As you know, online marketing is forever evolving. What worked last year might not work this year, which is why it pays to stay on top of trends and know what the next hot online marketing technique might be.
Perhaps the only constant in online marketing are search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing. These two have performed well over the years. Everything else seems to change.
Live video streaming, however took off and is now mainstream, and if you’re not aboard, you’re going to be left behind… in a way.
I say in a way, because video is not my thing, at least not at the moment and though I know I’m missing out in a huge way, I’m still doing alright using my strength – writing – and other social media platforms. But I keep apprised of marketing trends, so I can help my clients.
Nonetheless, two big platforms, Instagram Live Video and Facebook Live provides a personal way to reach your prospects and customer base – it’s like having your audience right there with you, live in your office, or wherever you might be. This makes it interesting for both you and your viewers. You can literally film almost anywhere, and they see the real you, mistakes and all.
Broadcasting live events is a great way to generate buzz. Some marketers stage extravagant and interesting live ‘shows’ and pitch their ideas, advice and products.
The possibilities are endless and limited only by your imagination. You can stream from any place, talk about anything.
Here are twenty-seven live streaming video tips to help you get up going.
- Know your audience and what they’ll respond do. Test using shorter, less publicized live streaming events until you learn what works for your niche and then publicize your events to the max.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment or make mistakes. Your audience loves to see evidence that you’re just like them.
- Be real; be yourself. Be outrageous if that’s your trait, yet, show your vulnerable side as well.
- Invite guests on your shows. Bringing on guests will spice things up and give your viewers different perspectives. You might even consider having a co-host, so that you can have the continuous back and forth live banter. The one thing you absolutely, positively cannot be, is boring. This is the mortal sin. You’ll lose your viewers fast.
- Be prepared. Have notes at the ready so you always have something interesting to say. Keep your ‘umm’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ to a minimum. Look at the camera and smile. Be upbeat whenever possible. People love enthusiasm.
- Have Two of Everything – Always have a backup of all your equipment. That includes anything that you’re using, even cords, cables and connectors.
- Charge Devices – Keep your devices charged and ready to go and keep a backup battery as well.
- Basic Needs – If you’re doing studio style, you’ll need a webcam, and microphone and, maybe, in lighting. This will give you high-quality look and sound.
- Expensive Isn’t Always Better – Check specifications on your equipment to know if it’s the best for live streaming. Just because it’s new, cost a lot, doesn’t mean it’s optimal.
- Hard Wire is Best, Wi-Fi is Second Best – If you’re indoors, a hard wire connection to the Internet is your best bet. Wi-Fi is second best, and mobile service is third. If you’re using your mobile, select a location with a hot spot from another mobile provider as backup – sometime one service is noticeably better than another.
- Know Your Speed – Check your Internet upload speed before broadcasting, speedtest.net is good for testing and disable or pause apps running in the background that could slow down your broadcast.
- Stay Cool – If you’re working outside and it’s hot, place an umbrella over your computer to keep it cool. And find a place in the shade for yourself, or you’ll have sweat running down your face.
- Test – Before you go live, run a test to make sure everything’s working well, and you know what you’re doing. Learn all the controls and mechanics for the live stream app you’re using before you go live.
- Lighting and Sun – Indoors or outdoors, avoid backlighting your subject. This includes windows behind you when you’re indoors. If you’re filming outside, be aware of where the sun is and if it’s reflecting off something.
- Background Noise – Minimize background noise as much as possible. If it’s windy, place a foam wind cover over your mic or the wind sounds will distract listeners.
- Clothing – Avoid wearing stripes or squares if you’re on camera – it does weird things and is distracting.
- Camera Operator – Talk to your camera operator about what you want in the shot, when to zoom and any pertinent details ahead of time. Give your camera operator a monitor – he’ll have a much better idea of what to capture.
- Ready, Rehearse, Relax – Get everything figured out and set up in advance. When filming, there’s too much going on to figure things out then. If possible, rehearse the show ahead of time. This allows you see any mistakes, so you can rectify them. Plus, it gives you confidence and reduces pre-show jitters. Take deep, slow breaths, exhale slowly. Smile.
- Promotion – Advertise your live stream two weeks ahead of time. Build it up, remind people and turn it into a must-see event. Write a compelling, enticing, curiosity driven description of what viewers will see and discover.
- Be Consistent – Regular broadcasts are important for building up a following of viewers.
- Use The K.I.S.S. Method – Keep it simple, sweetie. There are fewer opportunities to make mistakes that way, and you look professional.
- Graphics – Consider using graphics or lower thirds to add context. For example, identifying a speaker on the lower-third graphic (think CNN.) Do you need to illustrate a point? Make a chart. Find the still shot you need. Practice switching to and from it during a mock live broadcast.
- Back-Up Person – Plan to have one crew member who isn’t specifically assigned to a specific task. When the unexpected happens (and it will!) the available crew member can handle the problem while the broadcast continues.
- Avoid Silence – Just like radio, dead silence is bad. A few moments of just background noise – in some cases – is alright, such as the sounds of a game or parade you’re covering. No ‘umm’s’ and ‘ahh’s.’ Yes, it’s noted earlier. But, too many and you’ll lose audience members, because it drives some people bonkers and irritate others.
- Interaction – Find ways to interact with your audience. For example, before and after the broadcast, chat, on-stream, etc. Read and answer questions on air.
- Get To The Good Stuff Fast – Don’t waste time with long introductions or setting up what’s going to be talked about. Keep that short and to the point, then get started.
- Have Fun – Don’t expect to be perfect, because you won’t be, and that’s okay. Have fun. You made a mistake, have fun with that, too. If you’re having fun, your audience is, as well and they’ll tune in to see you again.
You’ll find everything is so much easier if you simply don’t take this process too seriously. Plus, you’ll want to do it again and again if you’re enjoying it, which will be great for your bottom line.
And remember, when you’re speaking live, 80% of your message is non-verbal. Your facial expression, hand gestures and unspoken communication are what people pick up on. That’s why being upbeat and enthusiastic is so important.
Do you use live video in your business? Or, will you give it a go? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
© Cherry-Ann Carew
Cherry-Ann Carew is an Online Business Strategist & Amazon multi-bestselling author. She supports emerging business owners simplify their start-up journey, by customizing a business framework that aligns with their vision and goals, so that they can earn uncapped income and live life on their terms.