Did you catch this week’s #ContentWritingChat? Whether you missed the chat or you’re in need of a refresher, you’re in luck! We have a recap of our latest chat and it’s filled with all kinds of amazing tips that are sure to help you become a live video pro. Keep reading to check it out!
#ContentWritingChat Recap: Top Content & Strategy Tips to Support Live Video with Jennifer Radke
Join us for #ContentWritingChat on Tuesday, January 10th at 10 AM CST with guest host, @radkejen! pic.twitter.com/M5w03UT6HY
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) January 5, 2017
Our guest host this week was Jennifer Radke. She’s passionate about social media and is the CEO of the National Institute for Social Media. Jen joined this week’s chat to talk all about live video, as it continues to be very popular in the social media world. She shared some amazing tips with us that will help you make your your next live video (or your first) amazing!
Q1: Platforms for live video: how do you pick live platforms to fit you or your brand? Why?
There are many live video platforms these days and it can be hard to decide which one is right for your brand. You can use Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or even Periscope. So, how do you pick? Check out this advice:
A1: It is important to know 1) Where your audience (community) is and 2) the functions and features of each platform #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Jen’s advice is to consider where your audience is already, plus the functions and features of the platform. You want to make sure that they live video platform you use is really going to work for you and allow you to get the best results possible.
@ExpWriters A1: Where are your followers? Do they care about your video? What do they talk about? All things to consider #ContentWritingChat
— Tracy Lynn Willis (@tracylacywillis) January 10, 2017
Tracy said to figure out where your followers are. Find out what they care about and what they talk about. These are all great things to consider when choosing a platform.
A1: We’re going to start with the platforms where the majority of our members and audience are – namely FB and Twitter #contentwritingchat
— GoGirlsMusic (@GoGirlsMusic) January 10, 2017
It’s always a great idea to start with the platforms your audience is already using. It’s the best way to ensure your broadcast is being seen by the right people.
A1: a) Is your target on the platform? b) Will it support your video objectives/goals? c) Can you repurpose it? #ContentWritingChat
— Sara Tetzloff (@que_sara) January 10, 2017
In addition to determining where your audience is and whether or not it’s going to support your goals, Sara recommends finding out if you can repurpose it. Being able to repurpose your live broadcast is very beneficial.
A1. It’s easiest to start with platforms we’re familiar with + have an existing following! Experiment + build from there #ContentWritingChat
— Trinity Insight (@TrinityInsight) January 10, 2017
It’s often easier to start with the platforms you’re already familiar with. If you already have a following there, there’s a huge bonus. If you have a good following on your Facebook page, try Facebook Live. The same goes for Instagram.
A1: Broadcast where your audience is, the less you make them do the more likely they are to join you #contentwritingchat pic.twitter.com/lylKN4UCnI
— Digital Natives Cast (@DgtlNativesCast) January 10, 2017
This is great advice from the Digital Natives team!
Q2: Live video sessions: what steps should you take to prepare?
Now that you’ve chosen a platform to do your live video broadcast, it’s time to go live! So, what can you do to prepare? These tips will help ensure everything goes smoothly:
A2: Understand your goals, create an outline (not a script), make sure technology is working.
#contentwritingchat— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
A2: It is helpful to promote your live post before you just start streaming. Let people know when you will be online #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Jen suggests knowing what your goals are before you go live. What’s the reason you’re going live and what do you hope to achieve with your broadcast? You should also write an outline so you know what you’ll talk about. And don’t forget to make sure all your technology is working beforehand. There’s nothing more frustrating than technical difficulties!
Another great idea is to promote your live broadcast before it actually begins. If you’re going to be talking about a hot topic you know your audience will love, tell them beforehand so they don’t miss out.
A2: To prepare for a live video session, have notes written beforehand. It’ll keep you on track with your main points. #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel (@redheadrachel) January 10, 2017
Have some notes written before you go live. You don’t want to write out a full script because that’s not genuine and in the moment. However, it’s a good idea to have some main talking points in mind that you can refer to. This will ensure you don’t lose track and you can refer to it if there’s a lull in engagement from your viewers.
