_{Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link for the streaming tool: StreamYard. You can use the service completely free, however if you choose to upgrade to a paid plan using my link, you’ll get a $10 credit and I’ll receive a small commission (no additional cost to you). You do not need a streaming service to apply many of the strategies we cover in this episode.}

When it comes to content, video is the PRINCESS and live video is the QUEEN. 

I’m sure you’ve heard that videos are gold on social media, but did you know that LIVE videos get SIX times more engagement than a regular video?

Maybe you’ve been thinking about video for your business, but your perfectionistic side has been holding you back.

Or maybe it’s the tech.

Maybe you’re terrified of the camera or have no clue what you’d talk about.

But here’s the thing: 

“Live video is a great way to create that authentic connection with your audience. People don't expect it to be great or polished, it's meant to be raw. You're meant to make mistakes. That makes you much more human, which draws people closer.” - Melanie Dyann Howe

And since you're already creating content, you may as well wear a freaking 👑, Queen.

Personal branding and marketing expert, Melanie Dyann Howe is here to help.

In this episode, Mel shares ideas for structuring your livestreams, whether that's Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live (yes, that exists!) because there are so many choices, it can be overwhelming and intimidating.

We’ll also talk about tech, including my new fav tool, StreamYard.

 Melanie breaks down the intimidation of live video, sharing that:

 “...everyone thinks that live video has just this one bucket: Live Videos.  If we put them into five different buckets of show types, it actually makes it easier for you to come up with ideas. If you look at each bucket and you give yourself the assignment, and say, 'I'm gonna come up with five ideas for each bucket.' Well, then you now have 25 ideas.”

 When you have content ideas, breaking through the fear becomes a heck of a lot easier.

5 Live Show Formats & Ideas for Engaging Your Audience

1. Show How to Do Something or Teach Something
2. Bring on a guest(s)
3. Answer Questions Live
4. Go Behind the Scenes
5. Reveal Something 

Get Melanie’s Freebie: 50 FB Live Ideas HERE

Up Level Your Broadcast through Streaming Technology

• You can go live with just your phone, but using a streaming service will add more spark and interest. This can also increase engagement. 
• There are fancy ones and there are really simple ones, you’ve got to decide what’s important to you.
• Benefits of using a streaming service, like StreamYard*:
• Easily schedule your broadcasts ahead of time
• Sharing Your Screen
• Bringing on Guests
• Ability to Simulcast (going live in multiple locations at the same time)
• Adding Banners and Text to Your Screen
• Custom Branding (add your logo and use your colors)
• Really improves the experience for your users
• Calls more attention in the news feed grabbing more attention

About My Guest:

Melanie is a marketing strategist who specializes in helping people develop their personal brands and use social media to market themselves and their business. She offers marketing courses, coaching programs, is a speaker and host of The DIY Marketing School podcast.

On a more personal level, Melanie is a single mom and also a breast cancer survivor. She is a firm believer that every challenge is an opportunity and finding the silver lining should always be a priority. 

Connect with Melanie on Facebook, DIY Marketing School Podcast and FB Community

Links Mentioned:

// Streaming Software: StreamYard* (Get a $10 credit when you use my link)

// Get Heather’s Tech List and 5 Fear Busting Hacks: heathersager.com/getstartedonvideo

// Get 50 FB Live Ideas: melaniedyann.com/FiftyFBLiveIdeas

// A Unexpected Lesson from Q&A - Ep #08

If you’re ready to play a bigger game in 2020 and step into the spotlight, get my new guide - 5 Steps to Speaking on Stages to Grow your Authority & Audience 

_{*Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link for the streaming tool: StreamYard. You can use the service completely free, however if you choose to upgrade to a paid plan using my link, you’ll get a $10 credit and I’ll receive a small commission (no additional cost to you). You do not need a streaming service to apply many of the strategies we cover in this episode.}