If you’re considering trying out live broadcasting, you have to start somewhere. Live streaming is a rapidly expanding industry for a vast number of markets, from streaming video games to eating food to communicating directly with your audience live on air. Whatever your purpose for giving live broadcasting a go, having the correct tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Especially when it comes to creating a successful video marketing campaign and not one that flops the second you go live.
Follow these expert tips and tricks, and you’re far more likely to get the result you want from your first live stream:
For any marketing campaign or project, having a clear idea of the goal or message of your marketing can mean the difference between a clear, communicative piece of content and one that’s confusing or doesn’t make sense for your audience. Before you even think of setting yourself up to stream, begin by making a clear plan of your messaging and the goal for your video content, including the results you hope to achieve – whether it’s improving sales, increasing brand awareness or connecting with a broader audience.
If you can clearly define that goal or message, you’re halfway there to creating a video marketing campaign that’s as effective as it is attractive to your target market. If you keep your focus on the ‘why’, the ‘how’ becomes far more comfortable to implement as well. Planning is your best friend when it comes to streaming, so don’t scrimp on the prep-work.
Once you’ve got a clear idea of the messaging you want your video marketing stream to have, you can then start working on your scripting. The script is far more than just a document to read from – and in fact, in a lot of streams, a strict script-led copy is thrown out the door in exchange for more on-message, organic communication that works far better, especially when it comes to longer, more in-depth or even audience-participation streams.
A script for a live broadcast should be a description of what needs to happen, where and when it needs to happen, and an overview of the different points to be covered. This document can be referred to before and during the stream to allow those on-screen to stay on track, without the requirement to repeat something word-for-word.
When it comes to shooting live video content, location is more important than you might think. This isn’t only true in the sense that you want to provide the best backdrop, as well as a place that’s relatively free of external sound. With live streaming, it’s incredibly important to have a reliable internet connection at all times to maintain the high quality of video you need to get your marketing messaging across.
The issue of location can be solved through a variety of methods. First, pick somewhere viable for live steaming – with power and technology available to ensure the process goes smoothly. Secondly, choose a suitable location if you’re planning to stream live outside or at an event that provides a look at the action without overwhelming the viewers. It’s all about finding that balance, and hopefully, a good ethernet connection, to ensure your quality remains on-point for the full duration of your stream.
Equipment is the next important step in preparing yourself for live stream recording. For streams that use live footage of actors or content producers, using high-quality video is a must for modern-day businesses. This means either an HD webcam or an external, high-quality camera complete with an encoder to ensure for better syncing and overall quality. Sound is also essential, so choosing a quality streaming mic can make all the difference to listeners and watchers.
Alongside the basics for streaming, it’s essential to know what else is required to help your stream run smoothly. Backdrops and lighting help to create a more professional feel, with some creators even opting for green-screen as a better way to incorporate footage into their content. Struggling with sound quality? Then using soundproofing panels might be the ideal solution. Knowing what you need before streaming can ensure a far more professional finish and a set that stands the test of time if you plan to stream more than once.
Test, test and test again. When it comes to a live broadcast, the clue is in the name. Once you’ve gone live, the whole world can see any errors, mistakes or technical issues you face. Testing everything from the equipment you use to the software you plan to integrate into your content creation, as well as checking all the setting available on equipment such as cameras and mics, will pay off in the long run.
Testing should go beyond the equipment itself – with run-throughs of the content and messaging you need including as part of the practice phase to ensure you’re as prepared as you can be. Once you’ve gone live, it’s all out there. So it’s more than worth investing a little time and effort to ensure everything is perfect from square one.
The most exciting part of live broadcasting might be the streaming itself, but promotion comes second-best. Knowing your audience can help you effectively market an upcoming live stream, with features such as countdowns on your online channels and social media marketing proving valuable additions to getting potential viewers over from one platform to another.
When you schedule your video marketing, a live stream is just as vital to connecting with the right audience. Do a little research into the best time to stream for your customer base, and you’re far more likely to make a success out of that next stream. While marketing targeted at millennials might be best-suited to late-night slots, those for professionals might be best done at lunchtime or before 11 pm. It’s all about knowing your audience, and knowing who you want your message to reach.
Think you’re ready to get streaming? At Zidivo, we’re devised this handy checklist to help you prepare appropriately for that first stream. If you need extra support, drop us a line today to find out more about how we can transform your video marketing into something as professional as your business.
If you need any further help in planning your first live stream, just get in touch and a member of the Zidivo team will be ready to walk you through it.
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