How to use live streaming for business
Live streaming has taken the virtual entertainment world by storm. The trend took off at a staggering speed once live streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Live, and TikTok Live hit the internet. Even leading social media channels Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn now support interactive live video streams. It’s so popular that the global live streaming market is worth $50 billion, and growing. To give you some idea of what that means, Twitch (one of the largest live streaming platforms) serves about 30 million unique visitors daily and has 2.5 million people watching its videos at any given time.
Most live streamers publish entertainment content involving gaming, music, sports, and comedy. But entrepreneurs can also use live streams for business purposes. You can indeed live stream to promote your brand or offerings and engage customers in the following ways:
Live product launches and promotions
Launching a new product or service through a live stream is a great way to reach a massive audience. Live streaming not only introduces your new offering to the world but also attracts early adopters. So, a launch can quickly turn into a wildly successful promotion and sales stunt.
Live demos and tutorials
The internet loves video tutorials and how-tos, more so live ones. You can arrange a live demo or tutorial to showcase your product’s capabilities, functions, features, and applications. Live demos are particularly suitable for presenting novel, seasonal, or niche products with a bit of a learning curve. The good thing about a live tutorial or demo is that you can directly interact with the viewers and answer their questions in real-time.
Live streaming events
You can easily bring physical events such as business conferences and symposiums online using streaming services. This is a great way to invite audiences from across the globe to watch and participate in offline events as they happen. Such streams don’t have to be just about business either. Streaming other exciting local events such as sports, parades, and celebrations will also boost your online presence.
Live interviews
Live interviews can help raise brand awareness and online traffic to your social media outlets and website. All you have to do is find an interviewee that your audience would love to hear from—perhaps a business leader, celebrity, public figure, influencer, or a trending online personality. More importantly, base live interviews around prevailing news, trends, or pop culture (depending on your brand’s image and niche) and allow audience participation in the interview.
Live Q&As
A live Q&A gives your audience a chance to ask any question and get instant answers. Anything goes in a Q&A session; it’s supposed to be a fun and interactive way for the audience to learn about the people behind your company. Q&A live streams essentially humanise your brand and give you a chance to tell the brand’s story while directly connecting with customers.
Live streaming presents countless opportunities to optimise your digital marketing strategies by growing your online following, generating convertible leads, and spreading brand awareness. Jump on the live streaming trend and start reaping these incredible rewards.
Ryan Spanger is one of Melbourne’s most respected and sought-after video production professionals. Ryan founded Dream Engine in 2002, and specialises in helping medium to large corporates, government departments, and the non-profit sector to connect with their audience more effectively by using video.
