How to Go Live and Crush Your Online Sales: 12 Tips to Get More Viewers

The shift to online shopping has become a permanent part of our daily lives. As buyer behavior has changed, sellers have had to adapt. One trend that has not only endured but grown even more popular is "live selling" or live stream shopping.

However, attracting a large audience to your live stream can be a major challenge. That's why we've gathered 12 proven methods to help you turn this difficult task into a massive success. Let's get started.

What is Live Selling?

First, let's break it down. Live selling is a strategy that allows shop owners to connect with customers on a deeper level. Through real-time interaction and conversation, it mimics an in-person shopping experience. Customers can see the products up close and ask questions on the spot. The most popular platforms for live selling include:

• Facebook (Facebook LIVE)
• Instagram (Instagram LIVE)
• TikTok, the newest platform that online sellers are flocking to.

Live streaming can be incredibly profitable because it allows anyone to tune in and comment, even if they don't follow your page or aren't friends with you. Some sellers have seen their revenue jump from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. If you prefer to keep your stream private, you can also adjust the privacy settings before you go live.

How to Go Live and Get More Viewers

1. Pay Attention to Visuals

Believe it or not, simply having good lighting can make a huge difference. If your video is shaky or too dark to see anything clearly, viewers will lose interest because they can't see the products. You don't need a professional studio setup; a simple, affordable ring light will do the trick. Most come with a phone holder, so you can just clip your phone in, turn on the light, and you're ready to go live.

2. Audio Quality is Crucial

Another key to a successful live stream is clear audio. You'll be repeating product features and prices throughout the broadcast. If your audio is muffled or cuts out, it can frustrate viewers and cause them to leave. Sometimes, your phone's built-in microphone isn't enough. If you're on a budget, the microphone on your earphones works well. For a small investment, a lapel mic can significantly improve your sound quality.

Always remember to test your audio setup before going live.

3. A Strong Internet Connection is a Must

Don't let a weak internet connection interrupt your sales flow. Check your signal strength before every live stream. If you're unsure, move your setup closer to your Wi-Fi router for peace of mind and to ensure you don't lose out on sales.

4. Announce Your Live Stream and Promotions in Advance

A technique used by most successful online sellers is to create a post a day in advance to notify followers and friends about the upcoming live stream. Be sure to mention special promotions to attract more viewers.

Pro Tip: After announcing your live stream, share the post in large, relevant Facebook groups to expand your reach. You can also use a Broadcast feature to send a direct reminder to your customer list, ensuring they don't miss out.

5. Prepare a Product Script

Before you go live, especially if you're new to this, it's a good idea to have a script ready. Think about how you'll greet your audience and what you'll say to keep the stream engaging. More importantly, prepare a script for your products. Customers want to know the key features and why they should buy from you. List which items you'll be selling and their prices to avoid any mix-ups, which could lead to losses.

6. Create Special Flash Sale Segments

Streaming for an hour can be tiring for both you and your audience. To keep viewers engaged, create special flash sale segments in the middle or at the end of your stream. This is a great way to keep people watching, as they'll wait for the exclusive deals. You can also launch a flash sale when you notice your viewership peaking for maximum impact.

Pro Tip: Make these special moments stand out. Ring a bell, change the music, or use your most energetic "announcer" voice. Keep these segments short and fast-paced to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

7. Go Live at a Consistent Time

While you can go live every day, it's better to stick to a consistent schedule. This helps your followers remember when to tune in and builds a loyal audience. It also helps you manage your own time more effectively.

Pro Tip: Choose a time that suits your target audience. For products aimed at office workers, go live during lunch breaks or after work hours. If you're selling to homemakers, mid-afternoon is often the best time.

8. Develop a Memorable Persona

Find what makes you or your products unique and build your on-screen persona around it. Your selling style should be memorable. Some sellers have even gone viral by spontaneously dancing during their streams. You don't have to be over-the-top; simply speaking in a pleasant and engaging manner can win over customers.

Alternatively, if a high-energy persona isn't your style, you can stand out by focusing on your product expertise and providing exceptional customer service, from packaging to shipping.

9. Interact with Your Audience

Being a great seller isn't enough; you also need to be a great host. Don't just stick to your script or talk to yourself for the entire stream. Take breaks to read comments, call out viewers by name, and answer their questions. This interaction builds a strong connection and can turn casual viewers into loyal customers.

10. Use Your Products as a Backdrop

Have you ever seen comments like, "Can I see that green shirt?" or "What about the item in the back?" While you're on camera, arrange your other products neatly and visibly in the background. This not only creates an attractive set but also increases the chances of selling other items that catch your viewers' eyes.

11. Showcase Your Products in Detail

Since customers can't physically inspect the products, it's your job to show them everything. Hold items up to the camera, show them from every angle, and make sure the colors are accurate. This is especially important for high-priced items like designer goods, where details matter. Describe the product thoroughly as you display it.

12. Streamline Your Sales Process

Finally, when customers are ready to buy, you need an efficient way to close the sale. The most common method is having customers type "CF" (Confirm) in the comments with a product code. However, this can lead to missed comments, confused customers, and lost revenue. To avoid this, it's crucial to manage your comments effectively. You might find it helpful to learn about setting up automatic comment replies on Facebook and Instagram to capture every order.

Many larger sellers now use automated software or have a dedicated e-commerce website to consolidate orders and payments in one place. Using a platform with an All-in-one Inbox is even better, as it organizes all orders neatly and offers customers a wide range of payment options beyond mobile banking.

Now It's Your Turn to Go Live!

These 12 tips cover everything from pre-stream preparation to keeping your audience engaged. We hope you can adapt these strategies to make your live streams more fun and profitable. Good luck, and may the sales be with you!

‍

Exclusive Offer: Try Zaapi’s AI Chatbot Free for 7 Days

Start Free Trial
‍

For more information, reach out to Zaapi

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding the use of our features