Live Streaming Tips for Business Growth
Good afternoon and welcome to this week’s episode of Content Classroom. Outside my the window, it’s a dark, dingy, British, cold, summer day 😂😂😂
I’m procrastinating on going out for a walk, if I’m honest. I really don’t want to get those steps in, but I’m gonna have to do it at some point. And I guess that’s the way a lot of people feel about video too, right?
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Why Live Streaming Matters 📈
This week’s episode is all about live streaming. I talk a lot about getting video done, being efficient with your video, and getting that process down to a ‘T’ so that you can get the maximum outputs of good quality from your inputs.
Live streaming is another way that you can really leverage that to your own advantage. Right now, on a lot of platforms, live streams get pushed to the top of notifications, certainly on LinkedIn.
While you’re live, however long you’re streaming for, and a short time afterward, LinkedIn will push the notification that you are live streaming to the very top of all of your connections’ notification lists. It will stay there until you’re finished live streaming.
So, it’s a really good way of getting in front of people.
Setting Up for Success: Tools and Tips 🛠️
First, ensure you meet the platform’s requirements for live streaming. For LinkedIn, you need at least 500 followers and creator mode activated. My top pick for a live streaming tool is StreamYard. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and allows for professional-looking streams with features like banners, logos, and guest management. Plus, it offers local video file recording for better content repurposing.
Promoting Your Live Stream: Get the Word Out 📢
Create a catchy graphic using Canva and a compelling title that resonates with your audience. Set up a LinkedIn event and add a description, speakers, and your promotional graphic. Encourage your guests to promote the event as well. Use the bulk invite feature to invite relevant connections (watch the video for the full walkthrough!), but don’t overdo it. Consistent promotion across your social media and newsletters will help drum up interest.
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Engaging Your Audience: Interaction Tips 💬
During the live stream, have an intro video or countdown timer. Keep the conversation deep and insightful, but also interactive. Ask your audience to comment and engage, but don’t rely solely on their participation to move forward.
Tools like StreamYard allow you to bring up comments on screen, which helps build community and interaction.
Post-Stream Strategies: Keep the Momentum Going 🔄
After the live stream, the video remains accessible. Follow up with posts directing people to the replay, summarising key points to entice views. Highlight the benefits and learning outcomes to make it relevant and catchy. Regular, consistent live streaming builds engagement and community over time.
Hopefully, that gives you a good overview as to why you should be live streaming, and what you can do to make it effective.
I will see you on Content Classroom next week. Hopefully, the weather’s a bit nicer, and I might have even been out for a walk.
Action Steps for Creating Your First Live Stream
1. Check Platform Requirements:
– Ensure your LinkedIn account (or chosen platform) meets the necessary criteria (e.g., 500+ followers on LinkedIn, creator mode activated).
2. Choose a Live Streaming Tool:
– Select a user-friendly tool like StreamYard for your live streaming needs.
3. Plan Your Content:
– Decide on the topic and key points you want to cover.
– Think about any guests you want to invite and coordinate with them.
4. Set Up Your Live Stream:
– Create a LinkedIn event (or event on your chosen platform).
– Write a compelling title and description for the event.
– Add a catchy graphic using a tool like Canva.
5. Promote Your Live Stream:
– Share the event on your social media channels.
– Invite relevant connections via the platform’s invite feature.
– Encourage your guests to promote the event to their networks.
– Send direct messages to key people you want to attend.
6. Prepare for the Live Stream:
– Create an intro video or countdown timer.
– Test your audio and video setup.
– Have your notes or bullet points handy.
7. Engage During the Live Stream:
– Welcome your audience and introduce the topic.
– Encourage viewers to comment and ask questions.
– Use StreamYard to bring up comments on the screen.
– Keep the conversation flowing and interactive.
8. Post-Stream Activities:
– Share the recorded video on your social media channels.
– Post follow-up content summarising key points and insights.
– Respond to any additional comments or questions from the live stream.
9. Review and Improve:
– Analyse the engagement and feedback from your live stream.
– Identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments for future streams.
