(don't miss...AI Marketing Group Reminder at the bottom...)

Lights, Camera, Action!

Embracing Video and Live Streaming (Strategy 5 of 7)

In the fast-paced world of quilt retailing, where creativity knows no bounds, there's immense power in harnessing the captivating allure of video content. As quilt shop owners, fabric and pattern designers, and online webstores, let's explore how embracing video marketing and live streaming can revolutionize your online presence and connect you with your audience like never before.

Why Video and Live Streaming?

1. Captivate Your Audience: Video content has a unique ability to captivate and engage audiences in ways that text and images alone cannot. With its combination of visuals, sound, and motion, video content captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.

2. Showcase Your Products and Expertise: Video allows you to showcase your products and expertise in a dynamic and interactive format. Whether it's demonstrating quilting techniques, giving behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, or showcasing new fabric collections, video brings your brand to life in a way that resonates with your audience.

3. Connect in Real-Time: Live streaming provides a unique opportunity to connect with your audience in real-time. Whether you're hosting a live Q&A session, conducting product demonstrations, or streaming from a quilting event, live video allows you to engage with your audience in a more personal and authentic way.

Strategies for Embracing Video and Live Streaming

• Create Educational Content: Share tutorials, how-to guides, and tips for quilting enthusiasts. Use video to demonstrate quilting techniques, showcase new patterns, or provide step-by-step instructions for completing a project.

• Give Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Take your audience behind the scenes of your business or creative process. Show how fabrics are designed, quilts are made, or products are sourced. Giving your audience a peek behind the curtain humanizes your brand and builds trust.

• Host Live Events and Q&A Sessions: Use live streaming to host virtual events, such as product launches, workshops, or Q&A sessions. Engage with your audience in real-time, answer their questions, and provide valuable insights and information.

• Share Customer Stories and Testimonials: Showcase the stories of satisfied customers and highlight their experiences with your products or services. Video testimonials add credibility and authenticity to your brand and help build trust with potential customers.

• Collaborate with Influencers or Experts: Partner with influencers, quilting experts, or other businesses in the industry to co-host live streams or create collaborative video content. This expands your reach and credibility and exposes your brand to new audiences.

Getting Started with Video and Live Streaming

1. Identify Your Most Dedicated Followers: Identify the customers who are most engaged with your brand and show the highest levels of loyalty. These are the individuals who are most likely to appreciate and benefit from exclusive offers and experiences.

2. Communicate the Value: Clearly communicate the value of privacy and exclusivity to your audience. Highlight the benefits of joining your private group or subscribing to your VIP program, and emphasize the special treatment and exclusive content they'll receive.

3. Maintain Transparency and Integrity: While exclusivity can be a powerful marketing tool, it's essential to maintain transparency and integrity in your communications. Be honest and upfront about the benefits and limitations of membership, and ensure that all members are treated fairly and equitably.

4. Monitor and Adapt: Regularly monitor the performance of your privacy and exclusivity initiatives and solicit feedback from members to identify areas for improvement. Adapt your strategies and offerings based on member feedback and changing market dynamics to ensure continued engagement and satisfaction.

Does V/LS Really Work?? YES!

Is video/live streaming really worth the extra time and effort??? Yes!  Last week, I shot two live-streams to use as data for this blog.  I no longer sell retail, so I don't do live sales.  

Live Stream Sample 1:  With less than 2 day's notice, I hosted a 7 minute live stream where I featured one of my Six Pack patterns and discussed how to select fabrics for this quilt.  I only had 18 people join me live, but I've had over 1.2K views since the initial post.  I do not have kits to sell for this pattern (I wish I did!), but I've had over 200 downloads of the pattern in the past week. Many of these download orders included downloads of other Six Pack patterns.  Success?  YES!

Live Stream Sample 2:  With NO advance notice, I went live for 50 seconds with a renovation update on my new studio (moving soon).  I don't know if anyone joined me live (I wasn't tracking that data), but it has had over 600 views.  My purpose for posting video and images from the renovation is to educate viewers about my new studio space (which will include a slight business model change).  Success with this video?  Definitely...  the video has had more reach than any of the still images I've posted so far.

The Last Word

In today's digital landscape, video content is king, and live streaming offers a unique opportunity to connect with your audience in real-time. By embracing video marketing and live streaming, you can showcase your products and expertise, engage with your audience on a deeper level, and differentiate your brand in a crowded marketplace. So, grab your camera, hit record, and let your creativity shine! Stay tuned for our next installment, where we'll explore the importance of being more human in your social media strategy.

An Exclusive Group for YOU

Several weeks ago, I hosted a micro-coaching session on the use of AI in digital marketing.  Of the members who participated, there was a lot of support for starting an AI marketing group.  Next week, I will host a Zoom meeting to explore this option.  If you are interested in using AI and developing skills in this area, please plan to join me TONIGHT, Tuesday May 21, 7pm Central Time.  There is no cost to participate in this planning/preview session, but I ask that you register using the link below.

If you are interested in participating in the group, but unable to attend on Tuesday, register anyway, and I will be able to send you the recorded session video and the link to survey questions.

I plan to use this planning/preview session to identify monthly meeting dates/times, identify the highest areas of interest and exploration, and gage training needs.

I hope to see you on TONIGHT! (don't forget to register)

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