23/03/2019 | DigitalMarketingSocial Media
The way people use social media alongside popular events mean these moments are shared and experienced as a collective. Whether it’s a new television series, the big game at the weekend or even a global exhibition, we just love to talk about them – and we don’t half talk about them!
It’s in our nature to have FOMO (fear of missing out), so when watching the latest episode of The Walking Dead you just have to watch it live to make sure you don’t miss out on the latest plot twists – especially not before your friends on Twitter do!
And that’s the whole point. You don’t want to miss out on these moments and we love sharing them with others. That’s why social media is where these live moments live.
That’s all well and good if you’re tweeting about your favourite show on a Friday night, but what does that mean for your business? How does this activity help you?
Well, it means we know where people are and what they’re talking about. It also gives us an idea of how people behave online and how they engage with others – individuals and businesses alike.
Social media is all about being just that; social. It’s reactive. Responding to comments, third party content and to current news and trends can often create the most engaging content. Whilst your business might not be able to pass comment on the Stranger Things finale, there is always opportunity to add value to discussions that are relevant to your offering.
But how do you go one step further and offer your audience the opportunity to join in moments of your own? Moments you’ve created yourself?
Going live!
In one of our first blogs of the year we discussed our marketing predictions for 2017 and a key prediction was the importance of in-the moment content, particularly in social media.
Much like people enjoy moments like those we’ve just discussed, they also now demand social media to work as a conduit for more vicarious experiences. Users want to experience what it’s like to be there, in that moment. And this is where live video comes into play. So why not use live video as a way of teaching your audience something and giving them something to take away?
“Real in-the-moment content is the key to making users feel like they’re a part of the experience as it unfolds and can be created using tactics, such as live video, 360 images and recorded video with more real-time posting.”
Live video gives people that in-the-moment experience without having to leave the house. Most platforms now offer this as standard; Facebook Live, Instagram Live and Stories, Snapchat, Twitter Go Live – all of which give the user and their audience an opportunity to share in live moments.
So, what could you stream?
What does your audience want to see? What content do they already engage with? There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding what to stream, and there’s certainly no harm in testing it – and even asking your audience; ‘what do you want to see?’
Do you have an exclusive event? A new product? Is there something of value you could share that would be made even better using video?
Live streaming offers your audience something different, a break from the norm. It gives them a deeper insight into your business and how you work. It doesn’t have to be professionally shot, or meticulously planned – and that’s the beauty of it. It’s simply in the moment.
If you want more ideas on how to engage with your audience or want help in creating a social media strategy for your business, why not talk to us?