Live streaming has become a valuable tool for businesses in the digital age. Its ability to engage audiences in real-time creates a strong sense of connection and immediacy. However, businesses need to know how to use live streaming effectively to reap its benefits. This article aims to answer key questions and provide insights and best practices for success.
We will explore the potential of live streaming for businesses, from choosing the right platform to measuring success. No matter if you’re a business owner, marketing professional, or content creator, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to leverage live streaming to achieve business success.
Understanding Live Streaming for Businesses
Live streaming has become an increasingly popular way for businesses to engage with their target audience. It involves broadcasting real-time video content to a specific group of people online. This powerful tool allows companies to connect with their customers on a more personal level.
For instance, businesses can offer live product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes tours, or host Q&A sessions with their audience. By doing so, companies can build a stronger sense of connection and immediacy with their audience, which is a valuable asset for marketers, educators, and community builders alike.
Why Should Businesses Incorporate Live Streaming into their Marketing Strategy?
Live streaming has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. It offers businesses a unique and powerful way to connect with audiences in real-time, fostering engagement and driving results. Here are some convincing stats:
- Live video streaming is a marketing tool that is not given enough credit, as per the statistics related to live streaming, only 36% of marketers have used it on social media platforms.
- Streaming videos are becoming a regular part of the daily routines of many individuals. According to a study on live-streaming statistics, multiple times a day, 20% of adults aged 18 to 34 watch live-stream videos.
- Live video content is favored by 82% of users over social media posts from brands. Despite heavy investment in social media marketing, brands aim to connect with their target audience through live video content.
- Businesses have increasingly adopted video streaming as a marketing strategy. The use of live video as a marketing tool by businesses reached an all-time high of 91% in 2023, according to data tracked since 2016.
- The sales volume via live e-commerce platforms is projected to grow threefold from 2022 to 2026.
Live Streaming Strategies for Business Success
Live streaming has become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with audiences, promote brands, and drive sales. But to achieve success in this dynamic space, a well-defined strategy is crucial. Here are key strategies to integrate into your live streaming approach, with an example for each:
1- Cross-platform promotion:
Don’t limit yourself to one social platform. If you’re planning to live stream an event or share an important message with your audience, it’s important to remember that not everyone uses the same social media platform. To reach the maximum number of people, consider streaming on multiple platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. You can even stream on your own website if you have one. This will allow your followers and potential new viewers to access your content from the platform they are most comfortable with and increase the chances of your message being seen and heard by a larger audience.
Example: A clothing boutique could host a live fashion show on Facebook and Instagram simultaneously, reaching both fashion enthusiasts who prefer photos and those who enjoy live video.
2- Social media marketing:
The power of social media is undeniable! Whether it’s a product launch, a music concert, or a charity fundraiser, you can use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to create buzz and build anticipation for your live event. One effective way to do this is by creating engaging posts that showcase the highlights of the event or offer a sneak peek into what attendees can expect. You can also use teasers and countdowns to keep your audience engaged and excited about the upcoming event. By leveraging social media, you can reach a wider audience, boost attendance, and make your event a huge success.
Example: A restaurant could use social media to share mouth-watering photos of new menu items being prepared live, drumming up excitement for their upcoming virtual cooking class.
3- Collaborate with influencers:
One effective way to gain more visibility and credibility for your brand is to partner with influencers in your niche. These influencers have built a loyal following who trust their opinions and recommendations. By featuring them in your live stream, you can tap into their audience and attract new viewers who are likely to be interested in your product or service. Not only does this help increase your reach, but it also enhances your credibility as an expert in your field.
Example: A fitness brand could partner with a popular yoga instructor to lead a live virtual yoga session, reaching the instructor’s audience and potentially converting them into new customers.
4- Offer exclusivity and create FOMO (fear of missing out):
If you’re planning to host a live stream, it’s essential to give your viewers a reason to tune in live. One way to do that is by offering exclusive discounts, product reveals, or early access to deals during your live stream. This will create a sense of urgency and excitement among your audience, as they will feel special and valued for being a part of the live stream. By doing so, you can increase engagement and drive sales while building a loyal following of customers who look forward to your future live streams.
Example: An electronics store could host a live stream product launch, offering exclusive discounts on pre-orders only available to viewers who tune in live.
5- Build customer relationships:
One of the key aspects of live streaming is creating an interactive experience for your audience. By responding to comments, answering questions in real-time, and encouraging conversation, you can foster a sense of connection and build loyalty with your viewers. When you take the time to engage with your audience on a personal level, they are more likely to feel invested in your content and want to come back for more.
