Lights, Camera, Action!
The ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes and interact with them in real-time has quickly become the new social media craze. A recent report from Social Media Today showed that people spend 3 times longer watching a live video compared to a pre-recorded video. In addition to Periscope, Livestream and Ustream, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube now all feature livestreaming capabilities too. Whether you are looking to promote a new product, service, or event, livestreaming can generate a larger audience and boost customer interactions.
Here are some tips to get your livestream started:
Announce Your Broadcast Ahead of Time
By letting your audience know when you’ll be going live, you can build up anticipation and increase the odds of your video being seen. Facebook recommends giving people one day’s notice by writing a status update or creating an event invite, so that they can plan on watching your video ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to ask users to subscribe to your videos, which will enable them to receive instant notifications every time you livestream.
Entice Viewers with a Creative Video Description
Descriptions are free publicity for your videos. Grab people’s attention and “stop the scroll” by using catchy phrases and unique keywords. It is also important to let users know why they should take the time watch your video. Unlike a pre-recorded YouTube video, users will have no idea of the time commitment involved when watching your live video. Help manage viewer expectations by providing as much information as possible in a clear and concise description. Know who your target audience is and be personable by introducing yourself and your company.
Have a Strong Internet Connection
There’s nothing worse than watching a video feed that cuts in and out like a skipping record player. Make sure you have access to a strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection for the entire length of your livestream.
End with a Call to Action
To further increase user engagement, include a call to action (CTA) at the end of your live video. Be clear, direct, and use active verbs such as: visit our company website; sign-up to our monthly newsletter; participate in a short survey; register for our networking event; or simply, call us now. QuickSprout reports call to actions within a video receive 380 percent more clicks.
Livestreaming video is just one of the many free marketing tools available at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to build a stronger connection with your audience or revitalize your company brand, livestreaming is a fun, informal way to generate leads.