Lights, Camera, Action – It’s Time to Go Live

We already know that video trumps images and written content on social media, but now internet users are kicking it up a notch – the newest trend of social is live video. People like watching live-streamed video because it’s the ultimate way to connect with friends and brands they follow online. Second only to in-person interactions, live streaming allows people to connect on a personal level and share experiences. 

If you could easily and cheaply hold an event at your dealership for prospective customers every day – and even multiple times per day – would you? What about prospects who’d love to come in and see your trailers, but who live too far away from your dealership? If you could create a way to virtually bring them into your store, you’d do it, wouldn’t you? Live video makes these things possible. 

Any time is a good time to live stream – as long as you’ve got something to show. There are obvious opportunities, like dealership events and tradeshows, but there are plenty of other opportunities too. Give viewers a tour of your showroom, or let them virtually sit in on a service repair with one of your technicians. If you’re closing a sale with a happy customer, see if they’ll let you feature them on live video. How cool would it be if they showed off their new trailer and talked about everything they loved about it? Nothing could beat an endorsement like that! 

What makes live video superior to regular video is the element of gaining feedback from those who are tuning in, and being able to alter the live content you’re sharing based on that feedback. The most popular social media platforms that offer live streaming capabilities, like Facebook and Instagram, allow viewers to submit questions and comments in real-time. You can then respond to your viewers as if they were there in person. This feature is helpful for you as a marketer, and it can even help you save money. For example, before running a sales promotion on Featherlite parts, go on live stream to tell your viewers about the sale and show them the products included. Then collect their feedback: Is this a promotion they would be interested in? Did you choose the right products to feature? What are your prospects using their trailers for right now – what are their current wants and needs? You can find these answers quickly and easily through live video. 

Nothing makes your dealership more accessible online than live streaming. Beyond accessibility, live video provides customers with an authentic and organic way to connect and build trust with your business – a key to achieving sales and maintaining lifelong customers. Live video also provides a unique opportunity to showcase the personality and culture of your dealership and staff. When prospects feel like they know you personally, they are much more likely to make a purchase.