Live Video & Business Sales

Here are some of the best video streaming tips to increase sales.

As technology evolves, so does the sales pitch.

Once telephones hit the scene decades ago, salesmen ditched door-to-door visits to make cold calls. Today, video streaming apps such as Twitter’s Periscope and   (Opens in a new tab)Blab are revolutionizing sales strategies.

The difference between static video and streaming apps is the ease of interacting in real time with viewers who have opted in to watch.

Video streaming lets you connect with potential customers anywhere, anytime via their mobile phones.

Want to boost sales with video streaming, but you’re not sure how to begin? No problem. Here are some effective, no-nonsense ways to drive your business’s sales with streamed videos.

Create a magnetic title. A good title should grab people’s attention immediately. “It is the only thing that is going to create the expectation for what [your audience] will be watching,” says Vincenzo Landino, founder of Fifty 2 Creative, a digital media agency. Make it short, catchy and straightforward. Clearly describe what your video is about and why people should tune in. Do you have exclusive footage? Is it educational? What will viewers get out of it?

Promote it. Share your streaming link 24 to 48 hours in advance using the e-mail or social media accounts with the most influence on your intended audience. Otherwise, you’re limited to whoever accidentally discovers your video clip.

Create a sense of urgency. Two benefits of apps such as Facebook Live (Opens in a new tab) and Periscope are the elements of scarcity and adaptability. Unless viewers save your videos to their phones’ camera rolls, the stream automatically gets deleted soon after it airs. But that can work to your advantage since it motivates people to tune in, so they don’t feel like they’re missing out on a good thing.

Interact with viewers. “The people watching are really the co-creators [of your video],” says Fritz Brumder, cofounder and CEO of the video streaming company Brandlive Inc. “You want them to be able to send you comments and questions and to be able to respond live.” It’s a good idea to spend the first few minutes welcoming your participants, then jump right into your topic. Otherwise followers might lose interest and tune out.

Invite others to join the conversation. With (Opens in a new tab)Google Hangouts On Air, you can host up to 10 people in a video conversation and also share the stream of that Hangout. That’s a great opportunity to host a panel discussion with experts or satisfied customers who would like to share their experience working with you. Blab has four window seats; one for the host and three for guests. You can rotate through multiple guests. Keep in mind, though, that your Blab session will not be public until there are at least two people in it.

Create a call to action. Landino says you should always remember this crucial question: “What do you want your audience to do while you have their attention?” Whatever that is, you should make it as easy as possible for your viewers. If you want them to follow a link to buy a product, splash it on the screen by holding up a sign with the website. Mention it at the beginning, middle, and end of your broadcast and use a short URL. Some video streaming tools even have a call to action button that can send spectators to the link of your choice once the video ends.

You’ve got a great story to tell about your business, and video streaming is an effective way to engage customers in your story and your brand. Our video streaming tips can give you the confidence and know-how to grow your audience and your customer base.

Want to learn more savvy business strategies? Take a look at our business resource center. And, one of the smartest business decisions you can make is being proactive about protection. Connect with an agent (Opens in a new tab) today to learn about customized coverage for your business.