Why Your Brisbane Business Should Care About Live Video
Most business owners I talk to in Brisbane—from landscapers in Samford to boutique owners in Paddington—all say the same thing: "I don't have time to mess around with social media if it doesn't make me money."
I agree. If you're spending an hour talking to a camera and it doesn't result in a phone call or a booking, you’ve wasted an hour of your life.
But here is the reality: Live streaming is currently the fastest way to build trust with people who don't know you yet. In an era where everyone is worried about being ripped off, seeing a real person, in a real business, answering real questions in real-time is powerful. It proves you’re the expert you claim to be.
Live video isn't about being a "content creator." It’s about being a business owner who uses a free tool to reach more people, faster. In this guide, we’re going to look at how to use live video to actually grow your bank balance, not just get "likes."
The Real Business Value of Going Live
When you go live on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, the platform sends a notification to your followers. It’s like a free tap on the shoulder. Compare that to a standard post that might only be seen by 5% of your followers.
From a data perspective, live video gets significantly more engagement than pre-recorded clips. Why? Because it’s interactive. People can ask you how much a service costs, how long a job takes, or if you have a specific item in stock, and you can answer them right then and there.
This interaction shortens the "sales cycle." Instead of someone seeing an ad, thinking about it for a week, sending an email, and waiting for a reply, they get their answer in thirty seconds and book the job.
Stop Overcomplicating the Tech
I see so many Brisbane business owners get stuck before they even start because they think they need a TV studio. They look at professional YouTubers and think, "I can't do that."
Here’s the truth: Your customers don't want a polished TV production. They want to see the person who is going to show up at their house to fix the leak or the person who owns the shop they’re about to visit.
If the video is too perfect, it looks like a generic corporate ad. If it looks like a real person holding a phone, it looks authentic. You can get more customers just by using what's already in your pocket.
What you actually need:
1. A modern smartphone: Anything from the last three years is more than good enough. 2. Good lighting: Stand facing a window. Don't have the window behind you, or you'll look like you're in the witness protection program. 3. Clear audio: This is the only place where I’d suggest spending a tiny bit of money. A $30 lapel microphone that plugs into your phone will make you sound professional. If people can't hear you, they'll leave. 4. A stable connection: Use your shop’s Wi-Fi or make sure you have a strong 5G signal.That’s it. Anything more is usually a waste of money for a small business starting out.
Three Live Stream Ideas That Actually Make Money
Don't just go live and say "Hi everyone, I'm live." That’s boring and a waste of time. You need a goal. Here are three formats I’ve seen work for local businesses over and over again.
1. The "Behind the Scenes" Walkthrough
If you’re a tradie, show a job in progress. Show the mess you’re fixing and explain why it happened. If you’re a gym owner, walk through the floor during a busy session to show the energy.This works because it removes the mystery. People feel like they’ve already been to your business before they even walk through the door. We’ve seen that showing real wins builds more trust than any glossy brochure ever could.
2. The Live Q&A (The "Ask Me Anything")
Every business owner gets asked the same five questions every single day. "How much does a new deck cost?" "Do I need a permit for this?" "What’s the best material for a Brisbane summer?"Go live and answer these. Title the video "Everything you need to know about [Your Service] in Brisbane." This positions you as the local authority. When they are ready to buy, they won't call the person with the cheapest ad; they’ll call the person who already answered their questions for free.
3. The Flash Sale or New Arrival
If you have a retail shop, go live the second your new stock arrives. Show the items, talk about the sizes, and tell people to comment "SOLD" or call the shop to put one aside. This creates urgency. It’s like your own local version of the Home Shopping Network, but for people who actually live in your suburb.How to Handle the "Fear Factor"
I get it. Most people hate the idea of being on camera. You’re worried about messing up your words or looking silly.
Here is a secret: People love it when you mess up. If you stumble over a word or your dog barks in the background, it proves you’re a real person. In a world of fake AI and polished corporate lies, being a bit "rough around the edges" is actually a competitive advantage.
I’ve worked with a mechanic in Coorparoo who was terrified of the camera. He started by just filming his hands working on an engine while he talked. He didn't even show his face for the first three videos. He still got three new bookings from those videos because people could see he knew his stuff.
The Logistics: When and Where to Go Live
Don't overthink the timing. If you’re a B2B professional service (like an accountant or lawyer), go live Tuesday to Thursday during lunch hours. If you’re a tradie or a retail shop, try weekday evenings or Saturday mornings when people are at home thinking about their house or their shopping list.
Where should you go live? Go where your customers are.
Facebook: Still king for local Brisbane businesses and anyone targeting the 35+ demographic. Instagram: Great for visual businesses like cafes, hair salons, or landscapers. LinkedIn: Essential if you sell to other businesses.What to Do After the Live Ends
This is where most people fail. They finish the video and forget about it.
Once the live stream is over, it lives on your page as a regular video. You should: 1. Edit the description: Add a clear link to your website or your phone number. 2. Reply to comments: Even the ones that come in days later. 3. Check the results: Did anyone call? Did anyone mention the video?
If you find that your live videos are getting views but no one is calling, you might need to change your "call to action." Don't just say "thanks for watching." Say "If you want a quote for your backyard before Christmas, call me on [number] or send a DM right now."
Common Mistakes That Waste Your Time
Waiting for a crowd: You might start your live stream and see "0 viewers." Keep talking anyway! Most people will watch the replay later. If you wait for people to join, the first two minutes of your replay will just be you staring at the screen in silence. That's a great way to make people click away. Being too "Salesy": If every second of your video is "Buy my stuff," people will tune out. Aim for 80% help and 20% selling.
- Poor internet: Nothing kills a live stream faster than a blurry screen and robotic audio. Do a quick speed test on your phone before you start.
How Long Until You See Results?
Live streaming isn't a magic wand. You won't go live once and suddenly have a line of people out your door.
However, I’ve seen Brisbane businesses see a noticeable uptick in enquiries within 4 to 6 weeks of doing one live video per week. It’s about consistency. You’re staying "top of mind" so that when the customer eventually has a problem, you’re the first person they think of.
If you want to speed things up, you can use simple video tactics to supplement your live streams, ensuring you have a mix of live and recorded content that keeps your business visible.
Summary: Your Action Plan
If you’re ready to try this, here is exactly what I want you to do this week:
1. Pick a topic: Choose one question you got asked by a customer this week. 2. Pick a time: Set a date and time (e.g., Thursday at 10:00 AM). 3. Tell people: Post on your page on Wednesday saying "I’m going live tomorrow to explain [Topic]." 4. Just do it: Open your phone, hit "Go Live," and talk for 5 to 10 minutes. 5. Tell them what to do next: End the video by telling them how to book or buy from you.
Most of the marketing advice you read online is rubbish designed for big companies with huge budgets. For a local Brisbane business, you don't need a massive strategy. You just need to show up, show your face, and show people you can solve their problems.
At Local Marketing Group, we specialise in helping Brisbane businesses grow without the fluff. We focus on what actually works to get the phone ringing.
Ready to get more customers without wasting your life on social media? Contact us today.