#ContentWritingChat Recap: Successful Livestreaming with Ross Brand
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#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Implement Successful Livestreaming Into Your Content Marketing Strategy with Ross Brand

by | Mar 23, 2018 | ContentWritingChat

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Implement Successful Livestreaming Into Your Content Marketing Strategy with Ross Brand

Have you been using live video as part of your brand’s online strategy?

If not, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon because it certainly isn’t going away!

But if you’d like some tips to help you become a livestreaming master, we have everything you need to know right here! This week’s #ContentWritingChat is filled with valuable advice that’s worth reading before you hit that “Go Live” button.

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Implement Successful Livestreaming Into Your Content Marketing Strategy with Ross Brand

Our guest host this week was Ross Brand. He’s behind the site, Livestream Universe, which is all about helping businesses leverage the power of livestreaming.

Q1: Why is livestreaming a valuable component of a content strategy?

If you’re not convinced that livestreaming is worth your attention, you’ll start thinking otherwise after reading these responses! We asked everyone to share why they think it plays such a big role in their overall content strategy. Here’s what a few chat participants said:

As Ross pointed out, live video is a great way to build the Know, Like, and Trust Factor with your audience. It allows them to get to know you better and see what you’re all about.

Jason said live videos can add a human element to your content. It’s raw, unedited footage and your viewers can relate to what they see since they’re getting the real you.

Maria also agrees that livestreaming humanizes a brand. She also feels it strengthens your credibility and maximizes transparency.

Iain said it gives people a window into your company. They’ll get to see what things are like behind-the-scenes.

As Amanda pointed out, people want to get to know the person behind the brand. And going live is a fantastic way to show people what you’re like!

Live video also gives your audience a unique vantage point.

It’s all about helping you connect with your audience in a more personal way.

Everyone in your audience is different! And as Lexie pointed out, some may really appreciate a live video because they consume content better that way.

Q2: How does someone get started with livestreaming? What gear do you need?

Now that you’re sold on the value of livestreaming, it’s time to get started with your first broadcast! But what exactly do you need before you can go live? Here are some tips:

As Ross said, there’s no need to spend a bunch of money on livestreaming if you’re just starting out. You can absolutely use your smartphone to go live, as well as a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone.

If you do want to splurge on some new gear, Ross suggests getting a good microphone. Audio is important, after all!

Kelly said you can get a new microphone, invest in lighting, and purchase a better camera if you want to step-up your production quality.

As Varun said though, your smartphone and a good internet connection is really all you need to get started.

Don’t be afraid to just keep it simple when you’re starting out!

A good phone, good content to share, and an audience to watch is really all you need.

Kathryn’s advice is so important. Don’t wait until you have all the perfect, high-quality gear. Get started with exactly what you have right now.

Q3: What skills are helpful for success with livestreaming?

There are a few skills that really come in handy when you’re livestreaming. What are they? Check out these responses from the chat:

Ross said livestreaming is part broadcasting and part social media with a little tech thrown in. Going live allows you to provide value to your audience, showcase your personality, and so much more. But it’s also your opportunity to engage with your audience and build a relationship with them.

He feels tech is the smallest element here. But he does think it’s necessary to know enough about your gear and any software you’re using. This will come in handy in case of technical difficulties.

Being a great communicator is definitely important! You also want to have knowledge and passion for what you’re talking about.

Be personable! That’s what will help draw people in.

Julia said it’s all about having a fun, engaging personality. You want to be yourself and enjoy the time when you’re live. People will resonate with that.

Varun’s advice is to be prepared to interact with your audience, have knowledge of your topic, and be ready for any criticism. You never know what could come up with a live video, so be ready.

Chris feels problem-solving skills are a must. This will come in handy if something goes wrong.

Don’t overthink anything. You don’t want your livestream to feel forced, so just let things flow.

And remember this key advice from Terry! Don’t be afraid to fail or look silly. We all make mistakes and that’s something your viewers can relate to.

Q4: What platform do you recommend for people starting out with livestreaming?

There’s Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube, Twitch, and more! How in the world are you supposed to determine which one is right for your business? Here’s some advice:

Ross said that both Facebook and Instagram are great options for going live. It’s worth trying each one to see what works best for you. Plus, Instagram has built-in capabilities for adding a guest, which is a huge plus.

