Are You Thinking About Using LinkedIn Live?

LinkedIn has added lots of bells and whistles that can be used for Business Development. Only you (and a trusted professional) can decide what you have time for and what works with your business model and Target Audience. 

None of us have unlimited time. Marketing and Business Development often take a back seat to other things. If you hate working with video - this is not the solution for you. 

Video IS still the fastest path to "Know, Like, & Trust." Once someone has experienced your process and expertise, they are much more likely to make a larger investment. 

LinkedIn Live can be a powerful tool for establishing credibility, and expanding your visibility to larger audiences. 

How do you get started? 

1. You will need to invest in a Broadcasting Tool. StreamYard is very popular. Restream and OneStream are 2 others. 

2. Dual Screens. Almost a must set up to keep track of what's going on with participants so you can respond. 

3. A Great Name. You want something catchy that attracts attention and is easy to remember. "Ask me anything" is quite popular right now. I have a friend that does a weekly "10@10", 10 tips @ 10:00 on Tuesday.

Other ideas - hosting a Panel Discussion (about the best attended I have seen), Interviews of other professionals, Behind the Scenes never gets old, and Launches are great. 

Panel discussions really call upon everyone to bring their "A" game, so you get the very best information. 

4. Timing. From everything I have read and observed, weekly is the only way to go. I know! What a commitment. You really need to decide what the purpose of this strategy is and what your expectations are.

You build the topics and structure to support how LinkedIn Live will move your business goals forward. 

Weekly | 7:00 - 9:00 am | at least 15 minutes, 20 - 30 is better. 

5. Promotion. How will you get the word out and get people to attend? You can use the Event Feature on LinkedIn, Eventbrite, posting, teaser videos, personal invitations, mention it when networking... If you have a panel or guests, make it easy for them to get the word out too. 

6. Audience. This is a big consideration. You may want to do LinkedIn Live, but is your Ideal Audience likely to attend? I work with Attorneys and CPAs. They are busy professionals with brutal calendars at times and not so keen on social media. 

If your Target audience is 25 - 35 or 40 years old, has a flexible schedule, and you have something they really need - it is a great choice. If you are providing something of great value, you can reach broad audiences. 

I frequently attend LinkedIn Lives about LinkedIn and the presenters are all over 50. But we are social media junkies. 

7. Hashtags. Most people create a hashtag for their Lives. #10@10 #AskAngela... Also use the #LinkedInLive hashtag to broaden your reach. Create something unique so people can find past episodes just by searching on your hashtag.

8. Structure. 15 - 20 minutes goes fast and you want to have a plan to deliver value. Give people a few minutes to arrive by doing some relevant icebreakers. Make sure you get to the value add content quickly, don't make them wait until the end.

Engage people by having them share their experiences. Shout out to people you know are in attendance. Use facts, share take-aways, or infographics. Something tangible is great for value add and engagement. 

9. Repurpose. If you are going to invest the time, $$$, and effort into LinkedIn Live you want to maximize the benefit. Add the Live recordings to your Featured Section, send them to people that wanted to, but couldn't attend, or others that would benefit from the specific information.

Create a YouTube Playlist just for your LinkedIn Lives. Add them to a blog and expand the content. Add them to your website and other social media. 

LinkedIn Lives have great back end analytics. Use the data to improve your Live efforts. 

Where do you find LinkedIn Live on your profile? It is now housed in Resources --> Creator Mode --> see the screenshot below. 

LinkedIn Live is a commitment and not one to take lightly. I highly recommend that you plan out 3 months worth of content before starting. Talk to a professional marketer or strategist to really think through how Lives will feed your pipeline and accomplish your 2023 business goals. 

Video may not be getting the attention is once was on LinkedIn. It is all about quality now. If one person sees your video or a LinkedIn Live and that is what helps them say Yes, it's worth it. 

Random acts of content = random and sometimes harmful results. 

Don't do it! 

April is speeding to a close. What's your plan for success in Q2? 

until next time...

Angela

Would you like to get your LinkedIn Profile up to speed without spending a lot of money and time? 

The LinkedIn Profile Assessment might be the perfect thing

A "Guided DIY" that saves time and money

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Angela calls herself The “Accidental Entrepreneur,” having moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with her shiny new MBA and dreams of being a CMO. Instead, she started her own business. Angela is the #LinkedInBadass sharing her expertise in Business Development, Professional Branding, Visibility & Optimization on LinkedIn. Without a website, she built her entire vibrant business using free LinkedIn! She is a former Rock Climbing Guide and lives in Marin where the hiking and the weather are fabulous. Being from Wisconsin, she is a diehard Packer Fan and shareholder.