A2: Know what you want to talk about. Don’t rely on viewers questions in the comments. #contentwritingchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) January 10, 2017
Lexie advises not relying on the questions you receive in comments from your viewers. If no one shows up or you don’t get any questions, you’ll have nothing to talk about. Know what you want to chat about before you go live.
A2: write out your talking points and understand how you’re going to manage handling questions & engaging the audience. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/KJV6YvKclm
— Cassandra Schwartz ⭐ (@MWestMillennial) January 10, 2017
Cassandra said to write out your talking points and also knowing how you’re going to handle questions and engaging with your audience. This will help make sure your broadcast is great.
A2: I follow bullet points (no scripts), focus on timely value & showcasing personality #ContentWritingChat
— Georgina (@BostonGeorgina) January 10, 2017
Georgina’s advice is to focus on providing timely value and showcasing you personality. That’s what will make people keep watching.
a2: Be prepared for anything… I mean it is live! Have notes and talking points for any lulls. #ContentWritingChat
— Jobs2Careers (@Jobs2Careers) January 10, 2017
Be prepared for anything! It’s live video and you never know what could happen.
Q3: How can live video support existing content strategies?
Are you still not convinced on how live video can work with your existing content? These tweets will tell you why it’s a must:
A3: You can re-purpose your content to reach a different audience. Answer questions about a recent study, etc. #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Jen suggests repurposing your content in live videos as a way to reach a different audience. You can get even more people checking out your stuff this way.
Q3: People enjoy seeing “inside” the brand, and video can help give new perspective to the other content #ContentWritingChat
— Jessie Simms (@JSimmsSocial) January 10, 2017
As Jessie said, people enjoy seeing inside your brand. Live video provides a way to give your audience the behind-the-scenes scoop.
A3: Live video works AMAZINGLY as a behind the scenes look at a campaign, event, or simply day-to-day work for promotion #contentwritingchat
— Digital Natives Cast (@DgtlNativesCast) January 10, 2017
The Digital Natives team agrees when it comes to behind-the-scenes content. Give people a look inside your latest campaign, an event, or your day-to-day work.
A3 Live video or streaming can give auto feedback on content & optimizes UG experiences w/ your brand #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/8kxzh7j0tR
— ShereeseM, MS/MBA (@ShereesePubHlth) January 10, 2017
Shereese brought up a great point about how live video can give you automatic feedback from your audience. It’s very helpful!
A3: Live video can drive viewers to content online through CTA (call to action) on screen @writingchat #ContentWritingChat
— Writer Leah Ingram (@theleahingram) January 10, 2017
Leah said to use your live video as a way to direct people to even more content. Provide a call to action and give them the next step so they know where to go when the broadcast is over.
A3: You can give existing content a new voice with video. Video can also be a great way to show the content process. #contentwritingchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) January 10, 2017
Video will give your existing content a new voice, which is a great way to connect with your audience.
A3
Live video can:
-Appeal to visual audience
-Humanize a brand/organization
-Connect emotionally via storytelling#ContentWritingChat
— Gabriela Cardoza (@CardozaGab) January 10, 2017
Gabriela said live video can appeal to a visual audience, humanize your brand, and help you connect with your audience emotionally via storytelling.
Q4: Discuss how to repurpose live video and how to use live recordings in other content types.
You don’t have to let your live video disappear after 24 hours or let it sit on one platform. You can repurpose it so more people outside of the live viewers can enjoy it. Check out these tips:
A4: Take smaller pieces of the live video and create a quote or share a statistic. You could write a blog recap. #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Jen suggests taking smaller pieces of your live video and creating quotes or sharing statistics. You can even write a blog post recap about your broadcast.
A4: You can upload your live video broadcasts to YouTube so your audience can easily watch them later, over and over. #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel (@redheadrachel) January 10, 2017
For platforms that allow you to download and save your live video broadcast, you can upload them to YouTube. This will allow your audience to watch it again and again, whenever is convenient.
A4: Especially in a Q&A, you’ll get good content for blogs and articles. #ContentWritingChat
— Kristi Kenyon (@kkenyon86) January 10, 2017
It’s a good idea to consider some of the questions you get asked during a live session because they could become future blog posts.
