Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is impacting every facet of life for citizens on a global scale. As health officials continue to recommend against unnecessary large gatherings of people, parts of our daily routine that we once took for granted are being inevitably altered.

College students are going home for the semester, companies are conducting business remotely, and events are getting cancelled left and right. If you were planning on holding a large gathering but don’t want to take any chances, live streaming or web conferencing might be the way to go.

Streaming on a Budget

Whether it be a church service or a business conference, setting up a capable live stream is easier than you think. The first thing that you need to do is make sure you have the proper equipment. The type of equipment you’ll want to get depends on what your budget’s going to be.

The good news is that no matter how much or how little you’re willing to spend, you can produce a quality live stream on any budget. If you’re looking to go the free route you can even stream on Facebook Live, YouTube, and other platforms using just your smartphone. If you want your live stream to look a little more professional, however, there are several items you can utilize.

A webcam can go a long way depending on the type of live stream you’re planning to do. If most of your streaming is done in front of the computer or in your office, this will be more effective than your webcam.
The quality of your microphone can make or break your live stream, but you don’t have to break the bank to find a decent one. If you’re streaming live from your phone you can just use your smartphone mic, and if you’re using your computer you can set a USB mic near you on the table.
Making sure that the room is light correctly will greatly enhance the viewing experience of anyone viewing the live stream. Unless you’re operating in an area with an abundance of natural sunlight, try to get at least one extra source of light.

Streaming Platforms

Now that you’ve got all the necessary equipment, it’s time to decide which streaming platform you’re going to use. Facebook Live is a popular platform that companies and individuals utilize all over the world. It’s easy to use and shouldn’t take you long to get the hang of regardless of your technical expertise. YouTube Live is another easy to use streaming platform. If you’re looking for something more specific, you can check out platforms like YouNow, Open Broadcaster Software, and Live.

It’s Time to Stream

You’ve got the equipment, you know which platform you’re streaming on, all that’s left is for you to actually produce your live stream and put it online! The Coronavirus has interrupted our sense of normalcy and made business as usual impossible, but using tools like a live stream can help ensure that you or your business doesn’t miss a beat.

Web Conferencing

It might seem like the world is grinding to a halt because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can stop conducting business and letting work get away from you. Web Conferences are the perfect way to stay in touch with your team and make sure everyone is staying on task, conduct meetings with clients, and more!

Web Ex is a video conferencing application that allows you to stay connected from home. So no matter where you are, you can hold meetings and get things done. Zoom, GoToMeeting, and TeamViewer are also popular video conferencing options. Research what’s available to find out what would work best for your business.

We’re Here for You

No matter how your business is being impacted during these uncertain times, you can count on SPARKS! Marketing Communications to be there to meet all of your digital marketing needs. Contact us today!

**We’re not endorsing any particular platform (they ain’t paying us for that!). Just passing along the info so do your own homework for the solution that is right for you.