Social media is, without doubt, your business’s digital forefront to the world. While showcasing your products and services as an essential digital marketing activity, social media LIVE Streaming offers your audience a front-row seat to the enchanting world of the people driving your business.
Imagine talking live to your target audience, bringing out your vision, the stories behind your offerings and having the chat box buzzing with live reactions from potential customers. This is the magic of going live on social media! It’s not just a fancy feature – it’s your chance to transform your digital storefront into a captivating experience, one that transcends static pictures and text.
3 Fantastic Reasons to Go LIVE:
1. Break the Ice: Live streaming fosters a sense of connection that static posts just can’t match. It allows viewers to see the real you, the passionate entrepreneur behind the brand.
2. Real-Time Engagement: Unlike pre-recorded videos, live streams offer a two-way street. Answer questions in real-time, address concerns, and build a sense of community with your audience.
3. Boost Brand Authority: LIVE sessions offer a platform to showcase your expertise. Host Q&A sessions with industry veterans, conduct live product demonstrations, or offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into your manufacturing process.
But before you hit that “Go Live” button, let’s equip you with the tools to turn your virtual bazaar into a thriving marketplace. Remember there are 4 Stages to this.
Stage 1: Preparing to GO LIVE
· Know your platform: Each platform caters to a slightly different audience. Instagram LIVE is ideal for behind-the-scenes glimpses, product demonstrations, or Q&A sessions. Facebook LIVE offers flexibility, allowing live broadcasts from your personal profile or business page. It’s great for product launches, workshops, or interviews. LinkedIn LIVE is perfect for industry discussions, thought leadership talks, or showcasing your expertise. Finally, YouTube LIVE is the heavyweight for longer, in-depth content like educational tutorials, product reviews, or live events.
· Target your audience: Who are you trying to reach? Understanding your audience demographics and interests helps tailor your content and choose the most relevant platform. Take inspiration from Indian brands like Fabindia, known for their informative and engaging Facebook Live sessions showcasing traditional craft techniques.
· Plan your content: Don’t wing it! Having a loose structure keeps you focused and prevents rambling. Brainstorm topics relevant to your MSME, like showcasing the craftsmanship behind your products (like Jaipur Rugs on Instagram Live), or conducting live demonstrations like a local bakery sharing their signature recipe (think live bread baking on Facebook Live!).
· Promote your live session: Create a buzz with a good creative! Announce your live stream on your social media pages, website, or email newsletter in advance. Tease the topic, highlight potential takeaways, and encourage viewers to set reminders. Post this creative on the social media platform and most importantly, on your WhatsApp Status with a caption that has the social media URL.
Stage 2: Tech Check
Most LIVE features allow you to do a trial without letting your followers see you trying out the feature. If not, create a dummy account and do all your trials on that dummy account.
Camera: Before going live, ensure a stable internet connection. Place the camera on a stand a little away from you so people can see you the top 1/3rd of you. The impact of you talking with your hands moving is more effective than just a closeup of your face.
Lights: Make sure your face is lit up (natural light is best!). Check how the colour of your clothes and makeup, if any, go with the lights and the background. Keep some space between you and the background to provide depth. Make sure the background is relevant – if you’re in the creative field, your background could reflect accordingly. And if you’re in the finance or legal field, make sure your background gives a formal and reliable impression to your audience.
Sound: Check if your audio is clear. Invest in a basic microphone if necessary (many phone headsets have decent mics). Save your trial recording and play it back to hear if you sounded too loud or too soft.
Picture 2 & Picture 3
Stage 3: Action
Be confident and engaging: Smile, relax, and be yourself! Nervousness is natural, but project enthusiasm and passion for your topic. Talk directly to your audience, acknowledge comments, and respond to questions promptly. Take a cue from Nykaa’s beauty tutorials on YouTube Live, where their hosts create a warm and interactive environment.
Visuals are key: Live streams are a visual medium. Use product demos, presentations, or visuals to keep viewers engaged. For example, a clothing boutique on Instagram Live could showcase different outfits on a model while viewers ask questions about sizing or materials.
Embrace the Q&A format: One of the biggest advantages of live streaming is real-time interaction. Encourage viewers to ask questions, address them directly, and use their queries as springboards for further discussion. This is a fantastic way to build relationships and gather valuable customer insights.
Pro Tip: Don’t let that initial blank screen scare you off! Prepare a captivating opening – a quick intro, a sneak peek at what’s to come, or even a fun countdown to build anticipation.
Stage 4: Post LIVE
Share it on your Feed: Don’t let the live stream disappear! Share it on your feed as soon as you finish. Choose a nice thumbnail and add an interesting caption with some hashtags. If you don’t want it visible on your feed later, you can archive it and download it.
Repurpose your content: Save the recording and edit it into shorter clips for your social media channels or website. Share key takeaways in a blog post or infographic.
Analyze your performance: Most platforms provide insights into your live stream’s reach, engagement, and audience demographics. Use this data to understand what worked and what could be improved for future sessions.’
Bonus Tip: Partner Up!
Collaborate with other MSMEs in your field or an influencer in your niche for a joint live session. This broadens your reach, introduces you to a new audience, and fosters a sense of community.
Going live on social media can be a powerful tool for Indian MSMEs. By following these tips, planning your content, and engaging with your audience, you can create dynamic and informative live streams that not only showcase your products and services but also build lasting relationships with your customers. Remember, Bharat Udyog Gaurav stands with you on your digital journey. So, take a deep breath, hit that “Go Live” button, and let the world discover the magic of your MSME!
BHARAT UDYOG GAURAV (BUG) is on a Mission to create a remarkable Digital Footprint for 1 MILLION MSMEs. Join the Mission, become a BUG member by filling the form below and take your company to exponential success.
