According to research by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, two-thirds of consumers with access to smartphones, tablets or computers have participated in live videos. About half reported watching more live streaming video content than they did the year before. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for live streaming has soared. For the first time ever, consumers turned to live streaming as their main source of admission to entertainment events such as concerts, plays, Q&A’s and other types of performances. Now that live streaming has become the norm, a wide range of companies are reflecting on ways they can employ video content for marketing purposes. However, what types of businesses have the most to gain from live streaming? Let’s take a look.
What Types of Companies Should be Live Streaming
Travel
During the pandemic, various companies utilized live streaming to provide virtual tours to the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Colosseum and other exciting locations. They were a huge success. After so much time in our homes, we are all itching to get off the couch and experience something new. Therefore, travel companies should take advantage of this opportunity to get travelers excited about booking trips. Live tours of fun locations, hotels and local activities are ideal avenues to explore.
That said, live streaming will still be an extremely effective marketing tool after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. For their 2015 #ComeSeekLive campaign, for instance, Royal Caribbean hired influencers to live stream their travel adventures as a part of a unique marketing strategy. By live streaming, traveling companies can provide an up-close sneak peek of what they have to offer.
Retail
Live streaming is the perfect choice for retail-oriented small businesses. There’s no better way to get your brand out there, and the possibilities are endless. How about a product launch live stream? Highlight what you’re selling, why it stands out and how it works. If you own a cosmetic company, try out different shades of foundation to help viewers make the correct choice. Then, be sure to conclude the live stream with a quick Q&A to communicate directly with your audience. The best way to learn about who you’re selling to, after all, is to speak to them about what they’re looking for.
Educational
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas was forced to shut its doors at the start of COVID-19. However, they quickly adapted, hosting a live-streamed museum tour instead. The first tour amassed over 360,000 views in the first week alone. Other education-focused companies have much to gain from live streaming as well. Let’s say you own a business that offers in-person cooking classes. A live streaming event that teaches viewers how to make pasta, for example, will undoubtedly increase interest in your company. People love participating in educational, interactive experiences prior to making a larger commitment. They want to know exactly what they’re investing in, what kind of professionals your company hires and what they can gain from the experience.
ZMBmedia can help elevate your videos and make them stand out. We can assist you with creating videos according to your business’s needs, from promotional material to more detailed marketing videos for your products or services. ZMBmedia invites you to get in touch with our Baltimore-based videographers to learn more. Contact us today at www.zmbmedia.com.