Celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Madonna have already jumped on the live streaming video train, and it’s time for your brand to do the same. Live streaming apps, like Meerkat and Periscope, present a huge opportunity for your brand to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
Because videos on Meerkat and Periscope are viewed live and are available for only a limited time, your brand has the chance to engage with viewers in real time. Whether it’s with exclusive content, like behind-the-scenes footage, or addressing your followers’ concerns through a Q&A session, your brand can take advantage of the candid nature of live streaming to forge real relationships.
Here are five ways your brand can connect with your audience using live streaming video:
1. Build Trust
Live streaming provides your audience with a candid look at your brand. Because the video is live and relatively unplanned, your audience feels like they are getting an inside look at your company.
The more open you are in your videos, the more your audience will relate to you. Seeing your company in a more casual state makes it more likely that they will trust you on other platforms in the future.
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2. Be Human
While you can (and should) plan your video stream ahead of time, you shouldn’t read from a script when filming.
Know what you want to say, but decide the exact words in the moment. Use your notes as a guide, not a script.
If you go for a more casual video, you’ll appear more relatable to your audience, and putting a face to your company will humanize your brand.
3. Share Exclusive Content
Attract followers by promising exclusive content to those who watch your video. Take your viewers behind the scenes of a special event or announce the launch of your new product. You could even offer an exclusive promotion or deal.
Giving your audience something special that no one else can make them feel included, which will build even more trust in your brand.
4. Teach Something
Your audience is tuning in to your live video to learn something. Whether they want to know about your company, your products or even a related topic, you need to make it interesting.
Try setting up a product demo, giving a tour of your facilities or hosting a Q&A session. Viewers will get the information they want and learn more about you and your brand in the process.
5. Communicate Openly
Both Meerkat and Periscope offer opportunities for you to engage with your audience. Take advantage of these apps to directly communicate with your followers.
Be open and honest and answer your audience’s questions as they come in. Live streaming is the closest you’ll get to an actual face-to-face conversation. When you communicate directly to your audience, they’ll feel a stronger connection to your brand.
Images: Anthony Quintano, andreavallejos (Creative Commons)