| How to Promote Your Twitch Stream Posted: 15 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT Streaming on Twitch for hours and only having a couple viewers show up can be frustrating. Fortunately, by promoting your stream and adjusting your streaming strategy, you can attract more audience members and grow your following. EditIn a Hurry? To promote your Twitch stream, make social media accounts and post links to your stream so viewers can find you. You can also advertise your stream by posting comments about it in online gaming forums. To attract more viewers, try to stream as much as possible and make sure you're sticking to a consistent schedule. Consider hosting occasional giveaways, which will encourage viewers to subscribe to your stream. For more tips, like how to brand yourself to get more viewers, keep reading! EditPromoting Outside of Twitch - Set up social media accounts for your stream to promote yourself on. Make Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts that are dedicated to your stream. Then, post on them whenever you're going live on Twitch so people know to watch you. You can also use your social media accounts to interact with your audience and fill them in on any important stream-related updates.[1]
- For example, you could post something like "Going live later at 5 PM EST. Streaming Hearthstone @ twitch.tv/(NameOfChannel)."
- Don't forget to include your timezone so viewers know exactly when to tune in.
- Include links to all your social media accounts somewhere on each account so people can find you across multiple platforms.
- Promote your stream in online gaming forums. Look for active gaming forums and post a comment that includes a link to your stream, the name of the game or activity you're streaming, and what time your stream is at. Forums are a great way to find like-minded individuals that might be interested in tuning into your stream.
- For example, you could post "Hey everyone, I stream League of Legends every weeknight at 6 PM PST. Check it out at twitch.tv/(NameOfChannel)."
- Try to find forums that are dedicated to the particular game or activity you're going to be streaming. For example, if you're going to stream yourself playing Overwatch, post about your stream in Overwatch forums.
- Avoid posting in the same forum more than once in a day so people don't think you're a spammer.
- Ask your network of friends to help you promote your stream. If you have friends that are gamers or avid Twitch users, see if they'll share your stream with people they know. Offer to post a link to their Twitch stream on your social media accounts if they do the same for you. Over time, as your Twitch following grows, you can help each other out by promoting each other to your subscribers.[2]
- Network with other Twitch streamers at a convention. Attending a Twitch convention and meeting other streamers is a great way to get your name out there. You'll also be able to sit in on sessions that are designed to help streamers grow their audience and be more successful. Bring business cards with your streaming information on them so you can hand them out to people you meet at the convention.[3]
- TwitchCon is an annual Twitch convention that attracts streamers and viewers from around the world. You can find out more about TwitchCon at https://www.twitchcon.com/.
- To find smaller Twitch conventions and meet-ups in your area, search online for "Denver Twitch conventions" or "New York City Twitch meet-ups."
EditAttracting an Audience - Stick to a regular streaming schedule so viewers know when to tune in. If you're always streaming at different hours and on random days of the week, people won't know when to watch you, which means your viewership will be low. With a regular schedule, both old and new audience members will know exactly when you'll be on, meaning more people will tune in at once for your streams.[4]
- For example, you could make it a goal to stream every weeknight at 8:00 PM.
- Once you choose a schedule, post it somewhere on your social media accounts so viewers can find it.
- Don't forget to include your timezone — potential viewers live all around the world.
- Stream as much as possible to increase your exposure to viewers. The more you stream, the more chances there are for viewers to find you. The more viewers that find you, the more likely you are to get new subscribers![5]
- If you're currently streaming 4 days out of the week, go up to 5 or 6 days and see if that helps you build your audience.
- Don't feel like you need to stream every day of the week — taking a day or 2 off will prevent you from getting burned out.
- Brand yourself so your stream is more memorable. Your brand can be something simple, like a funny mascot or a catchphrase you always say during your stream. It doesn't need to be complex, just recognizable. Viewers will be more likely to come back if you give them something familiar that they can look forward to when they watch your stream.[6]
- For example, you could always tell jokes about the game you're streaming. Eventually, people will tune into your channel when they're looking to laugh. Humor will be part of your brand.
- Include your brand in your social media accounts. For example, if your pet lizard is your stream's official mascot, put up pictures of it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Host giveaways on your stream to encourage new subscribers. Offer viewers a chance to win some money or a gift card in return for subscribing to your stream or sharing your stream on social media. There are lots of different Twitch bots you can use to help you set up and run giveaways.[7]
- For example, you could give away a new game that just came out to a random subscriber.
- You could also host a cash giveaway where people can earn extra entries in the giveaway by sharing your stream on social media.
- Try hosting themed-streams to attract more viewers. A themed-stream is a special stream that's based on a fun concept or theme. Themed-streams will encourage viewers to tune in, and they can make your stream more memorable.[8]
- For example, you could host a themed-stream where you stream for 24 hours straight without stopping.
- You could try a themed-stream where you stream yourself teaching someone how to play video games that has never played before.
