The life of a content creator is demanding because they have to work hard to increase their audience and build their brand. An effective way to attain this goal is by live streaming frequently and inviting guests to the live streams. Guests can promote the content, share expert insights, provide a unique perspective, and attract a new audience. This can help a content creator attain their goals and bottom line.
However, inviting guests to a live stream is not always easy, especially for a content creator who has not done it before. Here are some important steps to help beginners invite guests to their live streams.
Define the Purpose and Value of the Invitation
A content creator should begin by defining the goals or discussion that will take place during the live stream. This should be done before inviting a guest to your live stream. The host needs to determine how the guest will participate in the live stream, whether it is through interviews, Q&A sessions, panels, or product demonstrations.
The host also needs to identify the goals of the show and target the ideal guests based on their content goals. The host also needs to determine how the guest stands to gain from the interaction in terms of getting attention, leads, or personal branding.
Identify the Appropriate Guest for the Audience
Having identified the goals, the next step is finding the guests who will fit the target audience. Experts recommend choosing guests who will attract the interest of the audience. They should be experts in the subject matter and have an established following.
Great guests are not only found on social media; hosts can leverage industry experts, authors, and community enthusiasts. Scouting for potential collaborators can be done through LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and many more. It is important to test candidates to ensure their style and tone align with the brand and the audience.
Design a Custom Invitation
A host should never send an invitee’s generic messages or copy-paste an invite. They should note the specific work done by the invitee and articulate why and how they inspire them. Then, they should personalize the invitation by including how they would fit into the overarching theme of the live stream.
The host should also state details such as the date, time, platform, format, and why the guest should participate. A warm, professional tone increases the chances of getting a positive response.
Prepare and Communicate Clearly
Once a guest agrees, the host needs to ensure smooth coordination by sharing all the necessary details well in advance. This includes discussion topics, technical requirements, platform walkthroughs, and promotional materials. Good communication shows professionalism and helps the guest feel confident and prepared for the stream.
Advertise and Build Excitement for the Appearance
A live streamer should not inform their audience about the guest’s appearance on the live stream at the very last minute. They need to take time to promote it on every channel available, from social media to email lists, the website, and even within the live streaming platform, if they support pre-scheduling. They can tag the guest, share the teaser, and encourage the guest to promote the stream to enhance their follower engagement. The more buzz that is created around the stream, the higher the viewership.
If done right, bringing a guest on a live stream can change the game entirely. With proper planning, effective advertising, and an ideal guest, a live stream can increase audience engagement and foster positive relationships with experts in the niche. Therefore, inexperienced content creators should apply these tips when inviting guests to a live stream.
