Live Selling on social media often seems promising at first. The platforms are popular, and businesses can quickly connect with large audiences.
However, the reality is that many companies find their efforts fall short. Despite the buzz and engagement during live events, sales don’t always reflect the excitement.
The main issue ?
Social media platforms aren’t designed for live selling.
They’re great for visibility but come with unpredictable algorithms, distracted audiences, and limited tools for closing sales effectively.
Let’s Discuss The Hidden Challenges of Live Selling on Social Media
1. Lack of Trust
Many customers hesitate when it comes to making purchases directly through social media. While these platforms are great for connecting with people, they are often seen as too casual or not as secure as dedicated e-commerce platforms.
Shoppers may worry about the safety of their payment information and the reliability of sellers.
2. Too Many Distractions
Your live video is competing with cat memes, viral dance challenges, and a thousand other posts. Even if people tune in, they’re easily distracted. One notification, and they’ve clicked away, leaving your stream without making a purchase.
3. Lack of Detailed Sales Data
Social media platforms aren’t built for selling. You don’t get detailed insights like how many viewers turned into buyers or which products grabbed the most attention. It’s like flying blind—you’re trying to improve your sales, but you don’t have the data to guide you.
4. Higher Costs for Reach
With more businesses competing for attention on social media, the cost of promoting posts or live streams continues to climb.
As platforms prioritize paid content, organic reach becomes more limited, forcing businesses to spend more money just to be seen by their target audience.
5. The Checkout Problem
Here’s another big one: on social media, people can’t easily buy directly from your stream. They often need to leave the platform to make a purchase, and that extra step? It’s a deal-killer.
The longer and more complicated the buying process, the more likely you’ll lose them.
So, What’s the Alternative?
Now, imagine running your live selling event on a platform specifically designed for it.
No awkward transitions to another website for checkout.
No algorithms deciding who sees your video.
No distractions pulling your audience away.
Let’s look at what changes.
1. Consistent Audience Reach
On a dedicated platform, your viewers are there for one reason—to shop. This means every live stream reaches the right people. No more guessing or hoping the algorithm is on your side.
2. Full Attention
Since your audience isn’t being bombarded with unrelated content, you have their full focus. They’re tuned in to what you’re saying, more engaged, and more likely to stick around until the end (and hopefully buy).
3. Clear Sales Insights
Now, you can track everything: how many people watched, how many bought, and even which products they were most interested in. With this data, you can tweak your strategy, improving each live event.
4. Seamless Checkout
Customers can buy directly through the live stream. No more sending them elsewhere. It’s fast, easy, and keeps buyers in the moment.
Why Make the Switch?
Let’s say you’re a business selling handmade crafts. On social media, your live streams may get more views, but only a few sales trickle in. You’ve put in the effort, but the results don’t reflect it.
On the other hand, with a live selling application that’s built for your business. You get better audience engagement, smoother transactions, and access to detailed sales reports.
Sounds better, right?
Social media is effective for growing your audience and generating interest in your brand, but it has its downsides when it comes to Live Selling.
If you’ve ever struggled with low sales or distracted viewers, you’re not alone.
Using dedicated platforms like Galeries Live for live selling can provide the tools and focus you need to convert views into purchases.
So, the next time you’re ready to hit “Go Live,” consider where you’re streaming.