Example: A financial advisor could host a live Q&A session, allowing viewers to submit questions in real-time and receive personalized advice, building trust and rapport with potential clients.
Bonus Tips
1. Choose a Reliable live-streaming platform:
Consider your audience when promoting your brand online. Choose the right platform based on demographics. Twitch is great for young adults, while LinkedIn Live is more suitable for corporate audiences. By understanding your audience and choosing the right platform, you can effectively reach and engage with your target market.
Example: A bakery targeting families might choose YouTube Live, as it allows for longer streams with chat functionality and integrates well with existing YouTube channels.
2. Invest in Good Quality Equipment:
Investing in quality audio and video equipment is crucial for effective video conferencing. Purchase a good microphone, webcam, and proper lighting to deliver your message clearly. A stable and fast internet connection is also essential. These small investments can greatly enhance the quality of your video conferencing experience.
Example: A clothing brand showcasing a new collection could use a high-definition camera with studio lighting to capture details of the garments for a professional live stream.
3. Advance Planning:
To ensure maximum viewership for your live stream, it is important to promote it on various platforms. Utilize social media, your website, and email list to announce your live stream. Make sure to create eye-catching visuals and teasers that will attract your audience’s attention. This can be achieved through creative graphics, intriguing captions, and engaging videos. Additionally, consider offering incentives such as discounts or exclusive content for viewers who tune in. This can help incentivize your audience to participate in your live stream and increase engagement.
Example: A fitness instructor could announce their upcoming live workout class on Instagram, offering a free downloadable workout guide for those who tune in live.
4. Include clear CTAs:
When it comes to live streaming, it’s important not to leave your viewers hanging at the end of the session. They have invested their time and attention in your content, and it’s essential to provide them with clear guidance on what to do next. You can achieve this by suggesting specific actions to take, such as visiting your website to learn more about your product or service, subscribing to your channel to receive updates on future streams, or even using a discount code to make a purchase.
Example: An online store could conclude their live product demonstration with a clear call to action, encouraging viewers to visit their website for a special live stream discount on the featured products.
5. Repurpose live streams:
To get the most out of your live stream, repurpose it into shorter clips for social media or blog posts. This ensures that your content remains accessible and relevant. Editing the content into bite-sized pieces caters to your audience’s preferences for shorter, more easily digestible content. Repurposing also allows you to tailor your content for different platforms and audiences, making it more engaging and shareable. It can also help you attract new followers and expand your reach beyond your initial audience.
Example: A musician could create a highlight reel from their live performance to share on social media, capturing key moments and encouraging fans to follow for future live streams.
Simplify Your Business Live Streams with OneStream Live
Taking your business live doesn’t have to be complicated. OneStream Live goes beyond basic live streaming, offering a suite of tools to create professional and engaging live experiences.
Here’s how OneStream Live can simplify your business live streams:
OneStream Live Studio: No need for complex software! OneStream Live Studio lets you go live directly from your web browser. Customize your stream with backgrounds, logos, and timers to match your brand. Invite guests, share screens, and keep the conversation flowing for a dynamic experience.
Pre-recorded Streaming: Don’t worry about downtime. OneStream Live’s Pre-recorded Streaming feature allows you to schedule pre-recorded videos to play seamlessly during your live stream, keeping your audience entertained even when you’re not live.
External RTMP Streaming: Already comfortable with tools like Zoom or OBS? OneStream Live integrates with them flawlessly. Use External RTMP Streaming to broadcast effortlessly using your preferred platform.
Hosted Live Pages: Create a professional online presence for your live streams with OneStream Live’s Hosted Live Pages. These customizable landing pages let you brand your live event with a logo, include a chat function, and offer all the essential features for a successful live stream.
In addition to its robust products, OneStream Live offers advanced features such as Playlist Streaming, which allows you to stream pre-recorded videos in a specific sequence, Embed Streaming, which lets you embed your live stream into your website or blog, Captions, which makes your content more accessible to viewers with hearing impairments, Live Sales, which enables you to sell products during your live stream, and Unified Live Chat, which allows you to communicate with your audience in real-time and so much more.
With these features, your business can engage with your audience more effectively and generate more revenue.
So, try OneStream Live now and see the difference it can make for your business!
OneStream Live is a cloud-based live streaming solution to create, schedule, and multistream professional-looking live streams across 45+ social media platforms and the web simultaneously. For content-related queries and feedback, write to us at [email protected]. You’re also welcome to Write for Us!
