My journey into Live Video started nearly a decade ago when Live Video wasn’t even a thing
Let me explain People who are great at live video are simply great presenters and great orators and my journey to live video started way back in 2010 when I was asked to speak in public for the 1st time
I was nervous, I was scared and I felt insecure in the company of other people who were public speaking veterans
It took about 2 years of public speaking to feel comfortable in real life and 7 years of honing my skills as a presenter to appear absolutely natural in front of a camera
By the time the very 1st live streaming channels, Periscope and Meerkat, came out it felt natural to jump on live video and I broadcast regularly on those platforms
Now after nearly 2 months of broadcasting daily on Instagram Live I thought i’d share my Top Tips For Live Video On Social Media
1. Preparation Is Key
Even though it’s live you need a structure for your live video
The majority of my live videos for businesses are talking to camera pieces giving tips and advice with interaction from the audience
Before each live broadcast I spend 3 minutes writing 3-5 bullet points on a piece of paper highlighting what I need to talk about
I’m an expert in my subject of social media so my prep is around the structure of the broadcast rather than word by word script of what I’m saying
The moment I go live, I riff freestyle around the structure I’ve set – I allow my knowledge to flow out and I react to the feedback the audience give me
I simply place the bullet points just behind or just below the smart phone to remind me of what is coming next in the show – imagine it like your own personal autocue or director
2. The intro is vital
One thing that happens when you go live is people won’t jump in straight away
Facebook is a lot quicker than Instagram to gain live viewers due to the nuances of the platform
So your intro serves 2 purposes
1. To let people know what they can expect from the live broadcast
and
2. To warm people up for the main event whilst the bulk of the audience is still joining the show
You also have to be mindful a large number of viewers will be watching on the replay
If I could give one piece of advice for live video intros – don’t ramble on for 5-10 minutes saying hello to every single person who has joined you live
Keep the intro to 1 minute max
3. Encourage Interaction
The big difference between Live Video and Pre-recorded video is interaction
On live you should encourage interaction
That might be in the form of questions throughout the broadcast, a question of the day or simply mentioning specific live viewers at pivotal points throughout the broadcast
Take note of those viewers who come back time and time again and also look out for 1st time viewers and try and be inclusive so everyone feels welcome
Live video is about relationship building. It’s all about that relationship between the presenter and the audience. Always find a way of bringing it back to the audience and making them feel loved
4. Keep It Short
Social Media distracts people
Unless you have a tribe that are already connected to you and will commit to watching a live video for a long period of time keep the live broadcasts relatively short
5-10 minutes maximum
There are variables to that where live can be longer
– Live Interviews
– Phone ins
– Live Events
5. Follow Up
And this is the part that so many forget
The follow up
Engaging with those that have taken precious time out of their day to watch the broadcast
Those that have taken the next step to actually direct message you or email you after a live broadcast
Delivering when you’ve said you’ll send the link to the blog through to your viewers
If you’d like to watch us live – we go live on Instagram each day Follow us on @altrinchamhq or click http://www.instagram.com/altrinchamhq and follow
NEED HELP WITH YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA?
Chat to us about Social Media Marketing for YOUR organisation , so we can better understand YOU and what will grow your organisation
We can only find out what is unique to your business by chatting with you
Look at our Social Media Training and Social Media Management services Or Please call Alex on 07806774279 or email alex@altrinchamhq.co.uk