Live streaming has become one of the best ways for companies to reach their audiences in the digital age. With this form of continuous content, companies will be able to enjoy ample engagement, whether they’re streaming coverage at a conference or a step-by-step instructional video, just to name a few examples. From Facebook to Instagram and beyond, Internet marketing companies understand the importance of live streaming and the benefits it can provide.
As anyone that regularly live streams will attest, however, there is plenty of work required. For many businesses, it’s not enough to simply hit the record button on a phone and start filming. This is especially true for businesses that are looking to present content beyond the quality of their competitors. Simply put, there are both right and wrong ways to conduct live streams. To this end, here are a few of the do’s and don’ts of live streaming that will lead to online marketing success.
Test all equipment and capabilities beforehand. Prior to kicking off a live stream, it would be in a business’ best interest to test everything they plan to use. These include, but aren’t limited to, cameras, microphones, and internet connectivity. It’s not abnormal for one to begin live streaming, only for the internet to go out. It’s also possible that the microphone will malfunction, making it difficult, if not impossible, for audio to be picked up. These are just a few reasons why all live streaming tools should be tested to ensure that they perform well when it’s time to go on the air.
Consider Your Own Presentation. While it’s important to have the right tools for live streaming, what matters just as much, if not more so, is how one presents themselves. There are a few elements to consider in this regard. First, a live streamer must be able to maintain communication with their audience; even if a live streamer doesn’t look directly in the camera, they should still address their audience. Second, sitting or standing with correct posture will go a long way in maintaining a professional presentation. These are just a few elements to consider when it comes to the presentation expected of high-end live streams.
Create a Live Streaming Schedule. If one wishes to make live streaming a consistent part of their content marketing efforts, a schedule should be created. A live streamer may wish to go on the air once a week. They may also consider the possibility of live streaming multiple times per week to engage their audience more regularly. Whatever the case may be, a schedule will ensure that one stays on track. Furthermore, the longer that one commits to the schedule in question, the greater one’s audience will become, as they will come to expect live streams during specific days.
Keep Your Audience Informed. Of course, there may be instances when one won’t be able to live stream. In cases such as these, it would benefit live streamers to keep their audiences informed on schedule changes. The best way that this can be done is via social media, which is one of the primary ways that users receive information and updates on the content they consume. Live streamers should address their audiences, letting them know when scheduled streams are postponed and new dates to look forward to. This will also strengthen the trust that content creators have with their audiences. To learn about community management on this level, speak to your local social media advertising agency.
Back Up Previous Live Streams. Granted, many services do this automatically, which provides a level of convenience. With that said, live streamers should take it upon themselves to back up their previous content independent of these services. This can be done by ripping video content and storing it in an external hard drive or a cloud service. By doing so, a live streamer will be able to build a back catalog of content that they can use to grow their audience. It will also eliminate the risk of content becoming lost, as there will always be backups available.
Don’t Become Discouraged Early On. The main reason why many live streamers fail to build momentum is that they become discouraged with early results. It would be unreasonable to expect a devoted audience or flawless streams out of the gate. “Practice makes perfect” may be a cliché, but it remains true when concerning digital marketing efforts such as live streaming. In time, you will learn how technology such as cameras and microphones will best function. You will also create a unique presentation that can keep an audience’s attention. It will take time, but ultimately, early live streaming roadblocks will be overcome.
About fishbat: fishbat is a full-service Long Island SEO company. Utilizing the latest technologies and forward-thinking strategies, fishbat is able to create marketing plans that are tailor-made for specific needs and goals. The services that fishbat provides include, but aren’t limited to, social media management, search engine optimization, content marketing, email marketing, and branding. With these, businesses will be able to market directly to their audiences, increasing traffic, engagement, and ultimately, revenue.
