Using Instagram Live for Explosive Follower Growth on Instagram

Hey there. Are you thinking about using Instagram Live for explosive follower growth? Are you an entrepreneur or eCommerce marketer, and you want to get more sales and traffic from Instagram?

If yes, then you're in the right place.

In this article, we'll show you how to use Instagram Live for explosive follower growth.

For starters, we'll like to state that even though Instagram began as a photo-sharing network, it has grown beyond just pictures.

Initially, it was Instagram Stories – then came Instagram Live.

With the invention of features like Instagram Live, it's no longer a secret that live video is now an integral part of Instagram.

Instagram Live is an excellent feature on Instagram Stories that allows users to stream videos and engage with their followers in real-time.

It's a very great tool for building engagement, establishing your brand, sharing news, and connecting directly with your users.

But you might be thinking: is live streaming here to stay or is it just a passing fad?

Well, there's so much that we can infer from statistics:

• 67% of audiences that watched a live stream purchased a ticket to another similar live stream


• Instead of seeing a social media post, 82% of viewers would prefer to watch a live stream


• 80% of people would love to watch a live stream than read a blog post

All these statistics point us to the fact that Instagram Live videos are here to stay. That's why you need to understand how to use Instagram Live and also leverage it for brand growth.

On Instagram, Live videos are given priority in people's feed. So, if you want to get noticed and gain massive followers despite Instagram's drop in organic reach, then you need to embrace Instagram Live.

Now, let's talk about what Instagram Live entails.

WHAT IS INSTAGRAM LIVE?

Instagram Live is a fantastic feature that allows Instagram users to broadcast their live videos to other people on the platform.

It's a feature that works within Instagram Stories, and it allows you to interact with your current followers and also attract new followers.

Indeed, Instagram Live is a very great tool that brands can use to connect in an immersive way.

One of the notable differences between Instagram Live video and other live broadcasting products like Periscope and Facebook Live is that Instagram Live is entirely short-lived.

Immediately after the broadcast ends, the video disappears, and there's no replay.

The bi-directional, authentic experience on Live allows brands to share raw, unscripted moments with their audience.

It also allows them to incorporate human elements into a social media channel that's incredibly polished and edited in its traditional use.

Ever since the launch of Live, Instagram has incorporated additional features that might enable more interactions and engagement from viewers.

For instance, you can now add music to live streams or launch video Q&As.

Live video is a rising trend across many social media channels, and if you must get the best, you need to hop in and start using it now.

Whether it's for a product launch, staff meeting, or a team birthday party, you can use Instagram Live to gain massive followers who'd be interested in seeing what you're up to every day.

Now, let's talk about what brands stand to gain from using Instagram Live.

WHY INSTAGRAM LIVE?

Instagram Live is a powerful and effective channel for gaining explosive follower growth and reaching your audience in an interactive and exciting way.

It's one of the features to be launched on the Instagram portfolio, and it offers the following benefits:

 

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS:

One of the benefits of Instagram Live is that it helps brands to build solid relationships with their audience.

Whether you're using Instagram Live for chatting with your followers, revealing parts of your life, or answering questions, it allows you to interact with your audience and also register your brand in their minds.

 

DEVELOP BRAND IDENTITY:

Often, the relationships you build with your audience can transform into a brand identity. Through Instagram Live, you can easily build your brand's identity and share it with the Instagram family.

Inspirational content, themes, and filters all bring a brand's personality to life.

 

INCREASED VISIBILITY:

Are you aware that with the recent update of Instagram's algorithm, your content might not get as much attention as it needs?

Well, there’s a solution.

One of the best ways to beat the algorithm and stand out on Instagram is by using Live. More so, placing a live video on Instagram will put you at the top of your followers' feed.

Furthermore, Instagram Live sends push notifications to each of your followers. Thus, increasing the chances of many people knowing about your brand.

 

INCREASE ENGAGEMENT:

In addition to all the benefits we talked about, brands can also use Live to increase their engagement.

Imagine what it'd look like to have your questions answered by your favorite celebrity, brand or even influencer?

Well, Instagram Live will help you to increase engagement and also bring the audience closer to your real-life.

Now that you're aware of the benefits of using Live, it's likely that you want to hop on Instagram Live.

We understand that feeling.

But before then, you need to know how to leverage the channel properly to get the maximal results.

That's what we'll show you in the next section.

 

HOW TO USE INSTAGRAM LIVE FOR EXPLOSIVE FOLLOWER GROWTH

If you really want to massively increase your follower count on Instagram, then employ the following tips.

DETERMINE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIVE BROADCAST:

If you want to get the best results from Live, then your Live broadcast should offer something unique and exceptional that your audience can't get from another regular Instagram account.

Moreover, you won't want to invite people for a meaningless broadcast.

Despite the fleeting nature of Instagram Live, it's essential to identify your purpose for going live.

There's a huge distinction between jumping into the live stream without any objective or plan, and one where you have clear goals.

One way to go about this is by setting a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based) goal.

