And, you’re live! If you’re embarking on the adventure that is your first live video feed, you’re in good company. Video options, such as Facebook Live or YouTube Live, have become much more popular in the past year. When you’re working on a live video, you need to remain true to your insurance marketing strategies. How can you avoid mistakes during your inaugural video voyage?
1. Don’t Just DIY
For those of us who aren’t natural performers, one of the terrifying parts of a live video feed is the fact that you’ll be on video live. Never fear: you’ve committed to coordinating the feed, but it doesn’t need to be all about you. Choose an event that you can broadcast live, talk with people in your field, interview past customers: you don’t need to be the sole focus of your video event.
2. You’re Inconsistent
You’re wildly excited and making edgy comments about the most recent health care issues and how they impact insurance. You think that your video feed is captivating, but your customers are annoyed. Your live video feed should be an extension of your existing insurance marketing strategies. If you come across as calm and approachable on your website, in your ebooks, and in your other video resources, strike the same tone when you’re on live video.
Consistency is important when it comes to choosing a date and a time for your video feed. Yes, this is your first video feed, but if you plan to create a regular program, make sure that you make a long term commitment. Switching your time from week to week will make it much harder to get followers.
3. You’re Boring
Why go live? Your live feed should offer content that gives your viewers a feeling of anticipation and excitement. What can you give them that no one else can? Whether it’s a feed of a teen’s first driving lesson or coverage of a live community event, your live video must be relevant and engaging to your audience. Consider initiating a live Q&A session or asking for audience topic suggestions if you find that you’re at a loss for a topic for your live video feed.
Remember that you can turn your live video content into marketing material for your website and social media accounts. Invest in some fun, and you’ll reap the benefits.
4. You’re Not Confident
Part of the fear about going live is about making mistakes. Start from a place of confidence. Talk about insurance issues where you have special expertise. If you’re soliciting feedback, practice your answers to common questions until you know them completely, but remember that you don’t need to sound rehearsed, as long as you stick to your general marketing message. Create a general script for what’s going to happen, and send out a note or video teaser to entice your audience. Live video can still be vibrant even if you’ve rehearsed some of the aspects of your program.
5. You Need Tech Support
Live video is supposed to look unscripted, but a little bit of finesse can help your viewers have a better experience. Try a live video feed with a colleague before you create the first one that goes out to a large audience. Bring a tripod so that you can place your phone in one area and move your hands while you’re talking. Consider adding headphones and a quality microphone to your phone so that you can pick up the best possible audio quality, especially if you’re streaming live from a loud location. Test all of your equipment on location to make sure that it will work correctly.
At American Agents Alliance, we work with independent insurance agents just like you. We understand your insurance marketing and networking needs. Take a look at our many membership benefits and resources on our website and learn more about business strategies at our annual Alliance Convention.
