Streaming is a popular online marketing channel for influencers, but it’s rare that traditional businesses use live video to sell their products. A big reason for this is the steep learning curve. Fortunately, it won’t take you long to get comfortable with live streaming if you use the right tips.
10 Tips for Businesses Live Streaming for the First Time
Live streaming can be intimidating for businesses, especially if they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. These 10 tips will ensure that your first live stream goes off without a hitch.
1. Choose Platforms Carefully
When it comes to video streaming, not all platforms are created equal. Instead of settling on a platform like Twitch, try to find the best place to stream for your niche. Be sure to research your options and choose one based on audience size, customization options, and stream quality.
You can even use private streaming platforms that connect to your app or website.
2. Promote Your Stream Beforehand
It’s not enough to simply go live and expect people to watch you. Just like with your visual content, you need to market your streams to get views. So before you turn on the camera, spread the word about upcoming streams via social media or email to maximize viewership.
As another positive, giving your viewers a set date for your stream will allow them to prepare for your question and answer statement. It can also give them time to save for your products.
3. Prepare Everything Ahead of Time
Create an outline of topics or questions that you’ll cover during your stream, as well as any visuals or props that may be relevant. This will ensure that your stream runs smoothly and effectively communicates its message. Plus, you’ll feel more confident if you’re prepared.
Since this is your first time going live, consider using a script that you can quickly refer to.
4. Test Your Setup Before Going Live
Before launching into a full-fledged broadcast, make sure all of your equipment is working properly by running through a test broadcast in private mode. If you’re not tech-savvy, consider using a platform that’s user-friendly and has a responsive customer service department.
For example, Sendbird makes live streaming easy by lowering the bar of entry. With that said, coding enthusiasts can still customize the live-streaming experience for viewers with UI kits.
5. Show Your Personality
Don't be afraid to show your personality on camera. Not only will you build a deeper connection with your audience, but you’ll also be more engaging. Pretending to be a person that you’re not isn’t sustainable, either, as showcasing a persona can be exhausting. It just isn’t worth it.
If you feel too intimidated to show your entire personality, take steps to build your confidence.
6. Be Authentic and Genuine
Your clients, customers, and watchers want to see your personality because they appreciate authentic people. But being authentic goes beyond being honest about your identity; it means being human. It means making mistakes, showing your faults, and asking important questions.
It’s easy to connect with a genuine person, but you may feel too uncomfortable to reveal parts of your life. That’s fine! Your audience doesn’t have to know everything about you, nor should they.
7. Branding is Very Important
Whether it's through graphics, logos, or other visuals, branding is essential if you want viewers to remember you in the future. A big reason why major players in live streaming use specific overlays and emotes is because their audience attaches these things to the streamer.
As a rule, you should brand most things related to your business, including your live stream.
8. Monitor the Chatroom
While you should avoid getting distracted by it, monitoring the chat allows you to respond directly to questions or comments from viewers. By interacting with your audience regularly, you’ll provide an interactive experience that can strengthen your bond, increasing sales.
Consider hiring a moderator if you think your chatroom will get out of control. A moderator can also write down viewer questions if you’re unable to answer them when they’re asked.
9. Pay Attention to Sound Quality
Poor audio can be a major distraction during live videos, so make sure you have a good microphone and low background noise levels before streaming. You should catch any sound disturbances during your test, but some problems only appear once you actually go live.
To cut down on background noise, use noise-canceling headphones that cover your ears.
10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Live streaming video should be fun for both you and your audience, so don’t forget to have fun. Your audience will be more engaged with your content if you’re letting loose. Not only that, but it’s much easier to sell products when you’re projecting happy feelings to your customers.
But to project genuine joy, you have to pump yourself up. Consider performing a pre-live stream ritual that helps you feel content, such as dancing in your office or running on your treadmill.