Your friends and followers (and algorithms) are demanding more video content, which means if you don’t create more videos you could soon be a dinosaur. But where to start? With a Million Dollar Party Girl, of course! I gathered up all the skills I learned creating videos on my YouTube channel, added in a few tips from my Periscope days, and sprinkled in my live-streaming-on-a-budget hacks to create the ultimate list of tips and tools to nail your live-streams and Reels. And, in case you’re wondering how I know how to do all this social media stuff, the answer is simple: I just keep clicking. Which is a good rule for life in general.
Note: This blog post was updated as of September 2022
Keep clicking and use these 9 tips and tools to nail your live-stream broadcast:
Some of these suggestions link to my Amazon affiliate program
1. LIGHTING: Before you broadcast, turn your camera around (as if you’re taking a selfie) and take a look. How’s the lighting? If you don’t want to spring for an 18″ Ring Light, I recommend the computer-mounted Lume Cube light for live-streaming, or this rechargeable selfie light because it easily clips to your phone. The selfie light is a great team gift, too. For daytime video content creation, shoot with a window in front of you and take advantage of the natural light.
2. BACKGROUND: While your camera is in selfie mode, what’s your background look like? Avoid backgrounds with windows (bad for lighting) and clutter. Use corners or entryways to add depth, hang an interesting picture on a blank wall, or go live “on location” to grab attention. A bookshelf, sofa table, or an ironing board covered with black fabric can be quickly turned into a display shelf for your products. If you need to hide clutter, a photo backdrop stand is my go-to hack for solving all the clutter problems. Hang a curtain or select a faux background.
3. AUDIO: A video content creator should never leave home without this pro wireless lavalier microphone for Iphone or Android. that plugs into your smartphone. I found it on Amazon for under $20 and it’s pink, which is on brand (for me). I love this mic, and it has over 5,000 5-star reviews on Amazon so apparently other people love it, too. Use a door draft stopper as a soundproofing barrier to prevent background noise that might be coming from family members, children, or pets. This will really come in handy if family members are passionate sports fans who tend to yell at the TV when their team is losing. Speaking from experience, here.
4. CAMERA: This year I upgraded to the Logitech Brio camera, which includes a built-in mic for better audio on live-streams or Zoom meet-ups. It will make you look soooo good. Bonus tip: Turn off any music that might be playing in the background, otherwise your live video might be deleted from social sites for violating copyright laws.
5. CALLS-TO-ACTION: As you are thinking about your topic (see tip #6 for help with topic ideas) begin with the end in mind. What action do you want viewers to take? Examples are: Sign up for your email list, request to join your VIP Group, make a purchase, follow your Page, book a party, or request a sample. Create content that will lead your viewer to take action. Meaning if you want viewers to request to join your Facebook Group, let them know about the extra tips that are waiting for them in your Group and why they should join.
6. TITLE: Write a compelling hook and include a description that attracts your ideal client, so viewers know exactly why they should scroll past their BFF’s cute baby and watch your Reel, TikTok, or live-stream. Not sure what to stream about or what words to use to stop the scroll? Watch the replay of my Social Girl Live show (below) to find inspiration. Add an emoji or two to communicate your message visually. When in doubt, insert a unicorn, mermaid, and heart.
7. TRIPODS: A tripod helps you broadcast hands-free, adding energy and giving you more freedom to pick up products and props while you’re live-streaming. And drink more coffee. This adjustable 50” tripod can double as a super selfie stick and is great for live-streaming on the go. It also fits in a suitcase so you can go live from an incentive trip or conference – which I have done. The Tenikle, a flexible suction-cup tripod thingy featured on Shark Tank, sticks to most surfaces and it can fit in a purse or tote. I use this rolling adjustable portable desk, which features a simple crank to change the height, for all my live-streaming and Zooms. I opted for the crank vs. electric version of the “sit to stand” desk so I’m not limited to the location of outlets for streaming.
8. WRITE DOWN TALKING POINTS: Use the notes on your phone to write down topic ideas and talking points. Increase interaction by adding text and closed captions, because most viewers are watching on silent. Use my go-to live-streaming platform, StreamYard, to get cool features like scheduling your broadcast, going LIVE with up to 10 people, adding custom colors/branding, showing comments on screen, and streaming (or restreaming) to multiple destinations at one time. StreamYard has a variety of pricing plans, including a free trial to help you get started.
9. REPURPOSE: Save time and repurpose all your content to increase your reach and online presence. A Facebook LIVE topic and be repurposed for 10-second Reel or TikTok, which can be shared to Facebook and Instagram Stories, and uploaded to YouTube Shorts. Stories and Highlights can be repurposed for Reels or TikTok. Speaking of Stories, check your archive to see what content you’ve already created that you can turn into a new Reel or TikTok. Topics include Day In The Life, Behind The Scenes, Goals Achieved, or Milestones.
Head over to my Facebook page and click on the following button under my cover photo and check “all on” to get notified when I go live. Promise I’ll have biz tips for you that you can take action on right away. And it will be fun.
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Lynn Bardowski is an award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author of Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl. She speaks to global audiences about work-at-home success, vision and branding and is a resource for press, media and bloggers. Like her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and subscribe to her YouTube channel. Learn more about her VIP Group: The Visionista Connection.
