Live streaming is one of the most recent additions to the fast-moving world of social media. With Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, and more all now offering live streaming, it’s time to get in on the act. Here are seven actionable ideas that you can use to boost your small business, spread the word about your products and services, and get more sales.

1. Show products being made

Even if you don’t sell a product, you can live stream the process of preparing a service: live stream your service being performed, being careful not to share any client details without permission. You will need to organise your social media schedule so that you are in the right place at the right time to film this, especially if your service requires the presence of a third party.

2. Show your service in action

Another great way to build sales is to show your service in action. You can do that on your own – you don’t need to have your clients involved in that project. It’s a great way to demonstrate how useful your services are, and to explain to new customers how to get the most out of them. Be sure to include any tips or tricks you may have for making it work even better.

3. Give a how-to video

Think about the demographic you appeal to and make a video that they will want to watch because it brings value to their lives. For example, if you’re a professional photographer, you can hold a short webinar where you explain the basics of your craft, show how you work with clients, or unveil some Photoshop tricks that make your work special. Think about potential problems your customers have that you’re trying to solve with your service and help them to fix these issues efficiently.

4. Bring viewers inside company events

If you attend an event, be sure to live stream so that you can bring your audience along with you. Live streaming an event or show will get you lots of viewers! If you’re at a conference and deliver a speech or presentation then this is a great opportunity to live stream. Keynote speeches are definitely prime fodder for sharing around the world in real time – an exciting event that your followers won’t want to miss.

5. Host interviews

The live stream is a great format for interviews, and you can record them for sharing later or transcribing as well. There are lots of options for who you could interview. You could talk to your clients and get some useful reviews or testimonials which show how your service has solved their problem. You can get an influencer to talk about the industry and then share this interview to your audience. Finally, you can also ask your followers what they would like to see and perhaps let them interview you.

6. Organize a fun home office tour

It’s great fun to take your audience around a tour of your home office. Make sure that everyone is aware ahead of time and that no confidential information is on display. This is a great chance to show off your smart office organization solutions and let people see some behind-the-scenes footage of your work. If you feel like it, you might even show a bit more than just your home office – let your audience see your garden where your creative ideas are born or your kitchen where you prepare meals that keep you full of energy during work. People are always curious about others’ lives and a behind-the-scenes video showing a more human and everyday face of your business is bound to make your audience even more interested in you and your business.

7. Show exclusive materials and previews of new services

Your followers will be delighted to be the first ones to know that you’re introducing a new service or collaborating with an interesting partner. Share some exclusive materials and previews in live streaming videos to entertain your audience and show them that you’re constantly developing your offer and keep a close eye on your niche.

There are so many ways to get your followers excited. Try these ideas and watch your follower count soar along with your conversions!

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