By: Bria Hutchinson

There are so many ways to engage with your audience on social media these days–static posts, carousels, short videos, long videos, gifs, comments, sharing others’ content, etc. But one way you can instantly and directly connect is by going live on your socials.

The first few times you do it, it can feel intimidating or vulnerable. That’s only because you’re trying something new. Like anything else, it takes some practice to become good. But there are a few things you can do to make it easier on yourself those first few times you go live.

In this article, you’ll see some reasons you should consider going live. Then you’ll see some tips on how to do it. So without further ado, let’s get going.

Key Takeaways

1. Going live creates direct, instant engagement.
2. It deepens your connection to your audience.
3. You stay visible.
4. There are different ways to go live.
5. Tell your followers in advance that you’re going live.
6. Plan ahead.
7. Engage with your audience during the stream.

Reasons to Go Live

It Creates Direct, Instant Engagement

Going live is a phenomenal way to create instant, direct connection between you and your audience. As a real-time video, it deepens your connection because you can’t edit or polish it before putting it out into the world. So your audience gets to see the real, authentic you–building their trust with you and your business.

It Creates Community

Though platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Tik Tok allow you to save your live videos so you can post them to your feed later, it won’t quite be the same. Some of them don’t include the likes or comments when you save it, so followers who see it later won’t have the same experience as those who were there.

And that’s the cool thing about live streams! Because they’re a limited-time, exclusive event, they can create a feeling of community within those who came. Everyone can see the comments and likes and know what’s happening at all times. Sometimes, it can even become a fun “you had to be there” sort of connection. It can also create a healthy dose of FOMO for those who didn’t come.

You Stay Visible & At the Top Your Followers’ Minds

Going live is another way to remind your audience who you are, what your business does, and how you can help. The more times you connect with your followers, the more likely they are to remember you. And once they remember you, they can decide to work with you, or they can recommend your business to someone else who needs to work with you.

The Different Ways to Live Stream

There are several ways you can format your live streams. You can do a classic AMA (ask me anything), where you answer your followers’ questions they put in the comments. You can also do a fun game or competition and announce the winner live, showing the prize they won. Or you can go live as part of a product launch campaign to build hype, tease an upcoming event, and much more.

With all these reasons to go live in mind, let’s look at how to actually do it.

Things to Think About Before Going Live

Tell Your Audience Beforehand

Just like any other event, you need to market your live stream, so people know when, where, and how to show up. Your followers should have enough time to put it in their calendars should they want to participate. Meaning don’t give them a heads up a few hours before going live. Give it at least a week, and post or send reminders as the date gets closer.

Plan Ahead

While it may seem counter-intuitive to plan ahead for your live stream, you do want to have an agenda and/or key message(s) you want to get across to your audience. As previously mentioned, there are different ways to go live. Make sure whatever way you choose is in line with your marketing strategy and business goals.

You also want to check your equipment before actually going live. This way you’ll know how to work the live stream, your phone, ring light, etc., and won’t be adding another stressor to your plate the day of.

Engage With Your Audience During the Stream

The entire point of going live is to directly engage with your audience. So don’t forget to take a break every once in a while to look at the comments. Answer some questions or shout out a few names of your followers that you see in attendance. These call outs let your audience know that you are actually listening to them and want to engage with them.

Hopefully, these tips help make your first few lives successful and fun!

If going live still seems a tad out of reach, CCox Social is happy to guide you through it and be your go-to social media experts. Schedule your free discovery call today.