Many people are visual learners. They like to see what's being talked about while listening to the tone and style of the person talking in order to help them decide whether they want a product, or want to connect with an idea. So what's one way you can use Facebook Live or Instagram Live to build a brand and boost a following?
A. Broadcast Moments at Trade Shows and Conferences
I've used live video at conferences to broadcast what I see and what's going on, including what I might be doing with my company's brand like a seminar or booth. I've included colleagues in the live feed to further attract a following. - Peter Daisyme, Due
A. Share Your Influencer's Story
Make the "live" aspect a way for people to know your influencer's story and why they find your products helpful. There's something about making things personal and connecting your story to why you like a product. When you make people know you more and see your vulnerability, you automatically gain their trust as well as a boost in following because of that "story time." - Daisy Jing, Banish
A. Offer a Look at Behind the Scenes
Show people what they normally wouldn't see. People love going behind the scenes. Facebook Live is a great opportunity to showcase how your product is made or capture a day in the life at your company. Give us something that we wouldn't be able to see elsewhere. As a result, individuals will be more apt to watch your future broadcasts. - Lyndsi Stafford, eLuminate Marketing
A. Treat It Like Your Own TV Platform
There are aspects of your core brand that people can only understand by watching you live. So think about Facebook Live like your own TV show. If you had a TV platform, what would you do? How would you go about it? I do cooking classes, business speeches and even live get-togethers. That’s a good way to broadcast who you are, what you do, and what you’re good at without spending a ton on production. - Fabio Viviani, Fabio Viviani Hospitality LLC,
A. Give Live Previews of Products or Services
If you have a new product that's about to be released, showcase it through Facebook Live by reviewing the product and showing how it works. If you are a service-based company about to launch a new service, provide a testimonial with an actual client. Also, create some anticipation beforehand across all social media channels to get as many viewers as possible. - Obinna Ekezie, Wakanow.com
A. Offer Tutorials and DIY's
When done correctly, live videos are a great way to demonstrate how to use or create something. DIY’s and tutorials are a great way to capture an audience, spark conversation and generate shares. All of which are great tools to build your brand and boost your following. - Leila Lewis, Be Inspired PR
A. Schedule Q&As
Create a clear strategy before going live to ensure maximum participation. Schedule a Q&A about a unique topic your business excels at, request questions beforehand while also promoting the session on all social channels. Keep it interactive by encouraging viewers to ask questions during the live session. Schedule Q&As consistently to give viewers sessions to look forward to. - Bryanne Lawless, BLND Public Relations
A. Buy a 360 Camera!
While you can't stream 360 footage to Instagram yet, you can to Facebook. Showing a 360 view of inside your business or storefront will prove you are tech savvy and provide content that will standout among your competition. Plus, Facebook and Twitter's Periscope both give preferential status to 360 content in their news feeds. - Nicholas Haase, Startup Drugz
A. Host Open Office Hours to Share Expertise
You are an expert in your field and people are interested in learning from you. Rather than hosting a traditional closed webinar, use Facebook or Instagram Live to host open office hours where followers can submit questions that you answer on air. This allows you to engage with the audience in an authentic way while showing your expertise. - Adelyn Zhou, TOPBOTS
A. Engage and Respond
Organize a small group of influencers who you know will join you and get them interacting with your feed. If necessary, get folks from your own team to kick-start the effort. When viewers see you engaged and responding, they’ll be more likely to jump in and participate. - Dan Golden, BFO (Be Found Online)
A. Show Customers That You're Listening
Turn frequently asked questions into short videos with answers. Take customer feedback and create a video response on how you're dealing with that feedback and how you plan to improve. Focus your attention on providing them with content that is responsive to what your customers want and need. This will help you stay true to not only your mission and vision, but to your customer's experience. - Nicole Munoz, Start Ranking Now
These answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.