Imagine hosting your group coaching sessions on a platform so seamless it feels more like a catchup over coffee with your pals. And less like a technical juggling act. Whether you’re team “Zoom because it’s familiar” or “Butter because hello…branding!”, choosing the right tool for your live group coaching sessions can make or break the vibe—and the results—of your program.
You don’t need a complicated tech setup to run a transformational group program, but you do need the right platform to foster connection, engagement, and flow. So, how do you choose between two of the most talked-about platforms—Butter and Zoom? Let’s dive in.
Why Your Platform Choice Matters
When you’re running live sessions, it’s not just about delivering content; it’s about creating an experience. The right platform helps your participants feel:
– Connected: Like they’re part of a community, not just faces on a screen.
– Engaged: They’re leaning in, not zoning out. They actually want to learn!
– Supported: They can ask questions and get answers without the tech frustrations that we all know too well in this digital world.
Butter and Zoom both have their benefits, but depending on your coaching style, audience size, and goals, one might align better with your vision than the other. Let me explain…
The Basics Butter vs. Zoom
Here’s the high-level comparison to get us started:
Butter: A newer, interactive platform designed specifically for workshops and group sessions. Think virtual collaboration meets a fun workspace vibe.
Zoom: The tried-and-true video conferencing platform we’ve all come to know (and maybe overuse). Reliable, accessible, and widely recognized.
Now let’s break it down a little bit more.
5 Key Factors to Help You Decide
- Ease of Use
Butter: Super intuitive for hosts and participants alike. Features like built-in agendas and tools (polls, timers, breakout rooms) are right where you need them—no juggling between apps.
Zoom: Familiar to most people, which means minimal learning curve. But for anything beyond basic video calls, like screen sharing or polls, you’ll need to navigate its (sometimes clunky) menus.
Winner: Butter, if you want to streamline and simplify; Zoom, if your audience already knows it well.
2. Engagement Features
Butter: Built for engagement. Think word clouds, emoji reactions, and easy breakout room creation—all designed to keep energy high and participants involved.
Zoom: Solid for basics like chat, polls, and reactions, but lacks the flair. Engagement features aren’t as central to the experience and can feel like add-ons.
Winner: Butter, hands down, for making engagement effortless and fun.
3. Customisation & Branding
Butter: Offers customizable branding options, so you can make the space feel like your space—logos, colors, and all.
Zoom: Minimal customisation. While functional, it doesn’t scream “personalised experience.”
Winner: Butter, if you want to wow participants with a polished, branded vibe.
4. Accessibility & Reliability
Butter: Still growing in its accessibility features (e.g., no built-in captions yet). Reliable for small-to-medium groups but might not be ideal for very large sessions.
Zoom: Virtually universal. It works well across devices and has strong accessibility features, including closed captions and compatibility with screen readers.
Winner: Zoom, especially if accessibility is a priority or you’re hosting large groups.
5. Price Point
Butter: Free for small sessions, with paid plans offering more features (starting at $29/month – That’s just over £23).
Zoom: Free for 40-minute calls with up to 100 participants, with paid plans starting at £12.99/month.
Winner: Tie. Butter might offer more value for the features, but Zoom’s pricing is more accessible for smaller budgets.
FAQs on All Things Video Conferencing Platforms
“What if my audience is tech-averse?”
Zoom’s simplicity and widespread use might win here. Most people already have it installed, and there’s no learning curve for joining a call.
“Can I switch platforms mid-program?”
Yes! Just communicate the change clearly and offer a quick tutorial if needed. Many coaches find that Butter’s ease of use makes the transition smooth.
“What if I have a large group?”
If you’re hosting more than 100 participants, Zoom’s stability and scalability make it the better choice. Butter is great for intimate group settings but isn’t as optimized for massive sessions.
The Bottom Line
If your coaching style leans on creativity, collaboration, and high energy, Butter might be your dream platform. It’s my platform of choice at the moment! If you need reliability, accessibility, and something your audience already knows, Zoom is still a strong contender.
Your choice ultimately comes down to what matters most to you: ease, engagement, or familiarity. Either way, the right platform will enhance—not overshadow—the transformation your program delivers.
Ready to uplevel your group coaching sessions? I help coaches like you design and deliver programs that wow clients and drive results, with my program Rave Results. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, let’s find the tech and strategy that works for you.
