Steps To Run Your Twitch/Mixer Broadcast
Follow me as I share Part 2 on how to become a live streamer.
Are you ready to begin? Don't be scared. I’ll make sure you have what you need to run your first broadcast on Twitch or Mixer.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics to help you get started streaming. Before you go out and spend a ton of money on equipment and branding, first ease yourself into it and get comfortable with your setup. Although all broadcasters have gone through this, many don’t talk about it.
Below are some key steps that I recommend. Check them out!
Step 1: Set Up Your Station
Become familiar with a streaming program such as OBS, Streamlabs OBS or XSplit. Once you’re ready and have your basic setup — game and webcam, open up and place your chat somewhere visible, so you can always see it while gaming.
Step 2: Check Your Chat Often
Even when no one is in chat, it’s important to constantly keep an eye on it. You never know when someone will stop by and say hello. A good way to train yourself to do this is by opening up a chat of a streamer you enjoy watching and then reading and responding to it during your gaming session.
Step 3: Talk A Lot
Silence here and there is fine, but try to talk and interact way, way more. Talk about the game, your day, plans for the weekend and anything else to keep you going. A majority of new streamers talks to no one. At the very least, treat it like a podcast by talking to yourself!
Step 4: Set Up Your Schedule
Set up your stream schedule, and post it. Avoid burn-out by starting small with your initial schedule and working your way up to what established broadcasters are doing. Having a consistent streaming schedule ensures your followers know when and where to find you.
Step 5: Use Social Media
Even when you have 0 followers, get into the habit of using social media. Having a consistent social media presence complements growth. Be sure to post more than just “going live” messages, so followers can connect with your personality.
I recommend creating a community Discord for your channel as well as Twitter and Instagram for daily posting.
Step 6: Start Networking
Networking is one of the best ways to grow your channel, but it’s important to do it properly from the beginning. Find people who you want to become friends with. Never forge a relationship with someone for the sole purpose of growth, as it usually ends poorly on both sides.
There’ll be those who won’t work with you because of your follower count, and that’s okay. See past them, and focus on creating strong friendships.
Step 7: Play What You Want
Find the games that YOU want to play. It’s certainly possible to grow with any game if you play your cards right. You’ll be happiest when you’re not bound to a game or genre, and the community will appreciate that and support you.
Step 8: Have Fun
This is honestly the most important step. If you aren’t having fun, then why even bother? You won’t be happy, and your community will notice. It just won’t end well for anyone.
Step 9: Treat Your Viewers As Family
Captivate and build your audience. They’re taking the time out of their day to spend it with you. Whether you have one viewer or millions, treat your viewers as family. Without them, you’re nothing.
I’ve seen countless times when an influencer forgets their roots and becomes blinded by growth. And then, POOF they’re gone. Make your viewers feel welcome, and show them why they should come back to you.
Step 10: Dream Big
Whatever your reasons to stream, set your short and long-term goals. Make your Dream Board. Don’t be afraid to dream big.
After writing down your goals, find ways to achieve them. See which paths make the most sense to you now and start turning those goals into reality. Having clear goals will help fight obstacles you face during your broadcasting journey.
Step 11: Just Do It!
The first time you “turn on the camera,” it’s going to be nerve-racking. No one is a star overnight. But, you have to JUST DO IT. Follow your stream schedule, and learn from your mistakes. One of the greatest keys to success is to learn from failure and stand back up and move forward.
Also, live broadcasting isn’t always about gaming. For example, there are IRL (“In Real Life”) broadcasts with activities as simple as walking around town or as exciting as skydiving. Find that activity that sets you apart. For me, in addition to gaming, I stream fishing — both casually and competitively in tournaments.
Ok everyone, so this was a super basic rundown of how get started streaming. No matter how big you grow, NEVER FORGET these basics. I hope you enjoyed reading this, and we’ll definitely see you next time. Feel free to ask me anything in the comments below!
