Is livestreaming part of your social media strategy? It should be, considering that people spend not only a significant amount of time watching live videos, but they also want more of them from marketers. Nearly 90% of people want to watch more videos from brands, according to research from Wyzowl. Most businesses (85%) are already using video as a marketing tool, and 92% say it’s a key part of their marketing strategy.

Livestreaming can be done on nearly any platform, including Instagram and TikTok. If you think going live is too stressful or not worth the effort, read on. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we highlight a post from the Staples Worklife Resource Center that explains some of the biggest benefits of livestreaming.

It’s quick to livestream. You don’t need a bunch of equipment or a fancy studio — all you need is a smartphone and a social media account that offers livestreaming. The Staples post points out that platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and others make it easy by offering instructions on how to start. Oftentimes, you only need to tap a button and you’re broadcasting to your audience. Although it’s easy to do, the post recommends reading online tutorials so you appear confident and professional. You can also browse videos from businesses you admire to get a feel for how they use live videos in their marketing.

It provides real-time communication. Maybe your customers want to ask a question or weigh in on a specific topic. During a livestream, you can see questions and comments as they come in and answer them while you’re on camera. The Staples post recommends collaborating with a partner or colleague during the livestream so you don’t have to read questions and articulate answers on the fly. Someone can read comments and you both can answer as a team. This can help take some of the pressure off doing it all yourself. Plus, the post says that it opens the possibility of easy conversation between the two of you to create a more approachable face to your company.

It's perfect for a CTA. Every time you go live on social media, you can encourage your viewers to take a specific action. Maybe you want them to download a cheat sheet or sign up for a sneak peek at new products. The Staples post notes that the ability to integrate promotions or CTAs directly into the viewing experience is one of the biggest benefits to a live video stream.

Livestreaming is an easy way to build authentic relationships with your target audience. Whether you do quick livestreams to unveil a new product or you livestream from an event, simply going live can help you communicate with current customers, reach a wider base and connect with people on a more personal level.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: The Staples Worklife Resource Center. Blogs feature advice and insights that help organizations improve productivity and streamlines processes.