Are you interested in hopping on the video bandwagon? 87% of online marketers use video content, so if you’re not doing video, you’re doing something wrong. But don’t worry! MILO is here to help you make a splash with Live Video tips and tricks!

Did you know that one-third of online activity is spent watching video?

Livestream and New York Magazine reached out to 1,000 adults with a survey to learn how consumers think about and use live video. Live video is more appealing to brand audiences: 80% would rather watch live video from a brand than read a blog, and 82% prefer live video from a brand to social posts.

So if you really want to increase your audience, live video is the way to go. Today, MILO is going to teach you how to excel at live video by creating closer customer connections and how to get over the fear of going live.

As platforms evolve, you must evolve with them. You can now go live on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Because this is such a new feature, many people may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with going live. In order to prevent poor performance and get over your nerves, you need proper planning.

Here’s a checklist of 10 tips when going live to make sure everything runs smoothly:

  • Tell your followers ahead of time when you plan to go live.
  • Figure out what your purpose is.
  • Make sure you have a strong wifi connection.
  • Background check.
  • Switch off interruptions.
  • Voice warm-ups.
  • Remind viewers they can subscribe to Live notifications.
  • The best length for a love video is 15 minutes.
  • Say names from the comment section to engage your audience.
  • Keep showing up!

Even when you are prepared, going live can still be nerve-wracking if you are not used to it.

Whether you are in front of the camera or behind it, practicing with going live will help you become more comfortable and confident in this process.

Online marketing expert, Amy Porterfield, says that “there’s nothing more powerful than showing up live.” If you’re in front of the camera, Amy says you have to make it more about your audience and less about you. This way you will come across as someone that connects instantly. 

Four secrets Amy has that she uses to thrive on camera are:

  • She eased into live by testing it in a private Facebook group
  • She’s rarely alone when doing Live video. Having someone from her team on the other end to let her know everything is working, eases her fears and makes her more comfortable on camera.
  • Use Instagram Stories as practice videos. They are great ways to become more comfortable showing your face and talking on camera without the live element. Try to do an IG story at least once a week.
  • Keep your equipment simple. Having to handle too many things all at once can make you more nervous about whether something will go wrong. A simple set up that you know how to use will help you remain relaxed while you’re live.

Going live in its simplest form requires a smartphone or tablet, and a good wifi connection. Confident Live Marketing coach, Ian Anderson Gray recommends using speedtest.net to check your internet speed before going live. The recommended minimum speed is 10 Mbps. 

Live video can make you feel more connected with your audience. So don’t be afraid to try live video for your business today.