Note: This is a guest post by Stefanos Bournias. The author’s views are entirely his own and may not reflect the views of Deepanshu Gahlaut’s Blog.
Instagram Live is most actively used by the brands and businesses who have made it to the top. If you’re like most companies on Instagram you use the platform to:
- Build brand loyalty and an authentic following
- Increase engagement
- Drive traffic to your site
By employing Instagram’s Live feature, you could generate explosive growth for your business. Instagram Live has a phenomenal 500 million daily users. Of these daily users, 80 percent have said they are following a business on the site.
The Instagram Live feature sits alongside Instagram Stories right at the top of the feed on the platform, this ensures that your viewers are more likely to see it than they would an average post on their newsfeed.
On top of this, the Instagram algorithm shows a preference towards live videos over normal Instagram Stories. This means that your live video will jump to the front of the queue for your followers and be much more likely to be seen.
You can see how effectively implementing an Instagram Live strategy could shoot you to success. Follow the tips below and in as little as six months you could hit 10,000 Instagram followers. Another strategy that works for many businesses is buying or growing Instagram followers that interact with your brand.
1. Promote Your Live Videos Ahead of Time
As soon as you click the Live button (found on the Instagram Stories function) the platform will let your followers know that you are live on video.
The more you promote your Live video beforehand, the more people that will join in to watch the video. This is hugely beneficial, particularly if you are trying to encourage followers to engage with the video through comments.
One of the important strategy is using and getting famous with the most popular Instagram hashtags and get more exposure to your live vidoes.
Promos could come in the form of posts on your newsfeed. Sites like Canva make aesthetically pleasing Instagram graphics. You could also trailer your Live video with Instagram story posts in the few days that come before. Let your followers know what time you will be live and what they can expect.
2. Encourage Your Audience To Interact
Remember that when you are speaking in your live video, you’re actually reaching customers and potential customers. Engage well with them and encourage them to interact back. Instagram Live is a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with their consumer-base, in a way that was impossible until recently.
While your Instagram Live video is running, you can see the number of users tuned into the video at the bottom of the screen. As they leave and enter the video stream, the number will go up and down. This should give you some indication of how engaging your video is.
Address the viewers directly and encourage them to share their thoughts. Ask their questions and read aloud their comments to make them feel included in the process.
3. Show Off Your Products
Content showing customers exactly how to use your products can effectively translate into sales for your business. Even better if you can show your potential customers how to use your products in real time. This way you can also answer any questions they might have.
It goes without saying that if you are using Instagram Live to display your product, you want it to be seen at its best. Be sure to check that the background, lighting and product are all optimized to look impactful on video.
4. Turn Up Well Prepared
Would you pitch your business to a potential customer or client unprepared in real life? We didn’t think so. Whether your live video is directly related to your products or services or not, treat it like you would that pitch. Preparation is key.
It’s no secret that it is easy to slip up while live on air. Just check YouTube’s bloopers reels for proof of that. So don’t panic if you do take a misstep. The whole point of social media is to connect with your customers on a personal level and an honest mistake could make your business feel more relatable and authentic.
That said, it’s always best to know what you want to say beforehand. That way you are unlikely to miss out on any crucial details.
You could even record some practice videos to see how the live video will come together. This could help you fine-tune out any issues you might have with your script, the way you come across on camera and any problems with lighting or background.
5. Don’t Forget A Call To Action
When your video is over, make sure that your followers know what to do and where to go next. This is the ideal time to drive traffic to your website or online shop. Make this clear and provide a link.
You could also drive traffic to a promotion, a giveaway or an email subscription list. This will all ultimately translate into a better following and a growth in sales. Be explicit about your call to action, making it clear what you want your followers to do. Make sure that your instructions are clear and straight-forward.
Follow the above tips and you are well on the way to translating your Instagram following into e-commerce sales. Don’t miss out on an effective social media marketing tool that could generate exponential growth for your business.
Author Bio: Stefanos Bournias is a content marketing consultant that specializes in SaaS businesses. He’s worked with start-up founders, content managers and inbound marketers to deliver quality content that increases brand awareness, traffic and qualified leads.
Great tips and idea for using Instagram live as a sale channel. Thanks for sharing this information!!