Here are some significant reasons to host a live stream on IG Live:

• Host a question and answer session with your audience


• Describe how your customers can use a service or product


• Talk about a product launch or feature release


• Interview a customer using the "add a friend" functionality


• Host a virtual trunk show or sample sale


• Feature a special guest

Irrespective of your reason for hosting a live stream, it's ideal to think through the anticipated action you want your fans to take and also inform them about it in the video.

You can also identify a measure that'll tell if your live stream was successful or not.

PRACTICE WELL AND PREPARE:

In real sense, it's not good for your videos to be overly scripted. But, it's always cool to have a plan in place.

Before your live stream, you can create a loose script and rehearse what you want to say. That way, you'd reduce the chances of making mistakes during the live stream.

Once you've rehearsed your scripts a few times, you can take test videos and look for ways to improve.

You can ask yourself questions like:

• Is my camera steady?


• How about the sound, is it clear?


• Is the background distracting?


• How about the video, is it well lit?

Furthermore, you can view your live stream as a road trip – a journey that has a start point and destination.

It's essential to create an outline for your video. Write out the things you want to cover and how long you want to be live.

Are you talking about a product launch? Write down the features and benefits of the products that you'd talk about.

Are you interviewing an influencer? Write down when you want to make introductions, all the questions you want to ask, and when your audience can ask questions.

An outline will help to keep your video on track and focused.

 

LET YOUR AUDIENCE PARTICIPATE:

One of the best ways to attract more followers is by engaging with your audience. That way, you can establish a relationship and build trust with them.

But then here's one important thing to note.

Just like it's with any good relationship, building and engaging a good relationship with your audience takes energy and time.

It's not just enough to answer questions on a live stream. You need to listen to your audience and give them what they want.

That's the only way to earn their trust.

 

INSTAGRAM LIVE STREAM IDEAS

In addition to knowing how to use Instagram Live, here are some ideas that help you to come up with an engaging and inspiring live stream that'll lead to explosive follower growth

HOST A WORKSHOP OR TUTORIALS:

IG Live is a perfect place to host a workshop or tutorials. It provides a platform where you can stream to people across the globe and also answer their questions in real-time.

John Mayer is an example of someone who uses the IG live stream. He often hosts guitar masterclasses to his followers on Insta Live.

These videos are very engaging, informative, and fun. Furthermore, he frequently takes time to answer all questions.

Kim Kardashian also uses IG Live to teach her audience how-to put-on makeup.

Even though you might not be a reality television mogul or famous rock star, there are plenty of ways you can offer something valuable on insta live.

GO LIVE AT AN EVENT:

One of the best places to go live is at a brand event that you're hosting.

Is your brand up for an award? You can stream it on Insta live for your followers to see.

Are you at a conference that's been anchored by someone you think your audience will love? You can show them through Instagram Live.

Is your brand hosting a fundraiser or party? Well, that's a perfect time to show your audience the fun-loving and human side of your brand.

When you go live at an event, you'll get to build hype, anticipation for your next event, and also boost the FOMO (fear of missing out) factor.

This is particularly great if you want your audience to join you at another future event.

 

COLLABORATE WITH AN INFLUENCER:

There's no better way to gain more followers and increase brand awareness than working with an influencer.

Generally, influencers are respected and recognized by many people (even your target audience).

So, when you work with them, they'll introduce more people to your business and also bring clout to your brand.

IG Live is a perfect platform for brand-to-influencer collaboration. With the "add a guest" feature, you can invite influencers for Q&A sessions with your viewers, interviews, or even host them for fun.

 

TALK TO A CUSTOMER:

In addition to all the ideas we've talked about, you can also use IG live to gain massive follower growth by featuring your customers.

In the live video, you can have them speak about how much they value your products and/or services.

If you teach people personal finance, then you can ask one of your students to narrate how they got out of debt after your counsel.

If you offer fitness coaching, then you interview a customer who was able to compete in a marathon because of your services.

These are just random examples. But then here's the point we're trying to make: you can benefit so much by inviting and interviewing customers who had a positive experience with your business.

Fortunately, Instagram allows you to save a video even after the session. So, you can easily feature most of your video as a testimonial on your Instagram profile.

HOST A Q&A SESSION:

Hosting a Q&A session on IG live is one of the best ways to gain more followers and also build engagement with your audience.

You can go live on Instagram and give your audience the opportunity to ask any questions.

Basically, you can allow them to ask questions that pertain to the inner workings of your business or even the latest news around your industry.

It's always advisable to tell your audience beforehand that you'd be hosting a Q&A session on IG Live. That way, you'd get to build hype for your live stream.

 

CONCLUSION

Just a recap of what we covered in this article.

We gave a little introduction to Instagram Live and its benefits. Afterward, we talked about different ways to use Instagram Live for explosive follower growth.

In the end, we rounded up with ideas that you can use to host powerful and amazing Instagram live shows.

Indeed, there's no denying the importance of IG Live. It's a useful tool for connecting, engaging, and reaching your audience on Instagram.

Once you apply everything we talked about in this article, we're quite confident that your live stream will lead to a more significant Instagram following, stronger brand loyalty, and more chances for growth.

Now over to you.