Live video has significantly increased in popularity in recent months, and a growing number of businesses are interested in using this medium to increase their visibility online, connect and engage with their customers and even reach whole new audiences. However, it’s not enough to simply go live. You have to create something viewers will be genuinely interested in. Consider the following ideas to help you get started.
What’s one simple but effective way an entrepreneur can get started using live video for their business?
1. Incorporate Thought Leadership
Start making videos that build your personal brand and share the things that you’ve learned as an entrepreneur. It’s fun and authentic! You’ve got a treasure trove of content that you can start with. Don’t wait for your content to be perfect. Just start your first video today! – Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS
2. Go Live on Social Media
Go live on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Doing that can help you interact with your audience on a one-on-one basis. It’s also a good way to promote a product launch, a discount or anything relevant to your business. These live sessions also let you know your audience’s expectations, which you can use to tweak your business in order to meet their needs. – Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Suite
3. Interview Your Team Members
Personalize your business by interviewing team members via live video. This is a simple task to complete, but it’s effective because it gives your audience an inside look at your business. Plus, it allows you to be able to learn the ins and outs of live video without making a lot of mistakes that could potentially damage your brand if you were to take a grander approach. – Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
4. Share Behind-the-Scenes Footage
An entrepreneur can get started with live video by showing behind-the-scenes footage. Customers want to see the people behind the brand, how the products are made, where everything is made, etc. They like feeling like they’re part of your brand’s experience, so introduce them to behind-the-scenes of your company’s process. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
5. Take Advantage of User-Generated Content
You can use live video to grow your business in plenty of different ways. One of the most interesting ways comes in the form of user-generated content (UGC). UGC happens when customers record themselves using your product or website and share their video on social media. You can encourage users to participate in UGC by hosting events like video contest giveaways. – John Turner, SeedProd LLC
6. Host a Q&A with Your Followers
I think that the simplest way to get started with live videos is to have a Q&A session with your audience members on social media. At our business, we’ve developed a sizable Facebook group following. Of the most fun things we’ve done is host live Q&As with our group members. I got to answer a number of questions and help people solve their problems. – Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
7. Do Live Video Tutorials
Live video tutorials are an extremely effective way to get consumers interested in your products. You’ll see a boost in customers who already bought a product and also curious consumers who haven’t completed their purchase. Use these virtual training lessons to show people how to get the most value from your products. Using this strategy, you can skyrocket engagement and generate more sales. – John Brackett, Smash Balloon LLC
8. Create Company Video Events
Many businesses today create live videos for events that would normally happen on a face-to-face basis. The next time you’re launching a product or opening a new store or office location, create an event for it online. Invite your audience to participate in your events by informing them ahead of time. You can also make your video event interesting by offering giveaways live. – Blair Williams, MemberPress