How to Be the Perfect Host on Instagram Live
Published on 5th of May 2019Contents
Are you one of those who have been wanting to do a live session on Instagram but just dread being in front of viewers in real time? Or have you ever tried to host an Instagram Live session but it didn’t go well and now you can’t bring yourself to do it again? You’re not alone. Not everyone knows how to act in front of the camera, and a lot of people get nervous and self-conscious when broadcasting live.
However, whether you like it or not, you need to get on Instagram Live soon. Why? Because this social medial feature is a highly effective channel for reaching your target audience, growing your followers, and consequently increase your customers and revenue. Whatever your reasons are for not using this feature to boost your exposure on Instagram, you can overcome these by shifting your focus towards all the benefits that going live can give your business.
Advantages of Broadcasting on Instagram Live
Increases Your Brand’s Visibility
Instagram’s new algorithm may have changed the way your content is being seen by your followers. Instagram Live is a good way to counter this and improve your visibility to your target audience and your present roster of followers, as it highlights you on the top of the feed while you’re live and sends push notifications to those who follow your account.
Boosts Engagement with Users
Being on a live Instagram video session allows your viewers to ask you questions and send their comments over during your broadcast. All of these are visible to you, so you can actually have a conversation with them.
Builds a More Personal Relationship
The conversations that happen during an Instagram Live session allow you to know your audience more and vice versa. As they ask questions and express their views, you are able to understand what your audience is like, what they like about your brand, and what else they may need. On the other hand, your live sessions are also an excellent way to show your viewers the human side of your business.
How to Prepare for Your Live Session
The best way to overcome your fear of being on a live broadcast on Instagram is to be prepared for it. Here are a few things you would need to do in preparation for your live session:
Determine the Purpose of Your Live Broadcast
Before anything else, you need to have a purpose for going live. Ask yourself what you can give your viewers during your live session that they can’t get from your regular Instagram posts or stories. There should be some added value to watching your live video, like broadcasting a product reveal in real-time, giving your viewers an exclusive real-time behind-the-scenes experience, doing a tutorial in which they can clarify the steps as you go along, or go on a tour of your office and meet your team.
Create an Outline of Your Video
The best way for you to ensure that you are able to discuss all your key points during your live session is to create an outline of all the important topics you’ll want to cover. Start with an introduction of yourself and what your live session is all about. Then at the end, don’t forget to give your audience a call-to-action, such as “share this offer to your friends and tag us” or “post a photo of yourself with our product and get a chance to win a free set”. Keep in mind that your broadcast has a time limit of 60 minutes while drafting your outline.
Do a Sound and Video Test Before Going Live
As with anything, practice makes perfect. And rehearsing before your actual live session allows you to polish your act and gives you the confidence you need for your broadcast. When doing a sound and video test, choose a well-lit area that has zero noise and distractions. This should also be the same place where you’ll be hosting your live session. If you are filming indoors, it is ideal to position yourself next to a window for ample lighting. And make sure that your phone is charged!
Promote Your Live Broadcast on Your Posts and IG Stories
Through a post and an IG Story, let your followers know about your upcoming live session. Inform them about the date, time, your time zone (so you’re sure they get to watch your broadcast), and what they can look forward to on your broadcast. Motivate them to join the watch party with a giveaway or an exclusive promo offer for viewers. Getting people excited and seeing their comments on your post can do a great deal in boosting your confidence for your live session.
What to Do During Your Live Session
So, the big day’s here! Take note of these things when you’re broadcasting live on Instagram:
Add a ‘Title’ to Your Live Session
Provide a context to latecomers by pinning a ‘title’ of your live broadcast. To do this, use the ‘pin comment’ feature by typing the ‘title’ of your video in the comments section of the Live Feed then tap the comment to pin it.
Say Hi to Everyone Watching
When you’re doing a live broadcast, it’s more like having a video call with your followers, so remember to say hi to them and engage them by mentioning their names. You may not be able to give everyone a shoutout and that’s alright. The important thing is to let your viewers feel that they are part of the conversation. You can see who is watching your live video by tapping the eye icon on the top left corner of your screen.
Remind Your Viewers What Your Broadcast is All About
Keep your viewers hooked on your broadcast up to its end, make sure you mention what the video is all about from time to time, so even the latecomers are aware of their incentives for watching the whole session.
Get Rid of Distraction from Trolls
As with any social media post and channel, there will be trolls trying to distract you and your viewers during your Instagram Live video session. Good thing is, you can always kick them out of your broadcast. Simply click the ‘X’ next to the user who is trolling your session and mute their comments.
Switch Your Phone Camera’s View
You can add interest and engagement among your viewers by switching up your camera’s view. All you need to do is double tap on the screen. By doing this, you can show your viewers your surroundings or switch views from your product and back to you.
Going live on Instagram can be lots of fun if you stop worrying about making a mistake and just be yourself, so just relax and have fun with your viewers!