EditInteracting with Your Audience - Respond to viewers over the chat on your stream. Talking to your viewers over chat shows that you appreciate them tuning in. By making a connection with your viewers, you'll be more likely to get new subscribers.[9]
- Take a break from your game once in a while to check for new comments on the chat.
- Make an effort to respond to questions that viewers ask you.
- Thank your viewers for subscribing, donating, and entering giveaways. Thanking your viewers by name will make them feel special and appreciated. It's also a great way to encourage other viewers to subscribe, donate, or join your giveaways too.[10]
- Use a microphone so you can talk directly to your viewers. With a microphone, you can explain what's going on in your stream, answer questions from viewers, and easily communicate your thoughts. A microphone will also help your personality shine through, making people more likely to subscribe.[11]
- Don't feel like you need to talk constantly if you have a microphone. Just speak conversationally to your viewers and share any relevant thoughts you have as they come to you.
- Use host mode to engage your viewers when you're offline. Host mode is a feature on Twitch that lets you stream someone else's stream when you're not online. You can use host mode to network with other streamers and to keep your subscribers entertained while you're away.[12]
- When you're using host mode, stream things you know your audience will like. For example, if your viewers always tune in to watch you play Fortnite, you could host another streamer that's playing Fortnite or a similar game.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Hang Floating Shelves Posted: 15 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT There are several ways to hang your floating shelves using different types of hardware. You can choose to use brackets specifically designed for floating shelves, making them invisible to the eye. You can also build your own hollow shelf and then slide it right on to a wooden cleat. Lastly, there's the option of using figure-eight fasteners to hold your shelf up on the wall. EditUsing Floating Shelf Brackets - Use a stud finder to find the studs in the wall. The best way to do this is to use a stud finder, sliding it along the wall horizontally until the stud finder indicates where the stud is. Once you've located the studs, use a pencil to mark where they are.[1]
- You can also try to find the studs by looking for small dimples in the trim or knocking on the wall and listening for a solid sound instead of a hollow one.
- Use a drill to drill into the stud where you'd like to hang your shelf. To create the first hole for your special bracket, use a drill bit to get started. Once you've created a small hole, switch to a bit and drill a hole for the bracket, making sure not to drill too deep.[2]
- You can measure the bracket's length and then use a piece of tape to mark the drill bit so that you don't drill too far in.
- Secure the bracket in the hole. Place the bracket in the hole, turning it until you feel a slight resistance. Keep turning the bracket until it feels tightly secured.[3]
- If you're twisting the bracket and aren't feeling any resistance, pull it back out. Twist the end that goes into the shelf clockwise so the bracket expands.
- Use a level to place the second bracket. To make sure your shelf is even and steady, use a level and the stud finder to decide where to place the other bracket that will hold up your shelf. Use a pencil to mark where the second bracket will go.[4]
- Make sure the distance between the 2 brackets isn't longer than the length of your shelf.
- Install the second bracket using a drill and secure it tightly. Follow the same process of drilling a hole into a stud using the drill bits. Place the bracket into the second hole, twisting it until it's tightly secured.[5]
- Remember not to drill too deeply when making the hole for the bracket.
- It's a good idea to use the level again once you've placed the second bracket, just to make sure the 2 brackets create a level surface.
- If the brackets aren't level, you'll need to remove 1 from the wall and realign it.
- Measure the distance between the 2 brackets carefully. Use a ruler to measure the distance from 1 bracket to the next so that you'll know where to drill the holes in your shelf. You need this measurement to be exact, so take the time to measure it 2 or 3 extra times. Write down the measurement so that you don't forget it.[6]
- Drill the bracket holes into your shelf. Use your bracket measurements to draw dots on the back of your shelf where the holes will go using a pencil. Make sure the holes are straight and level with each other. Carefully drill the 2 holes into the wood — use a drill press to create the holes, if possible.[7]
- If you don't have a drill press, you can create a jig to hold the wood. Keep your wood from moving by putting pieces of wood on either side of it with a thin slab nailed on top.
- Mark the depth with tape to ensure you're not drilling too far.
- Measure your shelf to make sure it's the right thickness and depth for the brackets you chose. The specifications for the brackets should be labeled on the package they come in.
- Slide the shelf onto the brackets. Clear out any dust from the holes in the shelf and slide it onto the brackets installed in the wall. You should have a nice, clean fit. Use a level to check to make sure the shelf is even.[8]
EditInstalling Cleats - Build your own floating shelves so that they're hollow. There are a couple of ways to do this, but the easiest way is to use plywood and nails to create a hollow shelf. You would ultimately have 5 sides, with the back of the shelf being open.[9]
- You want your shelf to slide onto a cleat, which is why the shelf won't have a back.
