Live Streaming

Live streaming is what sets OpenDay apart. This guide covers the essentials for hosting a successful stream that engages viewers and drives sales.

You don't need a professional studio. Start with what you have.

The Essentials:
- A computer or smartphone with a camera.
- A stable internet connection (at least 5+ Mbps upload speed).
- Good lighting (a window or a lamp is a great start).
- Your products, within easy reach.
  Recommended Upgrades:
- An external USB microphone (like a Blue Yeti) for clear audio.
- A ring light for consistent, flattering light.
- A tripod to keep your camera steady.

Internet: Go to a site like fast.com to check your upload speed.
Audio & Video: Do a quick 5-second recording. Are you in frame? Is the audio clear and free of background noise?
Practice: Do a short, private test stream to ensure everything works before you're live.

Access the Stream Manager from your OpenDay dashboard. This is your command center to:

This is the fastest way to stream directly from your browser—no extra software needed.

Navigate to your Stream Manager and click "Start Web Broadcast."
Grant Permissions for your camera and microphone.
Select Sources: Choose your camera and microphone.
Select Featured Products: Choose 3-10 products you plan to show. Viewers will see these in a panel and can purchase directly.
Preview Your Stream: Check your framing, lighting, and audio levels.
Click "Go Live"!

During Your Stream:

Interact with Chat: Greet viewers by name and answer questions.
Showcase Products: Click on your featured products to highlight them. This creates a timestamped event so viewers can find it in the recording.
Monitor Your Stream: Keep an eye on the viewer count and stream health.

For a more polished broadcast with custom graphics and multiple cameras, you can use external software like OBS Studio (Free) or Streamlabs.

Get Your Stream Key: In your Stream Manager, go to Settings → Stream Key & URL. Copy both the Stream Key and the Ingest Endpoint (RTMP URL).
Configure Your Software: Paste your Stream Key and URL into your streaming software's settings.
Set Up Your Scene: Add your camera and microphone as "Sources" in the software.
Go Live: Click "Start Streaming" in your software. You will automatically be live on OpenDay. Use your Stream Manager to chat and feature products.

A little planning goes a long way.

The Opening (3-5 min): Welcome viewers as they join. Introduce yourself and preview what you'll be showing. Mention any special offers.
The Main Event (30-45 min): Showcase your products. Spend 3-5 minutes on each one. This is where you engage, demonstrate, and sell.
The Closing (5 min): Thank your audience, recap the special offers, and give a final call-to-action (CTA). Remind them when you'll be live next.

Show, Don't Just Tell: Hold products up to the camera. Show all angles, close-ups, and details.
Demonstrate Value: Wear the item, turn on the device, or show it in action. Help viewers imagine themselves using it.
Explain Benefits, Not Just Features:
- Feature: "This bag is made of waxed canvas."
- Benefit: "This bag is made of waxed canvas, so it's durable and water-resistant, keeping your laptop safe in the rain."
Tell a Story: Share a personal experience, a glowing customer review, or the inspiration behind the product.
Give a Clear Call to Action (CTA): Be direct. "We only have 10 of these in stock at this price. Click 'Add to Cart' now to get yours."

Acknowledge Everyone: Greet viewers by name. Read questions aloud before answering them so everyone has context.
Ask Questions: Use polls ("Which color should I show next?") or ask open-ended questions ("What are you shopping for today?") to start a conversation.
Handle Trolls: The best method is to not engage. Quietly use the moderation tools to delete messages and block disruptive users, then get back to your stream.

Flash Sales: "This product is 20% off for the next 10 minutes only!"
Limited Quantity: "I only have 8 of these in stock. Once they're gone, they're gone."
Live-Only Bonus: "Everyone who buys during this stream gets a free gift with their order."

Immediately: Start fulfilling your new orders while the excitement is high. Thank your viewers on social media.
Within 24 Hours: Review your analytics (viewers, sales, chat engagement) to see what worked. Post the recording or short clips for those who missed the live event.

How long should my first stream be? Aim for 30-45 minutes. This is long enough to showcase products but short enough to manage easily for your first time.
What if nobody shows up? Stream anyway! Treat it as practice. The recording will be available for customers to watch later, and every new stream helps you build momentum.
How often should I stream? Consistency is more important than frequency. Start with once a week on the same day and time (e.g., "Every Tuesday at 7 PM").
What if I make a mistake? Laugh it off and keep going. Viewers appreciate authenticity. If it's a tech issue, calmly explain what's happening, fix it, and continue.

You're ready! The most important step is the first one. Schedule your stream, test your setup, and have fun connecting with your customers.