A4: Transcripts can be used to produce re-caps, infographics, quotes… you should experiment with different formats ⚗#ContentWritingChat
— @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) January 10, 2017
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas. You can take transcripts from your live video and repurpose it into recaps for your blog, infographics, or quotes. They’re all great ideas!
@writingchat A4: Cut up your video & use it as quick tips. Add subtitles. Use it as a boosted post. Endless options! #ContentWritingChat
— Tracy Lynn Willis (@tracylacywillis) January 10, 2017
Tracy recommends editing your video into shorter snippets and sharing them as quick tips. You can also add subtitles or use your video as a boosted post on Facebook.
Q5: Authenticity is important in live video. How do you keep it authentic while prepping in advance?
You don’t want your live video to seem rehearsed, so you need to keep it genuine and authentic. Here’s how to do it:
A5: An outline vs. a script. Don’t over practice. Allow yourself to make a small mistake, your human and in the moment #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Jen said not to over practice beforehand. You don’t want the video to have a scripted feel, so just go with the flow. If you make a mistake, it’s no big deal.
A5:Prepare topics but not a word for word script- force yourself to talk as you would normally, rather than just reading #ContentWritingChat
— Fancy Guppy (@Fancy_Guppy) January 10, 2017
Come with a topic and talking points in mind, but don’t prepare a script. It just won’t flow and it’s not the way a live video on social media should be.
A5: Focus on keeping messaging natural, not canned. Often, notes on key talking points are better than reading scripts #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/CgcpNgad91
— Matt Lardner (@smarklabsMatt) January 10, 2017
Matt said to keep your message natural, not canned. As others have already said, ditch the script.
A5 I would have to say don’t make it look like you’re selling something instead it should be informing #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/bEK3t854rn
— Tony Stephan (@OmnipoTony) January 10, 2017
Focus on informing your audience and providing value to them. While it’s okay to sell via your live broadcasts, don’t be overly salesy or pushy.
a5 No need to contrive, if you know what you’re talking about-it should come easily as if you’re speaking w/ a colleague #contentwritingchat https://t.co/Z5qGrRHrMP
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) January 10, 2017
As Debi said, if you know what you’re talking about, it should come easily to you. You just need to relax and go with the flow during your broadcast. Don’t overthink it too much.
A5.
Keep it simple & keep it conversational.
Be your tribe’s friend.
Remember your USP.
Be you.
Be natural. #ContentWritingChat
— Gabriela Cardoza (@CardozaGab) January 10, 2017
A huge yes to everything Gabriela said here!
A5b It’s ok to be imperfect on #livevideo. Tell your audience you’re trying this platform and would love to chat & learn #ContentWritingChat
— Zala Bricelj (@ZalkaB) January 10, 2017
As Zala said, it’s okay to be imperfect. Odds are, you are going to make a mistake on your live video and that’s fine. We all mess up and your audience isn’t going to hold that against you.
Q6: How can you encourage participation and get more users to interact with you during your live session?
A great live session is all about engagement. You want to make sure people are tuning in and actually interacting with you. How do you make sure that happens? Keep these tips in mind for the next time you go live:
A6: Don’t make it about you. Ask questions. Be open to their interaction. #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
A6: This is where promotion can help too. Ask your community to submit questions in advance. Bring them in right away #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Don’t make it all about you. You should be engaging with your audience by asking questions and encouraging them to leave comments. Jen also suggests asking your audience to submit questions in advance. This will ensure you come prepared with plenty to talk about.
A6: Just what your are doing here: Value your audience’s input and they will give you more than enough. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/2BT5BboVwI
— Shawn Paul Wood (@ShawnPaulWood) January 10, 2017
Make sure you value your audience’s input. Don’t ignore them or disregard what they have to say.
A6: Ask questions or opinions, people love to share with you if you give them a chance and show them you’re listening! #contentwritingchat
— Digital Natives Cast (@DgtlNativesCast) January 10, 2017
Encourage people to chime in by asking questions or asking them to share their opinions. Make sure you’re genuinely listening in return.