- Decide where to install the cleat by locating the studs. Use a stud finder to figure out where your wall studs are, and then mark where you'd like to install the cleat to hold your shelf.[10]
- Try to hit at least 2 wall studs per shelf for the best stability.
- Cut a 2x2 piece of wood long enough to fit inside your floating shelves. This section of wood will be what the open back part of your shelf slides onto to keep it on the wall. Measure the piece of wood to ensure it fits inside the length of the shelf before using a saw to cut it.[11]
- You can also take the piece of wood to a home improvement store to have them cut it for you.
- Use screws to secure the cleat to the wall. Attach the cleat to the wall using screws. Use 2-3 screws, depending on the length of your shelf.[12]
- Try to install the screws into the studs, or use heavy anchor fasteners.
- Check to make sure the shelf is even before tightening the screws. Use a level to see that both screws create an even surface. Tighten the screws to ensure the cleat is safely attached.[13]
- Add an additional 2x2 section of wood for wide shelves, if desired. If the shelf you're installing is very wide, you might want your cleat to stick out a bit more. Attach another 2x2 piece of wood of the exact same length on top of the first one using screws. This will give your cleat more depth.[14]
- Push the shelf onto the cleat. Center your shelf on the cleat and push it back against the wall into place. Your cleat should fit in your hollow shelf snugly.[15]
- If your shelf isn't super snug or feels a bit loose, try adding an additional 2x2 piece of wood for better security.
- Secure the shelf to the cleat with nails or screws. As an additional precaution, you can hammer in some nails to make sure your shelf doesn't move from the cleat. Pick a place that won't be seen easily, like the very top of your shelf if it's placed up high, or the bottom of the shelf if it's placed low.[16]
EditPlacing Figure-Eights - Locate the studs in the wall. You'll need to find out where the studs are in the wall so that you can drill into them. Using a stud finder is the easiest way of figuring out where the studs are, but there are also other ways of finding a stud.[17]
- If you can't find the studs or don't think they'll be usable for your shelf, use hollow-wall anchors which can be found at a home improvement store.
- Measure how far apart the studs in the wall are. This will help you decide how far apart to install your figure-eight fasteners from one another. Use a ruler or measuring tape to get the exact distance, making sure to write the measurement down so that you don't forget it.[18]
- Measure and mark where to install the figure-eights in the shelf. Decide where you'd like to drill the figure-eights into the back of the shelf. You should use at least 2 figure-eights for the best stability, and make sure to spread them evenly using a ruler. Use a pen or pencil to mark where the holes will go.[19]
- Trace the figure-eight fastener as it will be when it's attached to the shelf using a pencil or pen if you're planning on chiseling into the shelf so that the fastener sits flat.
- Use a drill and chisel to create a recess in the shelf, if desired. Drill a shallow hole into the shelf where the figure-eight will go. Use a chisel to carefully carve out the space where the figure-eight will sit. This should allow the fastener to lay flush against the shelf.[20]
- Don't drill too deeply — the hole is simply to help you begin chiseling.
- Attach the figure-eight fastener to the shelf with a screw. Place the figure-eight fastener into the recess, if you created one. Screw the bottom of the figure-eight fastener into the shelf using a screw. Make sure it's nice and tight.[21]
- Draw a thin, light line on the wall to show you where to hang the shelf. Decide where you'd like to hang the shelf and use a level to draw a horizontal, even line where the shelf will go. This will make it easier when you go to drill in the top halves of the fasteners.[22]
- Use a pencil when drawing the line so that you can erase it easily afterwards if necessary.
- Line your shelf up with the line you drew. Pick up the shelf with the fasteners attached and line it up on the wall. If you want the line to stay invisible, place the top of the shelf on the line. Use the drawn line to help you ensure the shelf stays even.[23]
- You can have someone hold the shelf for you while you use a level to double-check the evenness, if desired.
- Insert the screws into the figure-eight fasteners. Place the screws into the fasteners. Use a drill or a screwdriver to attach the top of the figure-eights into the wall. Either screw them into the studs or into hollow-wall anchors.[24]
- Be aware that the top of the fastener will be visible once you hang the shelf.
- Use extra caution when using heavy machinery and make sure to wear proper safety protection.
- Ask a friend for help when using intense tools, or if you're unsure whether completing a task by yourself would be safe.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Avoid the Health Risks of Vegetarian Diets Posted: 15 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT Many people become vegetarians for religious, cultural, ethical, or health reasons. For the most part, a vegetarian diet is nutritionally sufficient. It can also reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. However, a vegetarian diet must be planned appropriately to ensure that you're getting the vitamins and minerals you need. It may be necessary to take a multivitamin or other nutritional supplement to avoid the health risks associated with vitamin or mineral deficiencies.[1] EditGetting Enough Macronutrients - Include a healthy amount of fat in your diet. While you shouldn't eat too much, fat is essential for your body to properly absorb vitamin A, vitamin D, and other fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. Without sufficient fat, you may be at risk for vitamin deficiencies.[2]
- Fats shouldn't make up more than 33 percent of your diet. Eat more healthy, unsaturated fats that are found in fruit, seeds, and nuts.
