Are you looking to engage with your customers? Build a relationship with them and let them get to know you, your business and your brand better? The best way to do that is through video—live video streaming, in particular.

Creating live video streams that are valuable and interesting creates an unlimited number of possibilities to connect with current as well as potential clients. And it does so in a way that is easy, fast and affordable (even free!).

Live video streaming has an honest, unpolished quality to them that lends a lot of credibility. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require forethought and planning to reach your target audience. Before going live think about what you want to say, what the purpose of your video is, and what it is you’re trying to achieve.

Not every live video stream needs to be a sales pitch – in fact, customers are more likely to be engaged if it is not. Create a connection with your audience by working to humanize your brand and your business. Make sure your live stream is interesting enough that people want to stop what they are doing and watch it… every time you go live.

To make it interesting, work to create an emotional connection with your business and have some fun with it. This can be done by showing what it’s like inside a brainstorming session or a meeting, but have fun with it – does someone have an interesting mug or meeting ritual? Share it on your live video stream! This personalizes your brand and creates a connection with your audience.

If your business is home-based, show how your pet tries to interrupt you whenever you are on a conference call, or even where they sleep while you work.

If you have a storefront, unpack shipment boxes to show your customers your latest merchandise and demonstrate your excitement about the new shipment as though you were a kid at Christmas.

People love a behind-the-scenes look and they love when a business, and business owner appear approachable. Use your creativity to come up with something unique that works for you and your business, but that also resonates with your customers.

Not sure how to use live stream video for marketing?

Host a tutorial or workshop webinar

Show a live tutorial or conduct a training session. Teaching potentially grows your number of followers and customers because you’re giving them something useful, and if it is something they need or are looking for – they will more than likely sign up for more! Hosting a live webinar tells people what you have to offer and tells them whether you are the person they want to work with.

Demonstrate a Product

What better way to market your product then by actually giving a live demo of how it works. This allows customers to see the things that can’t be fully explained via a written social media update. The “in the moment” quality of live videos makes you and the product more attainable. It’s also the best way to show off a new product or service – show your audience what you’re capable of instead of just writing it down on your Facebook Page!

Show What You Have to Offer

Not every business produces a physical product. Find ways to show what you do – projects you are working on or successes. It could even be a “day in the life” or tips on how to improve something that your customer may struggle with, such as social media management tips or event planning tips.

Offer a discount

People love exclusive discounts or giveaways. Try offering a special specifically for those who are viewing live. A discount or special offer can boost business and it might also allow you to track the effectiveness of your videos.

Once you have some ideas of how you might what to incorporate live video streaming into your marketing efforts, consider your tool options:

Facebook Live

This is Facebook’s live video streaming option for your business page. It allows you to stream live from you smartphone or computer. Once your stream starts your fans get a notification. Viewers are able to comment or use Facebook reactions on your post. You can then share this post on your personal page or use it in a Facebook ad.

Periscope

Periscope is Twitter’s answer to live streaming. Download it as another app on you smartphone and your audience can comment through the app. Periscope is ideal for businesses that are active on Twitter.

Instagram Stories

Released in late 2016, Instagram Stories allows users to create videos that stay at the top of their followers’ news feeds for 24 hours. Instagram Stories can be accessed through your Instagram account.

Snapchat

Similar to Instagram Stories, Snapchat is only viewable for 24 hours, but consistent posting of fun content that is relevant to your brand can help create excitement and build brand loyalty. Snapchat also offers geofilters, which are a fun way to get your brand name out there.

If you are thinking about using live video streaming as a part of your marketing plan, consider the forum that would best reach your maximum target audience i.e., if your audience is on Facebook then consider using Facebook Live as your live video streaming tool.

Live video steaming is an easy-to-access marketing tool that might be a great addition to your marketing plan. Just remember to have a plan, be creative and have fun!