Myths when live streaming for advertising

In livestreaming, there are many myths and misunderstandings, especially when it comes to monetization. Many streamers believe that they must monetize every aspect of their streams to be successful. However, in reality, a livestream can be more than just a platform for advertising. In this tutorial, you will learn how to design your livestream so that it is not perceived as a mere advertising event while still benefiting from the opportunities of monetization. Let's explore the important strategies and concepts together.

Key Insights

• Your livestream should not be perceived as an advertising event.
• Utilize platform-provided monetization tools such as donations, advertising, and channel memberships.
• Integrate merchandising and promotion subtly, without overwhelming the content.
• Direct the reach from Twitch to other platforms to expand your community management.
• Avoid turning your stream into a purely sales area to maintain long-term respect and engagement from your viewers.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Nature of Your Livestream

Before delving into monetization, it's important that you understand that your livestream is more than just a way to earn money. It is a platform to interact with your community and provide valuable content. Keep this in mind.

2. Utilize Platform Monetization Tools

Many platforms offer monetization tools that are not perceived as intrusive advertising. Donations and channel memberships are excellent ways to receive support without making your viewers feel like they are being exploited just for advertising. Informally inform your viewers about these options.

3. Create and Promote Merchandise

Once you've built a loyal community, consider introducing merchandising. However, keep it subtle. If you have a new product like a T-shirt, mention it casually during the streams. However, this should not be the main focus or dominate the stream's content.

4. Direct Viewers to External Platforms

To build a deeper connection with your community, direct your viewers to platforms like Discord or Facebook groups. There, you can promote engagement without it being perceived as advertising. Your viewers' limbic system is more likely to see this as an invitation to the community rather than a sales intention.

5. Establish a Newsletter System

An effective method of shifting reach is to establish a newsletter system. Platforms like Substack allow you to regularly send newsletters containing information and updates. This is an excellent way to engage your community outside of Twitch.

6. Regularly Interact with Your Community

By actively engaging with your community on social networks, you can increase engagement. Regularly organize contests or challenges to encourage viewers to follow you on other platforms. These often gain traction through the prospect of prizes, enhancing your reach beyond Twitch.

7. Be Cautious with Advertising

While some level of advertising is inevitable, try to do this in moderation. Excessive advertising can quickly lead to a negative image. Ensure that your content takes the spotlight and advertising does not become the main attraction.

8. Experiment and Receive Feedback

Test different monetization approaches and observe how your community responds. Be open to feedback and adjust your strategies to ensure that your livestream does not become just an advertising event.

Summary

In this guide, we have discussed how you can effectively monetize your livestream without it being perceived as an advertising event. The secret lies in focusing on valuable content and community interaction while implementing clever monetization strategies.