Out of all the social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram are by far the most popular and largest in existence. There are billions of users on both platforms, and the numbers do not show any sign of going down. With so many people using a service, it comes as no surprise why businesses are looking for ways to make the most of the available features to grab people’s attention. If a business is not making the most of these platforms, then it is not maximizing its marketing possibilities.
These platforms are always innovating and looking for ways to improve users’ experience and interactions. One of the most talked-about additions that both Instagram and Facebook have is their ability to live stream. Live videos broke down the barrier between content and interaction, enabling online businesses to connect directly with customers and potential prospects.
Why Go Live?
Some marketers and business owners are still unsure of how using Live Streaming through Facebook Live and Instagram Live can bring results. They have gotten used to the classical content posting, which, while beneficial, lacks real-time interaction. The power of live streaming is in its “realism.”
People get a glimpse of a company, business, or persona directly, and not an edited and altered post that was worked on by multiple teams. It creates a more personal connection between the audience and the streamer and encourages active participation from anyone watching the content. Customers are no longer just consumers. They can also take part in a business’s campaign, which enhances their user experience.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since the launch of live streaming on these platforms, many studies and analysis have been done. They monitored how often and how long people watched live videos. The findings can have some useful information for entrepreneurs and marketers.
- Growth and Popularity
Facebook Live posts might have been ignored in the first year of its launch, but today they are incredibly popular. Search popularity for Facebook live stream rose 330% since Facebook Live’s rollout.
- Watch Time
While videos have always been a part of these social platforms, the watch time on them varied drastically. Regular videos are rarely watched till the end and have a pretty high bounce rate after a certain point. However, live videos tend to keep the audience’s attention longer. It is estimated that the average person will spend three times longer watching a live video than a pre-recorded one.
- Outperform Written Posts
Live videos not only do better than standard videos, but they also outperform written content. It is estimated that 80% of the page’s audience prefers interacting with live feed, as opposed to a blog post that is published.
How Can You Do It?
These are just some of the promising statistics regarding content. Why would a business not make use of such a strong and interactive opportunity? With live video having so much popularity and potential, it is vital to know how it can be used to attract more audience interaction and customers to your online business.
- Organize a Q&A Session
One of the most popular forms of live video is a Q&A. For those who may not be familiar, the term means Questions and Answers, and it was made popular by the internet. Q&As allow people to interact with viewers in real-time and answer any questions they may have. It is a great way to create a stronger bond with your viewers, fans, and potential customers. A business can make use of this and start a live Q&A that answers questions related to the services or products it has. This can not only educate clients about your offers but also help spread the word.
The additional benefit of a Q&A is that you can help establish yourself as a professional in a field while showing your dedication and knowledge on a subject. People can learn more about not only your product but about your mission, approach, and values.
- Use It to Connect to Others
Making connections and networking is as essential to a business as the quality of your services or goods. Knowing how and when you can include influencers or other businesses can help you grow and expand quickly. Find someone who you admire, and that has a following, and invite them to talk about that topic. If the person is from a similar industry, their opinion can contribute to your audience, and they will be able to get multiple opinions and takes on a subject. Inviting influencers has the additional perk of exposing their audience to you. Their audience can view your content and advice, and hopefully become part of your fanbase. It is a win-win for everyone involved.
If you choose to collaborate on a live video with an influencer that is not in your area, you can make use of Instagram’s collab live stream feature. It will enable you both to live stream simultaneously.
- Stream Events
Live streaming can not only help with increasing awareness about your business, but it can also be used for finding your “tribe.” Finding like-minded individuals that can see and appreciate your efforts and work becomes easier with the interaction in live videos. You can broadcast events you have organized and show people what you are all about, what your opinions on certain topics are, who you network with, or even how you interact with customers. Organizing and streaming a live event is one of the best ways to show authenticity and build your brand at the same time.
Make sure that you broadcast on any possible platform, especially Instagram and Facebook. Reach the masses with your event and build a name for yourself in your field.
Streaming live to your Facebook and Instagram followers might be the best way to engage and build rapport with your audience, which will lead to more trust and a stronger relationship. Make sure that you take advantage of this free and powerful medium of reaching out to people.
Our upcoming online marketing crash course will have extensive resources on how to do successful live social media videos. If you’d like to get early access when the course is available, sign up here!
