Live video is revolutionizing the way we think of social media. If you’re serious about leveraging social media to grow your business, you will be happy to learn that yes, you can generate leads with live video. There’s a reason everyone is doing it – it works. People eat it up. Here’s what you need to know to put live video to work for you driving traffic and leads.
The Rationale Behind Live Video
Last year, Instagram joined the trend of offering users live video. At that point, everyone in the social media marketing community knew it was official: live video had taken over the industry. Two years ago, everyone was talking about visual content. Big flashy images was the way to build engagement. But last year a disruption occurred. Live video went from some random feature of Periscope to the way people use Facebook, Instagram, and others. Brands started offering routine live sessions. Why? Not because they were bored and looking for something new. But because they found they could actually generate leads with live video.
Check out some of the primary perks that come from leveraging live video:
- Engagement Boost
Everyone wants to be a part of something in real time. Typically, people don’t just watch live content. They interact with it. Questions get answered instantly. Feedback completes the communication loop. There’s energy in a live session done right. - Simpler & Cheaper
Live video doesn’t take much production effort. It’s cheap. It’s informal. And it can be done in the spur of the moment. - Authenticity
Live video generates leads because it is the exact opposite of pitching. Today’s social media consumer is so jaded to marketing pitches and advertisements. A live video is typically raw, interactive, and completely authentic. Participants gain useful information and hang out with their favorite brands under no pressure. 
Novelty
This goes two ways. First, it really isn’t cliché to say you can get in on the ground floor with this angle. Live video is such a new way to use social media that there is room for creative brands to create their own space and differentiate. And second, social media users typically pause whatever they are doing for live video simply because they aren’t as accustomed to seeing it in their feed. It’s novel to look at, and it’s interesting.
How to Create Live Videos that Generate Leads
Because social media platforms like Facebook typically show your live videos to more of your fans than pre-recorded videos or text posts, live video is a no-brainer. You can generate leads with live video by shooting authentic and helpful sessions that answer questions or address topics you know your niche is interested in. As with any video marketing, be sure to shoot in adequate lighting, center yourself in the shot, and look directly into the camera. Don’t wear sunglasses or obscure your eyes. Your eyes are what draw people in and build rapport that will convert them into leads.
Live video can be shot from a mobile device or even from a desktop in certain applications. So whether you are in the office or running errands, you can connect with your peeps in real-time and keep them up on your story. Remember, leads and business come from stories, not marketing gimmicks. Today’s successful brands create an engaging story and bring their audience along with them on a journey.
What’s your story? What journey would you like to bring your audience along on? Brainstorming these crucial questions is the first step to help you generate leads with live video. But at the end of the day, it won’t happen unless you hit that red button and start talking. That’s the beauty of live video – you don’t have to wait until everything is right. Just jump in and experiment.
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