Online stores use videos to show products clearly and simply. Many websites add live video shopping and clickable features to help shoppers make purchases right away. This can boost interest and save time for the shopper. It lets store owners see which items get the most views or clicks.
Some people prefer recorded clips, while others like a host who speaks live. Each method can fit a store’s goals. WordPress themes and plugins let owners add these features with less fuss. Costs or setup times can differ, but both styles can lead to better sales.
Buyers often want a direct route from video to checkout. Store owners can give that route through shoppable videos or live streams. Choosing the right path depends on budget, skills, and audience needs. Each style offers distinct advantages that can help stores grow online.
Shoppable Videos
What They Are
Shoppable videos let viewers buy items right on the screen. The shopper sees a shirt or gadget in action and then taps or clicks to add it to the cart. This cuts steps and may lower drop-off rates. WordPress plugins can place buttons or pop-ups to show product info during the clip.
Store admins also gather details on which items get the most clicks. This data helps shape future stock and filming ideas. For example, a short video of a new shoe collection can link each shoe to a checkout page. That way, watchers do not have to open another tab or switch apps.
Benefits of Live Video Shopping
People who enjoy on-demand shopping often like these videos. They do not wait for a live session. They can pause or replay to see product details. Since buyers feel informed, this may lead to fewer returns. A brand that tested this saw a jump in purchases, especially during holiday sales.
A small beauty store once filmed a quick test video. They added clickable product tags linked to each lipstick shade, giving the store insight into which colors sold fastest. Shoppers liked that they could shop right away. Brightcove found that 49% of buyers felt more likely to shop after seeing a clip with direct purchase links.
Shoppable videos can also match many WordPress themes. Some come with built-in video support. That helps owners avoid extra coding. Some people also add pop-ups with plugin tools. These pop-ups list special discounts or show sizes that are still in stock. That approach can lead to more substantial interest and quicker purchases.
Drawbacks of Live Video Shopping
Shoppable videos can require extra work. Teams might need to film, edit, and sync clickable parts. Some businesses hire outside help if they lack the right skills. Smaller stores might struggle to cover the cost of professional filming or specialized plugins. Problems with plugin conflicts can also slow the site.
Testing on different devices is wise. Some phones handle interactive video differently than laptops. A minor glitch might break the purchase link, causing lost sales. Another issue is large file sizes, which can slow load times. Careful planning and maybe shorter videos can solve this. Store owners often find that quality over quantity works best.
Live Video Shopping
Basic Concept
Live video shopping happens when a host shows items on a live stream. Viewers can buy during the broadcast. Many stores use WordPress plugins that add a streaming page with chat tools. Shoppers type questions and the host answers in real-time.
Coresight Research reported that this approach could increase sales in the U.S. by the end of 2021.
The host can show each item’s features and discuss its benefits. They might hold the product close to the camera or try it on, which feels more personal to the viewer. A hat store, for example, might show different angles and ask watchers which color they like. That two-way chat can build trust.
Positive Outcomes
Live events may help shoppers feel they are in an actual store. People get to see the product’s color, size, and quality up close. The host can share tips or fun stories. A local skincare brand once streamed a monthly session to explain each product’s main ingredient. Viewers were glad to get answers right away.
Store owners also like that live shoppers may act fast. Special deals, like limited stock, can spark more sales during the broadcast. The chat box often lights up if the host mentions a discount that expires soon. Some watchers buy on impulse when they sense an item could sell out.
Another plus is deeper customer connections. A host might greet viewers by name, making the session friendly and warm. This can lead to happy fans who show up for future broadcasts. Over time, a brand might see a loyal community form around these live events.
Potential Problems
Going live means more tech risks. A weak internet connection can make a video choppy, and poor sound can cause viewers to lose interest. One small business lost viewers when the audio failed in the first few minutes. Good gear and a backup plan help avoid such drop-offs.
Finding the proper schedule is also tricky. Some people prefer weekends, while others tune in on weeknights. If an event is at the wrong time, turnout might be low. Also, some hosts feel shy on camera. A skilled presenter might cost money. Some companies hire social media personalities to boost the show’s appeal.
Promotion is key. If no one knows about the event, the chat might be quiet. That can feel awkward for the host. The brand might share teasers on Instagram or email a reminder to subscribers. They can also offer a reward, like a small discount code, for people who watch.
Steps to Start Live Video Shopping
Planning the Event
Store owners need to outline their goals. Do they want to show new items, clear old stock, or share tips? They pick a streaming platform that fits their site. YouTube or other WordPress-friendly tools can handle the feed. Then, they plan how many products to feature.
