6 Reasons Why You Should Live Stream on Your Own Website
Going live on social media sites Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn can boost your engagement — but what if you could stream to your own website, too? Most people avoid streaming to their business or personal websites because they think it’s too difficult to set up. However, broadcasting live video directly on your site is actually a breeze if you have the right tools.
Why live stream on your own website?
Providing a more engaging experience for your website visitors is only one reason you should go live on your site. There are other benefits to hosting your own live streams, as these six examples show how to make the most of hosting live video on your website — and highlight that streaming to your own site isn’t limited to one industry.
Own your content
By broadcasting live video directly to your web page rather than to social media, you have more control over your content. You aren’t subject to the platform’s community guidelines or algorithm, so there’s no risk of your live video being taken down. You’re free to promote your brand however you want, plus you can more easily “gate” your live videos so only subscribers can see them. You work hard on your video content and invest a lot to make it successful. Why host it on rented property (social media) when you can host it on owned property (your website)?
Bring your audience closer to your CTA
When you host a live stream on Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn, your goal is usually to get people to your website to buy products, sign up for a newsletter, or discover your other content. If you stream on your website instead of another platform, your potential customers are already on your site and one step closer to becoming a customer.
Provide a consistent destination for your live videos
By embedding your live videos, you make your website a one-stop destination for your audience. They can learn about your brand, browse your products and services, and engage with you in real time via a live broadcast. You don’t have to worry about connecting with customers on a separate platform, and your customers don’t have to worry about scrolling through YouTube or Facebook to find your live video. By streaming consistently on your website, you help build brand awareness and community.
Who can use embedded live videos?
All types of websites can benefit from an embedded live video player. Let’s see how agencies, places of worship, e-commerce shops, and more use embedded live streams on their websites.
1. Places of worship
In the last few years, more churches and places of worship have started broadcasting their services and events online. By embedding a live video player on your place of worship’s website, the members of your congregation can go directly to your site and watch the service or event you’re hosting. They don’t have to sign in to a social media account, and they can see any bulletins or upcoming events without having to leave your website.
Example: Glad Tidings church has an active online presence and regular worship services and ministries. The church streams all its services to its website on a dedicated live streaming landing page. If there aren’t any broadcasts when visitors access the page, they can watch replays of previous services from the archives.
2. E-commerce shops
For businesses that sell their products through their websites, live shopping can help forge stronger connections with customers. You can broadcast a live demo of one of your most popular products, host a Q&A session with viewers, or interview one of your current customers live. As an e-commerce shop, your customer service is just as valuable as the products you sell. With a live video embedded on your site, you show your audience that you take their concerns seriously and are willing to answer questions promptly.
Example: Artist David Lozeau sells his creations on his Shopify site. Lozeau regularly live streams his creation process as a way to connect with potential customers and network with other artists. Lozeau streams his artwork on his website, rather than social platforms, so people can watch the art come to life and then decide to purchase it — all on one site.
3. Agencies
Agencies that assist clients with web development, digital marketing, or virtual event planning use embedded live videos on their clients’ websites to drive more traffic and engagement.
Summary of Live Streaming Scenarios
- Industry: Places of Worship | Use Case: Services & Events | Key Benefit: Accessibility for non-tech savvy members.
- Industry: E-commerce Shops | Use Case: Product Demos & Live Shopping | Key Benefit: Direct sales and customer connection.
- Industry: Agencies | Use Case: Virtual Event Planning | Key Benefit: Increased website traffic for clients.
