During the COVID-19 pandemic, live streaming was an alternative for in-person events like concerts, theatre, and comedy sets. These live-streaming events boosted viewership and attracted new audiences. Live video streaming is a great tool for businesses to humanize their brand and connect with customers more deeply. For example, live-streaming how-to videos are a popular customer support strategy in the software industry.
Live chat
The popularity of live streaming has impacted how consumers interact with brands. Whether you’re looking to show off new products, broadcast an event, host an interview or share company news, this social media platform allows you to connect with audiences across the globe. Live streaming also brings a sense of authenticity to a brand’s message. People of all ages enjoy watching content from their favorite influencers or a celebrity they admire, and they love the sense that they can interact with the streamer directly in real-time. This appeals to streamers and viewers because of the opportunity for creativity, improvisation, spontaneity, and even mishaps on-screen.
Regarding business marketing, the platform provides an easy-to-manage way for companies to connect with their audience on a more personal level. 80% of customers say they would prefer live video to reading a company blog.
Regarding customer support, live chat is key to success for B2B and B2C businesses. A report says that 79% of companies claim that implementing chat increases customer loyalty and revenue. ICMI also found that website visitors who engage in conversation are worth 4.5 times more than those who don’t. Providing well-timed, authentic customer support instills confidence that leads to purchase conversion.
Instant messaging
From celebrity slap-downs at the Oscars to nail-biting sports competitions, live streaming has become a popular pastime for people of all ages. This is because social media live streams are authentic, engaging and – we won’t lie — a little thrilling. Instant messaging (IM) is a type of online communication that allows you to send text messages and voice clips instantly. It can also include video chatting and file transfer functions. IM is available on various platforms and devices, including smartphones, desktops, tablets, and web browsers. Most IM services have free options for basic communication needs, while business-grade systems offer additional features such as file transfers, multi-user support, and logging.
While IM has been around for over 30 years, it only gained popularity with the rise of social media in recent decades. Since then, it has become an essential tool for many users. It has even spawned a new breed of chatbots, software applications that can answer questions and provide information. Live streaming video is a powerful tool to help businesses reach their audiences and achieve their marketing goals. It can promote new products and services, host webinars, and connect with customers. It can also be used to promote events and build brand awareness. 80% of consumers say they would prefer to watch a live stream from a business over reading a company blog post.
Polls
For brands, live streaming allows them to demonstrate that they are adaptable, forward-thinking, and can communicate with their audience in real time. By incorporating interactive features into their streams, they can create a sense of community and authenticity that can be difficult to achieve through other mediums. This is particularly important for small businesses, which must differentiate themselves from mammoth competitors to sway consumer loyalty.
In addition to fostering a sense of community and authenticity, live streaming can create a sense of urgency to drive brand recall and increase sales. This is achieved by introducing a deadline to an event or a call-to-action that encourages viewers to act quickly to secure a special offer. For example, a brand may offer a discount or limited-time sale on a product during a live stream, or they can create a quiz or survey to help viewers learn more about the products and services offered by their company.
Additionally, live streaming is gaining popularity in the world of faith-based events. By streaming religious services, churches, mosques and synagogues can reach a wider audience that might otherwise be unable to attend physical services due to work or distance. Similarly, charitable organizations can use live streaming to raise funds and connect with struggling people.
Video chat
Video chat is a live, real-time communication tool for online customers to talk with businesses directly on a computer, tablet or smartphone. It enables companies to deliver personalized support and build stronger customer relationships, regardless of whether the agent is in a different location or office. Consumers want to connect with brands personally and feel they can relate to the people they are dealing with. Having video chat can help with that because it allows consumers to see the face of the person they are talking to, as well as the body language and facial expressions. This humanized connection helps consumers feel more comfortable and confident with their purchases.
Video chat can benefit businesses, including increased conversions, strengthened customer relationships, and better employee training. It’s important to choose a platform with various integrations to maximize the use of this tool and ensure that you promote it properly through your website, email newsletters, social media, etc. Offering video chat as part of an omnichannel support strategy will enable you to deliver exceptional customer service across your digital channels and meet all your customers’ needs. However, it’s also important to remember that video chat can be stressful for customers and cause them to feel overwhelmed if used inappropriately.