Have you been noticing the rising popularity of the “Live” feature on Instagram? Live streaming video grew in popularity over the last year and as far as 2017 is concerned, it’s one of the top trends in social media right now. So, why be intimidated by it when you see the option pop up on your Instagram feed? Why not jump in there and join everyone else by embracing this pretty cool trend?
How to Use Instagram Live for Your Business
I know it can feel a bit overwhelming – you almost feel silly. What exactly can I live stream, why would anyone watch it and how could I possibly use it for my business. Well, the first step is giving it a try and after that – watch the views come in. If you’re just not sure how to get started, here are a few tips to get you going and make a live streamer out of you yet.
Here’s how Instagram explains it:
- Live video on Instagram Stories helps you connect with your friends and followers right now. When you’re done, your live story disappears from the app so you can feel more comfortable sharing anything, anytime.
- It’s easy to go live — just swipe right from feed to open the camera, tap the “Start Live Video” button and start sharing for up to an hour. Your friends may get a notification when you go live so they can tune in. While you’re live, you can pin a comment for everyone to see or turn comments off altogether.
- When someone you follow starts a live story, you’ll see “Live” under their profile photo in the stories bar. During the broadcast, you can comment and like as much as you want. You can also check out new live stories on Explore. Tap “Top Live” to see exciting live stories happening at that moment and swipe right and left to easily skip around.
It’s really that easy! So how and why would you use this for business? Believe it or not, there probably isn’t a more unique and fun way to connect with your clients and customers. You can make each moment feel special and like they’re getting the chance to connect with you directly.
Use Instagram Live to make announcements about new products or changes to products you’ve had for a while. Give the new products a bit of a showcase or what about demo-ing how a product works? Let’s say you sell cosmetics – Instagram Live is the perfect spot for a quick tutorial on a cool new eye makeup trend or even how to clean your makeup brushes.
Give your clients a little sneak peek into the backstage life at your business. Do you have a warehouse or shipping facility where you can provide a cool little tour? People LOVE learning where the products they purchase are actually coming from.
Or how about a sneak peek to meet the team? Even if the team is just you and a couple of your closest friends – offer a little intro and let your customers get to know the personality behind the business.
So, what do you think? Will you give Instagram LIVE a try and see if you can work live video streaming into your business’s 2017 social media strategy?
