LinkedIn Live is LinkedIn’s built-in live streaming platform that allows users to broadcast video to their connections and followers in real time. Going live on LinkedIn can be a powerful way to engage with your professional network by sharing thoughts, having conversations, or broadcasting events. However, putting together a compelling LinkedIn Live video requires some preparation and strategy to ensure your broadcast is polished and impactful. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to create professional and engaging LinkedIn Live videos.
Why Go Live on LinkedIn?
Here are some of the key benefits of using LinkedIn Live:
– Increased visibility and reach. Live video stands out in the LinkedIn feed, helping you get your message and brand in front of a wider segment of your network.
– Thought leadership and credibility. Viewers see you as an authority when you share insights, discussions, or events live.
– Engagement and connection. The live format encourages participation through comments and reactions.
– Flexible communication. You can answer questions, have a dialogue, or deliver a presentation.
– Access to analytics. LinkedIn provides data like views and comments to measure performance.
– Captured content. Your live videos are automatically saved to your profile for future viewing.
Overall, LinkedIn Live allows creators to be part of meaningful conversations while providing an interactive and engaging viewing experience for audiences.
Step 1: Set Your Broadcast Goals and Topic
Before going live, define what you want to accomplish with your LinkedIn Live broadcast. Consider these aspects when setting your goals:
– What is your main objective? This could be building your brand, generating leads, or promoting an event.
– Who is your target audience? Craft the tone, topics, and format with your ideal viewer in mind.
– What do you want viewers to do? Sign up for a newsletter? Attend a conference? Have a takeaway they can implement?
– What topics and talking points will you cover? Identify 2-3 key themes to focus the discussion.
– Will you present alone or with guests? Guests allow diverse perspectives but require more coordination.
– How will you make it interactive? Live comments, Q&As, polls, calls to action, and more can prompt engagement.
With clear broadcast goals, you can shape an interesting concept that delivers value to your intended audience.
Step 2: Choose the Right Broadcasting Software
While you can go live on LinkedIn’s mobile app, for a professional, high-quality broadcast, it’s best to use a desktop streaming program. Here are top options for software:
Software | Key Features |
---|---|
StreamYard | Multi-guest capability, screen sharing, overlays, auto-records, customizable branding |
OBS Studio | Open source, Chrome plugin integration, full scene customization, works with most streaming platforms |
Wirecast | Robust production switcher features, multiple camera inputs, built-in graphics and titles, cross-platform support |
Ecamm Live | Mac-focused, simple interface, device recording, custom graphics, direct integration with LinkedIn Live |
The best software for you depends on your budget, technical needs, and production quality goals. Test out options to see which platform’s capabilities and workflow align with the type of content you want to create.
Step 3: Set Up Your Streaming Space
Optimize the physical set-up of your streaming workspace to come across best on camera:
– Have proper lighting. Add diffused key light in front of you and fill lights from the sides to evenly illuminate your face. Avoid having a window or bright light source behind you.
– Frame the camera shot. Position the webcam at your eye level and frame yourself from the shoulders up. Leave some space above your head.
– Curate your background. Choose a clean, professional background like a solid wall or bookshelves. Or utilize a virtual green screen background.
– Check your audio. Use a USB microphone positioned close to your mouth, not the built-in mic. Do a test recording to ensure clean, audible sound.
– Look professional. Dress appropriately and make sure you, your background, and any props or materials are neat and tidy.
– Use notes and talking points. Have bullet point reminders of your key topics visible just outside of the camera frame.
Being deliberate about lighting, setup, appearance, and organization will elevate your broadcast quality.
Step 4: Promote and Share Your Broadcast
To maximize viewership, promote your LinkedIn Live broadcast on other channels:
– Post updates across your social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Include links to your LinkedIn profile so people can go there directly to watch.
– Send event invites or calendar holds through your email newsletter list. Give them a reminder of when and where to tune in.
– Connect with clients, partners, and influencers in your industry. Ask them to help spread the word by sharing and liking your promotional posts.
– Add updates and reminders to your own LinkedIn feed in the days and hours leading up to the event. Tag relevant people and companies to broaden visibility.
– Include your LinkedIn Live broadcast details on your website, blog, email signatures, and anywhere else you interact with your audience.
Driving viewers through multiple channels will help maximize the reach and impact of your live video.
Step 5: Go Live!
When broadcast time arrives, go to your LinkedIn app or streaming software and tap “Go Live.” As you broadcast:
– Greet viewers as they join and thank them for coming.
– Open with an agenda of topics you’ll discuss so they know what to expect.
– After introducing a new theme, pause and check for related comments or questions before continuing. Respond and engage with commenters.
– Monitor view counts and reactions in real time to see what resonates with your audience.
– Wrap up by recapping your key points and desired takeaways. Close by letting viewers know about upcoming live streams.
Most importantly, relax and have an authentic conversation as you present. The live format allows you to be spontaneous and engage viewers in an organic way.
Step 6: Repurpose Your Live Content
Don’t let your LinkedIn Live video disappear into the digital ether. Continue deriving value from your broadcast by repurposing it:
– Download the native video file of your live stream from LinkedIn to reuse across other platforms.
– Chop up longer broadcasts into shorter segments to create social clips, ads, or pre-roll video content.
– Transcribe sections of the video into a blog post, long-form article, or email newsletter.
– Turn key talking points into shareable graphics with text and images from the video.
– Compile and analyze viewer questions, featured comments, and engagement metrics to inform future content.
Repackaging your live stream extends the shelf life so more audiences encounter your content in different formats.
Conclusion
Going live on LinkedIn is an impactful way to engage your professional network with dynamic video content. By setting clear goals, preparing your production setup, promoting across channels, interacting during the broadcast, and repurposing the content after, you can create live videos that boost your brand and build meaningful connections. Use these tips to confidently incorporate LinkedIn Live into your content strategy.