Competition between businesses and different brands is strong, especially as the internet now allows for a more significant target market. As such, companies must employ new tactics to grow their influence and brand image. One of the trending methods is to use live content in their marketing.
In this article, we explore why live content has become increasingly important to brands in 2024 and the myriad benefits it offers in enhancing brand visibility, fostering authenticity, driving meaningful interactions with consumers, and providing valuable content marketing tips.
The Importance of Social Media
Social media has become one of the most popular ways to market businesses. It has millions of users around the world and multiple platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and more.
Not only do these platforms allow businesses to reach out better to customers, but they also allow for more organic engagement through content marketing. It’s not only traditional businesses that use it, but online casino operators and freelancers also use it, along with live content.
What’s Live Content?
Live content refers to any content that’s presented to customers while live. The most common form of it is live video streams, which generally have a chat open and allow the viewers to interact with the streamer. While you might think of it with YouTubers or influencers, it’s also now become an excellent marketing tactic.
Benefits of Live Content for Brand Growth
Live content, while not as popular in the growing digital marketing tactics just yet, has the potential to take over the advertising industry. It has several benefits, which we explore.
#1 Humanized Marketing
The first benefit is that it offers a humanized view of the brand. Customers can get to know some of the employees or the owner, which fosters trust between the two parties. Increased trust means you get a bigger market, as clients are more likely to recommend the brand.
Clients who know the people who run it or the type of brand ambassadors it has are more likely to use that company.
#2 More Exposure for Less Effort
Instead of organizing a massive event to showcase a new product, you can introduce it through a live video online. It lets you access a wider audience and spare money on catering, hiring a venue, service staff, and other expenses.
The main benefit of hosting an online stream is that your country’s borders don’t limit you. You can also introduce it to more people simultaneously.
#3 Enhanced Authenticity
Live content increases your authenticity. If clients can put a face to the name, then they feel more secure in trusting you. You can show the behind-the-scenes and increase your company’s transparency.
This transparency also makes you more reliable, which means you’re more likely to obtain loyal customers. Building up a loyal clientele is one of the most organic ways to grow the company.
#4 Easy Start to Establishing a Brand
Making live streams helps you get your business started easier. Often, to start a business, you first need a shop location, printed advertisements, and many other factors to spread the word about it.
However, with live streaming, you can start multiple businesses from your home. By using live content to market your business, you can build it from the ground up and get loyal customers who follow your streams as the business grows.
#5 Real-Time Engagement with Audience
A great benefit is that you can interact with your customers. Answer questions in real time and learn what your clients are looking for. Many people are more likely to interact with a live stream than, say, a survey.
Streams are more entertaining since viewers freely engage with someone instead of passively receiving content or completing a questionnaire. Customers are also more likely to share, recommend, and interact with other parts of the brand due to the connection you built via the live stream.
Conclusion: Grow Your Brand Organically
Growing your brand can be difficult, especially with the vast competition online. However, by reaching out to clients through a live stream, you foster a stronger bond with them and increase your authenticity. You can organically grow your brand image while remaining relevant to the current market.
FAQs
Live content refers to any content that is presented to an audience in real-time. This often includes live video streams where viewers can interact with the presenter or host through chat features. Live content can offer a more immediate and authentic connection between brands and their audience, fostering real-time engagement and interaction.
Making live content typically involves using a camera or webcam to stream video footage live to an online platform such as social media channels or dedicated streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube Live.
Many social media platforms offer built-in tools for live streaming, making it relatively easy for brands to go live. Additionally, various software applications and streaming services are available to help facilitate the live-streaming process.
The best content for live streaming often depends on the goals and audience of the brand. However, some popular types of live content include product launches, behind-the-scenes looks, Q&A sessions, interviews, tutorials or demonstrations, and live events or performances.
Ultimately, the most effective live content is engaging, authentic, and relevant to the interests of the target audience.
Live streaming can range from being completely free to requiring some investment, depending on factors such as the equipment and software needed, as well as any promotional efforts to reach a wider audience.
Many social media platforms offer live streaming features at no additional cost, making it accessible to brands of all sizes. However, brands may choose to invest in higher-quality equipment, advertising, or production services to enhance the quality and reach of their live streams.