A6: Promote going live in advance. And ASK for comments and questions. If you don’t ask you’re missing an opportunity. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/43KFvMt1kB
— Cassandra Schwartz ⭐ (@MWestMillennial) January 10, 2017
A6: Let people know in advance you’ll be going live at a certain time so they know to tune in and engage. #contentwritingchat
— Sara Tetzloff (@que_sara) January 10, 2017
Cassandra and Sara agree that it’s a good idea to tell your audience when you’re going live so they can be prepared to join in and can come with questions ready.
Q7: How can you create topics for and keep your live content consistently helpful and valuable?
Do you want to make sure you’re always providing amazing content for your audience. Our chat participants had some great advice. Take a look:
A7: Make sure it fits into your overall strategy, focuses on your audience and answers the questions they are asking #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
The topic for your live video should fit into your overall strategy and should answer the questions your audience has.
A7.
CROWDSOURCE IDEAS!!! #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/MX9ezka8sS
— Gabriela Cardoza (@CardozaGab) January 10, 2017
You can never go wrong when it comes to crowdsourcing ideas.
a7 Consider the biggest challenge to the target audience & provide an AWESOME solution! #contentwritingchat https://t.co/GZomzjq9Ym
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) January 10, 2017
What is the biggest challenge people in your audience are facing? Provide a solution and deliver it!
A7: For one, listen to your viewers. What are they saying? What content are they praising? Do more of that! #ContentWritingChat
— Zachary Fenell (@zacharyfenell) January 10, 2017
Listen to your audience. Find out what they’re saying and what kind of content they’re already enjoying. Give them more of that through your live broadcasts.
A7: Again, engage with your audience. Ask them what they want to see and deliver. 🙂 #contentwritingchat
— Traffic Jam Media (@trafficjammedia) January 10, 2017
It really is as simple as asking them what they want.
A7 trendjack (just don’t be that person that trendjacks too late) #contentwritingchat
— InfluenceLogic (@influencelogic) January 10, 2017
Piggyback off the latest trends, but make sure you aren’t too late. You want to address those trending topics when they’re still fresh and hot.
A7: ✅your competitors. ?best of articles on Buzzsumo. Don’t only recycle but put your own view on each topic. #ContentWritingChat
— Fanny Heuck (@FannyHeuck) January 10, 2017
Fanny said to take a look at your competitors. See what they’re talking about and put your own spin on it.
Q8: What are some ways you can keep the conversation going after a live video session?
To really get the most out of your live videos, you want to keep the conversation going. You want to keep your audience engaged? How do you do that? Follow these tips:
A8: Follow up on other platforms. Twitter is great for this, but groups or forums also offer an opportunity to follow-up #contentwritingchat
— Jennifer Radke (@radkejen) January 10, 2017
Find ways to follow-up with some of the most engaged people from your video. It’s a great way to make new connections.
A8: You can post recaps, pin the video at the top of your page, encourage people to check out your blog. #ContentWritingChat
— Jessie Simms (@JSimmsSocial) January 10, 2017
Jessie said to post a recap on your blog, pin the video to the top of your age, and encourage people to check out your blog afterwards.
A8: Follow up with people on Twitter! Pop in and say hey just like you would at a cocktail party. That’s what it’s for! #ContentWritingChat
— AK Kerani (@AKKerani) January 10, 2017
Reach out to some of your viewers on a separate social media platform. It’s a great way to form a stronger connection and to get to know your people best.
A8: Follow up on social media, write a follow-up blog post, other online engagement @ExpWriters #ContentWritingChat
— Writer Leah Ingram (@theleahingram) January 10, 2017
Leah agrees that following up with live viewers is a must.
A8: I say to refer people to your social accounts and website. That way they can keep talking. Or create a hashtag. #contentwritingchat
— Mind of a Diva (@MindofaDiva) January 10, 2017
Before you end a broadcast, direct people to your other social media profiles or to your website. It’s a great way to get them to take that next step with your brand.
We look forward to seeing you at the next #ContentWritingChat! Mark your calendars weekly for Tuesday at 10 AM Central Time for great chats centered around content writing and marketing. Follow @ExpWriters to stay updated on our new topics and guests!