Ultra.
Thousands of businesses are using livestreaming as an effective strategy for showcasing their products and services in front of target audiences. One of the biggest challenges facing livestreamers is attracting and maintaining their viewers. The biggest misconception is that audiences will flock to video streams in a short time with just a few announcement posts. The truth is, that attracting viewers requires a combination of well-thought-out strategies and consistent content.
The Power of Networking
Spreading the word about your stream is a priority for attracting an audience. Networking with others in the following manner is only effective through relationship building.
Use your existing network of friends, family, and co-workers
An often-overlooked strategy. Communicate with those with who you've already created a lasting relationship.
Network with other streamers
Networking with like-minded individuals is one of the most powerful skillsets you'll ever learn. Support each other's channels and reap the rewards with your new superpower.
Cross-promote with other streamers
Cross-promoting can be done through hosting other relevant streams as well as sharing content on social media.
Getting the Word Out
Your audience won't know about your stream if they don't know about it. These effective announcement methods can get the word out quickly.
Teaser videos
Just as TV shows have previews for their next episode, a teaser video works just the same. A teaser should be a short format commercial-like video packed with information about the topic, platform, date, and time of your stream.
Share the streaming link early on
Announce the link 24 to 48 hours before your stream to ensure new viewers are aware of an upcoming stream. Offering incentives to tune in, such as free books about the topic, discounts on the product or service, or other freebies, can attract viewers to tune into the live stream. The announcements can be done through several custom posts on social media, blogs, or email. Enlisting friends and family to do the same will only be the icing on the cake.
Promote the announcement of a big reveal
Viewers enjoy being a part of an exclusive group that will learn inside information or other useful, non-publicized news. Plan and promote a payoff for joining the stream. Ensure that hype fits the topic, or viewers may be disappointed.
During the Stream
Now that it's showtime, there are several ways to keep viewers' attention, so they return for future broadcasts.
Announce the agenda at the start of the stream
Sharing your agenda at the top of the broadcast is helpful to audience members who may not be able to sit through the entire stream. Viewers are more apt to stay if they know ahead of time what will be covered.
Engage the audience
Interaction with viewers is crucial to keep them watching. Address viewers by name when they ask questions and make comments. Poll the audience with questions to stimulate conversations. Conduct a poll or introduce competition to encourage interaction.
Encourage viewers to use unique buttons
Most social platforms have reaction buttons for users to express their opinions such as "like," "wow," and other exclamations. Asking viewers to use the buttons once every 3-4 minutes can increase their engagement with the live stream.
Conclusion
The video live stream is a powerful communication tool for publicizing a product or service. Attracting and increasing the stream's viewership is essential to its success. The above-described strategies are an effective way of increasing exposure to your next live stream event.
Talk Studio is a customizable web-based studio app that can broadcast your live stream to four platforms simultaneously with just a few clicks. Contact us for more information on how Talk Studio can help you grow your audience with its innovative and easy-to-use interface.