What you need to know before you go LIVE on Instagram

 

If you want to be noticed, a LIVE can give you the boost you need. 

You've probably heard this said by a friend or social media marketer before but haven't tried it because you . . . 

  1. hate being in front of the camera
  2. don't feel confident about how to go live
  3. are in need of a little guidance

Those are the top three reasons I hear time and time again.

I get it. As an introvert, the thought of going LIVE on social media makes my heart race and palms sweat. But - it isn't as daunting as it may seem. I promise! 

First, let's start with the basics . . .

How to go LIVE on Instagram

  1. Tap the + sign at the top of your app or swipe right anywhere in the feed.
  2. Scroll to LIVE at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Tap the paragraph icon (four lines) in the middle of your screen and add a title that will entice. 
  4. Tap the LIVE (circle) button at the bottom of your screen to go live! 
  5. At the conclusion of your LIVE, tap "End" at the top right, then tap to confirm. 

That doesn't seem so bad does it? 

Ready to go LIVE? Here are a few tips to help ease your fears and feel more prepared. 

Give your Audience a Heads Up: If you want maximum exposure for a topic or product you'd like to feature, make sure your audience knows in advance when you plan on going LIVE. Announce it a day or two ahead of time on your stories and/or post feed and let them know what you'll be talking about.

Make it a Routine & Show Up: If you plan on doing LIVEs on a regular basis, consider creating a set schedule so your audience knows when to consistently expect you (i.e. Tuesdays 12:00 PM CDT). 

Prep in Advance: Be intentional. Are you showcasing new products? Answering FAQs and live questions? Hosting a How-To or tutorial? Nail down what you're doing in advance. If you plan ahead, you'll feel more confident when you start your live stream. 

Repurpose Your Content: Put those insights to good use! Can't come up with what to talk about? Your posts are a treasure trove! Look at which posts have been your top performers in the past 4-6 months and jot down those topics/products on a Google Doc or your Notes App. 

Encourage Engagement: Encourage your audience to comment with questions, feedback, or mention where they're from and what they do. Make your LIVE fun and interactive by making the ask. 

Collaborate & Co-Host: Nervous about talking to a screen? Add a co-host and make your LIVE feel more like a virtual hangout to discuss your topic of choice. This is a win-win for you and your co-host friend: exposure to each other's audiences and, with that, more followers. 

Save Your LIVE to IGTV: If you're covering a topic or information that might be helpful for new followers or your audience may want to reference later, save your live stream IGTV afterwards. 

Now are you feeling a little boost of confidence? Good! I can't wait to see your first (or latest) LIVE!