How to use live streaming video to boost business success

Vidooly’s Nicholas Walker elaborates on the process of using live video streaming to deliver compelling content and a message to the target audience. He lists valuable tips on making video streaming a powerful marketing tool.

There is no doubt that people love video messages. Videos are constantly viewed and shared by millions of people on social media platforms, including video platforms like YouTube. In fact, it is often said that videos can perform better than blog content since they are more attractive and require less effort on behalf of the audience. Research has shown that quality videos drive more views, engagement and traffic.

But what is live streaming video, really? It’s a process of speaking in front of a camera and streaming it to one’s audience in real time. This has proven to be a very effective method that drives more sales to a business if done properly.

Video streaming is an essential part of every modern branding and marketing strategy. Right now, it is easier than ever to create a professional grade video that delivers compelling content and a message to the target audience. Speaking in front of a camera has become much simpler today with the immense use of digital technology and social media, making this one of the best tools marketers have.

Today, there are various platforms where businesses can promote their streaming marketing. These include:

Instagram Live: Instagram Live is one of the most popular Instagram novelties, allowing users to engage with their followers in real time. Currently, there are 100 million people using the live stream option on this platform every day.

Facebook Live: Facebook has been one of the top platforms for marketing for quite a while now. Right now, their live feature is the most popular marketing tool used by Facebook users. Live streaming provides users with bigger audience, which is obvious by the increased engagement on this platform when compared to the traditional videos.

YouTube Live: Being the most popular video platform in the world, YouTube has also introduced a streaming option. Businesses can now leverage the powers of YouTube live to attract more people to see their live streaming videos. However, the platform isn’t as open to live interactions like the Instagram and Facebook Live options.

Periscope: Periscope is, in fact, Twitter’s live streaming version. With one’s Twitter account, one can share a live video with their followers and other users. This feature has been widely used by brands like Dunkin Donuts, Bark & Co. as well as Red Bull.

LiveStream: LiveStream is one of the smaller platforms, but a very popular one for live video marketing.

Tactics for Boosting One’s Marketing Strategy

Use Teasers

While preparing for live streaming, one needs to make sure that the audience knows when to tune in and watch the video. Businesses can use teasers that give the audience a heads-up for the upcoming live stream. This helps give more exposure and make sure that the target audience sees the latest marketing technique.

Create a Script

As in any strategy, planning ahead before going online is a must. A proper script is needed in order to come up with concise, interesting and useful content in real time.

Perform a couple of Dry Runs

A couple of dry runs with the script or rough draft for the streaming are needed in order to see how the live streaming will go. Businesses need to get acquainted with the things they plan to say before the actual live streaming begins.

Test Different Video Content Strategies

Along with a video advertisement to attract a wider audience, experimentation is a must. Live streaming should be used to build a connection with the target audience in addition to trying to make sales.

Connect to the Audience

When planning for the streaming strategy, businesses need to make sure that they leave some room to connect to the audience and answer some of their questions.

Use Incentives

Along with posting the videos, the audience needs to be given some incentive to buy. Every marketer knows how well deals, rewards and other special offers affect the decision of the customer to buy from a company. This strategy can be used to offer an incentive and reel the customers in.

Be Consistent with Your Videos

Don’t stop streaming when you do it once or twice. Live streaming is a proven way to attract more audience, so businesses might want to find new ways to present their products and services to those who haven’t seen their streams.

In case of shortage of time, one needs to make sure to create a schedule for live broadcasting. Moreover, live streaming should be done during the peak time for one’s target audience.