Hey guys, I’m here to help you take your Instagram Live game to the next level! Instagram Live is an incredible tool to connect with your audience and build your brand in Nigeria. But, let’s be real, getting people to tune into your Live sessions can be a struggle. That’s why I’ve put together some tips to increase attendance for your Instagram Live sessions.
#1: Know Your Audience
Understanding your audience is key to creating content that resonates with them. Start by researching your target audience’s demographics, interests, and pain points. You can use Instagram’s insights to access information about your followers, but it’s also a good idea to conduct surveys and polls to get a better understanding of what they’re looking for.
Once you have a clear idea of who your audience is, create content that speaks directly to them. For example, suppose your audience is interested in learning about marketing. In that case, you could host sessions focusing on specific marketing tactics or invite guest speakers who are experts in the field. The more you tailor your content to your audience’s needs and interests, the more likely they are to attend your sessions and share them with others.
#2: Promote your Live session in advance:
To effectively promote your Live session, it’s important to create buzz around your upcoming event. Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Create teaser posts: Share short videos or photos that give your audience a sneak peek of what’s to come. You could, for instance, share an image of yourself setting up for the Live session or share a short clip of you practising a few tips you’ll be sharing during the session.
- Use Instagram stories: Share behind-the-scenes footage on your Instagram stories and remind your audience to tune in. You can also use the countdown sticker to create excitement and anticipation.
- Collaborate with other brands: Partnering with other Nigerian brands or influencers is an excellent way to cross-promote your Live session. Consider reaching out to brands or influencers in your niche and see if you can work together on promoting the Live session.
For example, if you are a fashion blogger planning a Live session on how to style traditional Nigerian outfits, you could collaborate with a makeup artist to create a complete look for your audience. You could also create teaser posts that feature the makeup artist and tag them in your posts.
#3: Choose the right time to go Live:
Picking the right time to go Live is crucial to maximizing your reach and engagement. Here are some tips to help you choose the right time:
- Analyze your audience: Use Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active on the platform. This data will give you an idea of the best time to schedule your Live session.
- Consider time zones: If you have a global audience, consider scheduling your Live session at a time that works for multiple time zones.
- Schedule your Live session in advance: Let your audience know when you’ll be going Live by promoting the event in advance. This way, your followers can plan to attend your Live session and won’t miss out.
For example, if you are a fitness influencer based in Nigeria, you could schedule your Live session early in the morning before people start their day or in the evening after work hours. By doing this, you will be able to reach more people and encourage them to join in.
#4: Collaborate with other Nigerian Brands:
Collaborating with other Nigerian brands is an excellent way to reach a new audience and grow your following. Here are some ways you can collaborate with other influencers:
- Guest appearances: Invite other Nigerian brands to appear on your Live session and share their expertise with your audience. This will help you reach their followers and vice versa.
- Co-hosting: Collaborate with a Nigerian influencer to co-host a Live session. This way, you can tap into each other’s following and promote the Live session together.
- Cross-promotion: Share each other’s posts and stories leading up to the Live session to promote the event.
For example, if you are a food blogger, you could collaborate with another Nigerian food blogger to create a Live cooking demo session. You could share the same ingredients list and take turns cooking different dishes while engaging with your audience. This way, you can reach each other’s followers and build a community around your brand.
#5: Offer something unique:
Giving your audience a reason to attend your Live session is crucial to increase attendance. Here are some ways you can offer something unique:
- Exclusive content: Share content that is only available during the Live session. This could be behind-the-scenes footage, a sneak peek at a new product or service, or exclusive tips and tricks.
- Q&A sessions: Host a Q&A session where you answer questions from your audience in real-time. This will give your audience a chance to interact with you and get personalized advice.
- Giveaways and contests: Host a giveaway or contest during your Live session to encourage participation and increase engagement. You could offer a prize to one lucky winner or offer discounts or special offers to everyone who attends.
For example, if you are a beauty influencer, you could offer a Live makeup tutorial and offer a free makeup consultation to one lucky winner who attends the Live session. You could also offer discounts on beauty products or services to all attendees.
#6: Engage with your audience:
Engaging with your audience during your Live session is crucial to building a strong relationship with your followers. Here are some tips to help you engage with your audience:
- Encourage comments and questions: Ask your audience to leave comments and questions during the Live session. This will give you an opportunity to engage with your followers and answer their questions in real time.
- Use interactive features: Use Instagram’s interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, and questions, to encourage engagement and make the Live session more interactive.
- Respond to comments: Take the time to respond to comments during the Live session. This will show your audience that you value their input and are interested in their feedback.
For example, if you are a business coach, you could host a Live Q&A session where you answer questions from your audience on how to grow a business in Nigeria. You could use interactive features such as polls and quizzes to encourage engagement and make the session more interactive.
In conclusion, promoting your Live session in advance, choosing the right time to go Live, collaborating with other Nigerian influencers, offering something unique, and engaging with your audience are all effective ways to increase attendance for your Instagram Live sessions. By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to build a strong relationship with your followers, grow your audience, and establish yourself as a leading influencer in Nigeria.