  • Broken links: Always test downloads before your webinar goes live
  • Outdated information: Review and update handouts regularly
  • Ignoring analytics: Use download data to improve future handout selection

Handouts are one of the easiest ways to add tangible value to your webinars. Create resources your attendees will actually use, and you'll build trust that extends far beyond the presentation.