They also set up equipment, like a camera, microphone, and proper lighting. The host should test them before going live. If the brand uses chat, they set clear rules to keep the conversation friendly. Then, they pick a date and time and share that information on social media or newsletters.
Running the Broadcast
Once live, the host greets viewers and says what they will see. They might show one product at a time. Between demos, the host can ask if watchers have questions or want a closer look. This Q&A helps keep people engaged. Stores might also link a product below the video so shoppers can click and buy.
Some watchers like fun, behind-the-scenes moments. That can be a quick peek at how the brand packages orders or where items are made. The host might briefly show the workshop if a store sells handmade crafts. These small extras give viewers a personal glimpse.
Wrapping Up and Reviewing
As the broadcast ends, the host thanks everyone for watching. They might share a short discount code. After the stream, the store checks how many viewers showed up and how many items sold. They note which products got the most interest. This data guides future sessions.
Collecting feedback from participants can help. The store can ask if they liked the timing or if they want more product demos in the future. This gives owners clues on how to improve. A short survey link can be emailed to viewers to gather ratings or ideas.
Possible Roadblocks with Live Video Shopping
Some broadcasts face issues like tech errors or few live viewers. A slow stream might freeze, causing watchers to leave. Testing before showtime can prevent many headaches. That might include checking internet speed or doing a brief private test.
Noise or distractions also pose problems. If the brand is filming in a busy area, passersby or traffic sounds might distract watchers. A quiet room with soft lighting can improve the experience. Some hosts add simple backgrounds that match the brand’s colors, helping viewers focus on the product.
Engagement can be low if watchers feel bored. The host should keep energy levels up. Small icebreakers, giveaways, or polls might help. A pet store once used a cute puppy during a toy demo, which drew many questions. Still, they had a glitch with the microphone. After upgrading their sound gear, the next show ran smoothly.
Comparing Shoppable Videos and Live Video Shopping
Shoppable videos work best for on-demand viewing. A person sees a product link and taps it. The brand can track clicks to see which items interest viewers most. These clips do not require a live host. They might suit busy shoppers who watch videos at odd hours.
Live video shopping focuses on real-time interaction. When asked, the host chats with watchers and can show different angles or details. This can help folks feel more confident in their choices. Some brands see faster sales because buyers sense a limited-time offer.
Brands might use both styles. A store could host a weekly live show and then upload a trimmed-down version with clickable links. This would cover audiences who missed the live event but still wanted to shop. Each approach can support the other, creating a fuller video marketing plan.
Live Video Shopping with WpStream: The Best of Both Worlds
Suppose a business wants to create a Live Video Shopping website that allows you to alternate between pre-recorded and live shopping events. In that case, WpStream provides a seamless solution tailored for WordPress users.
With WpStream, you can:
- Host live shopping events where you engage with your audience in real time, answer questions, and sell products instantly.
- Use recorded video shopping content by embedding past live streams or pre-recorded product demonstrations to drive continuous sales.
- Switch effortlessly between live and video shopping, giving your audience a dynamic experience based on your marketing strategy.
How to Set Up Live Video Shopping with WpStream
- Install & Activate WpStream – Get started with a simple WordPress plugin designed for video streaming and e-commerce.
- Create a Live or Pre-Recorded Shopping Channel – Set up a live stream to showcase products in real time or upload video shopping content to be played on demand.
- Integrate with WooCommerce – Allow viewers to add products to their cart directly from the video player during live or pre-recorded sessions.
- Engage & Sell – Whether it’s a scheduled live drop, a flash sale, or an evergreen video catalog, WpStream ensures you maximize conversions.
- Dedicated Theme – the Free Hello WpStream Theme and Live Shopping Demo can be installed easily on any WordPress site
By combining both Live Shopping and Video Shopping, you can offer a versatile and engaging e-commerce experience that caters to different customer preferences. Some users love the interactive nature of live streams, while others prefer browsing pre-recorded video content at their convenience. With WpStream, you don’t have to choose—you can do both.
Extra Tips and Insights
Many people now purchase goods on social media. The Interactive Advertising Bureau says 48% of U.S. shoppers have bought items through social platforms. These items might be shown in short videos or live streams. A store that uses these tools wisely can stand out.
Clear calls to action help viewers know where to click. The shopper may lose interest if a segment ends without a product link. A simple “Click here to order” message can make a big difference. Store owners can highlight limited deals or free shipping to nudge viewers to act.
Shoppable videos and live shopping each suit different goals. The first is handy for always-available content, while the second builds closer connections. A mix can let stores keep content fresh. As brands learn what shoppers enjoy, they can adjust their videos or streams to increase sales and loyalty.
Are you ready to start your Live Video Shopping journey? Try WpStream and build your ultimate shoppable video experience today.
Table of Content
