I’ve spent the last couple of weeks talking about the value of live video in your content strategy and a few tips on how you can make your lives better

I also hosted a live video challenge on my social sites. Live, streaming video is the hottest new thing for marketing your coaching or service biz, but if you can’t get eyes on your video, it won’t work as well as it could. And let’s face it; traffic is the toughest nut to crack, no matter which technique you’re using. 

In the third, and final, installment of this series, I’m going to share four ways to easily draw a crowd to your next live video event. 

1. Promote Ahead of Time

This is key. You have to build a buzz about your live video. While you can (and sometimes should) go live in an impromptu manner, this should be the exception, not the rule. 

A far better choice is to let your fans and followers know ahead of time that you’ll be hosting a live video, and how (and why) they should join you. Use the tools already at your disposal—your blog, your email list, your Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and your Twitter following—to make sure everyone knows when you’ll be on, and why they should be watching. And be sure to remind them as the day gets closer!

2. Offer a Freebie

Here’s one sure way to get fans to show up—offer something free. 

Checklists and worksheets are ideal if you’re teaching a strategy or technique. Readers can follow along, and refer back to it later as they work through your strategy. By delivering your gift via email autoresponder, you can take the opportunity to grow your mailing list as well. 

Another great giveaway—especially if you’re launching a large course—is to offer a 1, 2 or 3 day LIVE Masterclass. Ask people to sign-up so they can be sure to get updates and access to the replay. Then, offer a bonus resource like access to another course you’ve created in the past or a bonus coaching or strategy call. Announce how to access their freebies or send their coupon code via email. This will also encourage participation and grow your list at the same time.

3. Make a Big Reveal

Jeff Walker pretty much invented the launch sequence we’ve all come to know (and have seen everywhere), but if you don’t have that kind of budget—or time—then you can easily do something similar with a well-planned live video event. 

You’ll definitely want to promote this one ahead of time. Send out a few “teaser” emails promising big news; post about it on your other social accounts; create a Facebook event and schedule paid ads to invite interested people. 

Then use the live video to answer questions and announce your launch, perhaps with a special introductory or fast-action price.

4. Cover a Controversial Topic

Look, we all have opinions, and not all of them are popular. That’s part of what sets you apart from your competitors, in fact. If you have strongly held opinions about your industry, or how a specific topic is being taught, video is a great place to make your point, be yourself and share your unique perspective.

By taking to the airwaves with a live video and a controversial topic, you’ll instantly draw a crowd—half of which will agree with you, and half of which will not. Imagine how lively the conversation will be! Just be sure to keep it respectful, and to not get your feelings hurt when someone disagrees with you (because they definitely will).  But, that’s okay, by being true to yourself you also have an opportunity to really connect deeper with your ideal audience or client. 

Live video is definitely a marketing tool that belongs in everyone’s toolbox. But using it without a plan to attract more eyes will be an exercise in frustration. Use these four strategies to get more people interested in your videos, and they’ll work far better for you and your business.

I’d love to hear your live video success stories! Did you have a successful launch using live video? Have you been able to grow your email list? Share your wins in the comments below so I can celebrate with you.