Brian’s advice is to start where you’re comfortable. He also said to consider the format and the features and make sure they match your needs. In time, you’ll become more comfortable and you can start going live wherever your audience is most active.

Brian also shared this great piece of advice with us. These are all great factors to consider when choosing a platform for live video.

Lexie’s advice is to go live where your audience is hanging out. This is sure to help you reach them!

Sarah agrees that it’s all about where your audience is spending their time. After all, you want to make sure they have the opportunity to tune in!

Varun said to try Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube if your audience is using those platforms.

Facebook is certainly great for live video, as you can view metrics afterwards. Plus, you can always practice going live on your personal Facebook page before doing so for your business.

And there’s no harm in practicing your live video skills in the mirror!

Q5: How can you monetize livestreaming?

Since many of us are looking to make money online, you might be wondering how you can use livestreaming to increase your profits. Check out these tips, which will come in handy for your next live video:

For Ross, he feels there are three different paths you can use to make money with your livestreaming efforts.

His first suggested path is to directly sell products within your live videos. These videos are focused on making the sale and he said they could be a QVC style broadcast. Share the benefits of your product, give a demonstration, and answer questions people may have.

For his second path, Ross said to focus on providing value and building relationships with your audience. When you share your knowledge, you begin to gain trust and credibility. People are more likely to purchase when trust is involved.

He also suggests trying what he calls the portfolio method. Create live videos that you can repurpose. Build your digital footprint and show potential clients what you can do for them.

As Brian said, people will buy from people they can relate to and livestreaming helps you build that relationship and trust much faster.

Talk about your products and services during your live video. You can also encourage people to join your list and follow-up with them later about your offerings.

Terry said to view your livestream as a funnel to your offer. You can share helpful tips and encourage people to join your email list, which will allow you the chance to promote something afterwards.

Julia created a book launch party on Facebook to boost sales of her book when it launched.

Kelly has a friend who does live demos and tutorials, which helps increase sales. You can do the same for your products.

Q6: What are some of the best use cases for livestreaming on behalf of a business?

Need some ideas for your next live video? Here are some great suggestions:

Ross shared tons of great ideas from doing client interviews, showcasing employees, and giving viewers the behind-the-scenes. Find ways to be creative!

Jade said to share your knowledge with people to help build trust.

Give people a behind-the-scenes into your business through live videos.

You can do a Q&A with customers for the ultimate in engagement.

These are all fantastic ideas for building your brand and helping people build a relationship with your company.

Zala’s suggestions are all worth trying out, from workshops, announcements, and so much more.

Q7: How do you recommend repurposing livestreaming content?

You don’t want to do an amazing live video and then let it collect virtual dust, do you? You can get more eyes on your video after it’s ended by repurposing it. These tips will help:

Ross suggests downloading the video and uploading it to YouTube. He also said to share shorter snippets to social media platforms.

Turn your livestream into a blog post or even a podcast!

Amanda said you can even create a mini-course with your live videos and sell them as a bundle.

Warwick suggests breaking the videos down for social media. Promote them across the platforms you use.

Kathryn said to use the audio recording for short podcast episodes.

You can create an eBooks from the livestream, embed the video into a blog post, and so much more.

Doris shared a great tip about creating Pinterest pins for your live videos.

Another great idea is to add it to an email or share it via a messenger bot for those who missed it.

Q8: What role does writing play in livestreaming?

So, where does writing fit into all this? These are some of the responses we received to close out this week’s chat:

Ross feels outlines are better than writing. You want to be present in the conversation and give it a more relaxed feel, instead of it being like you’re reading from a script.

He also suggests scripting your intro and outro so things go smoothly.

As Sarah said, writing plays a role in every aspect of marketing.

Even having bullet points will help you stay on track during your live video.

For Carla, she keeps her notes nearby so she doesn’t ramble once she’s live.

Keep it authentic and real! Don’t give yourself an entire script to read, but jot down key talking points instead.

Ready to join us for the next #ContentWritingChat? We’re live on Twitter every Tuesday at 10 AM Central Time! Just follow @ExpWriters and @writingchat so you can join in!

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Tags: live video streaming | livestreaming