- At least one-third of your fat intake should come from monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and rapeseed oil. Another one-third of your fat intake should be polyunsaturated fats such as sunflower, soya, or sesame seed oil.
- Consume healthy fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients. With insufficient quantities, you are at higher risk for immune system dysfunction, macular degeneration, or heart disease.[3]
- If you are a pescatarian and eat fish on a regular basis, you likely consume sufficient fatty acids. Lacto-ovo vegetarians can also get fatty acids from milk and eggs.
- If you are a vegan, eat nuts and green, leafy vegetables to ensure you're consuming enough fatty acids. If you're concerned about your intake, you can take a vegetarian supplement.
- Use whole grains for complex carbohydrates. If you eat a lot of refined starches, you're getting too many simple carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and heart disease. A vegetarian diet is normally pretty heart-healthy if you limit simple carbs.[4]
- Whole fruits and unprocessed starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and winter squash are also good sources of complex carbohydrates.
- Balance vegetables and grains with sources of protein. Many people believe that vegetarians have difficulty consuming enough protein, but this typically isn't the case. Many vegetables, in addition to common meat substitutes such as tofu, provide adequate protein.[5]
- Monitor your protein intake and make sure you're getting enough protein with each meal. Generally, you should consume about .41 grams of protein for every pound of your body weight. For example, a 174-pound vegetarian male would need to consume 71 grams of protein.[6]
EditAvoiding Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies - Take a B12 supplement. Getting adequate amounts of vitamin B12 can be a genuine problem for vegetarians, since it's only found naturally in animal products. B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function.[7]
- B12 is the only vitamin that you can't get on a vegetarian diet, so a supplement is essential if you don't eat any animal products.
- Some foods, such as soy milk and breakfast cereals, are fortified with vitamin B12. Check the nutrition label to find out.
- Eat vitamin D-fortified foods. Soy and rice milk, orange juice, and many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D. A deficiency can put you at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.[8]
- Spend some time in the sun to activate your body's natural vitamin D production. Just make sure you wear sunscreen so you don't damage your skin.
- If you don't have access to sufficient fortified foods or beverages, take a supplement to ensure you're getting enough vitamin D.
- Add a pinch of salt. Vegetarians may not get enough iodine, which can put you at risk of developing a goiter. Use iodized salt when you cook. Just a quarter-teaspoon a day is enough to prevent iodine deficiency.[9]
- Sufficient iodine is particularly important if you frequently eat soy products or sweet potatoes, which can actually promote a goiter.
- Combine foods rich in iron and vitamin C. Some vegetarians may not get enough iron. You can substantially decrease this risk by eating iron-rich greens alongside foods such as oranges that have a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C improves your body's absorption of iron.[10]
- Since your body can't absorb iron from plant sources as easily as from animal sources, you need to consume twice as much iron as a non-vegetarian. If you're concerned about an iron deficiency, take an iron supplement or a multivitamin with iron.
- Drink calcium-fortified beverages. The calcium added to soy and rice beverages, as well as many juices such as orange and apple juice, is similar to the calcium found in milk. If you aren't consuming dairy products, you can get sufficient calcium this way.[11]
- When buying soy or rice milk, or juices, check the labels to determine whether calcium has been added, and in what quantities.
- Vegans who don't consume enough calcium are at higher risk for bone fractures. You can also take a supplement if you're concerned about your intake.
- Green leafy vegetables and tofu are some other basic sources of calcium for vegetarians.
- Eat beans and seeds for zinc. Vegetarians also may not consume enough zinc on a daily basis. Zinc deficiency is rare, but puts you at risk for immune dysfunction, weight loss, and lethargy. Eating a lot of whole grains can bind zinc and decrease your body's absorption of the mineral.[12]
- To increase the zinc quantity in your food, soak beans, grains, or seeds in water for several hours before eating. Let them sit and allow them to sprout before you cook them.
- Like iron, your body absorbs zinc from plant sources less efficiently than it does from meat sources. Vegetarians should consume at least 50 percent more zinc than meat eaters. If you're concerned about your zinc intake, look for a vegetarian supplement.
- Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, such as those sold at your local farmer's market, have more vitamins and minerals than produce shipped long distances to sit on a grocer's shelf.[13]
- If you have any issues, you may want to consult a registered dietician. They can evaluate what you're eating and help remedy any deficiencies. Search the online directory at https://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert to find a registered dietician near you.
- Read food labels carefully. They will tell you the amounts of vitamins and minerals contained in each serving of food.
- You can use a vegetarian food pyramid, such as the one found at http://www.vegetariannutrition.org/6icvn/food-pyramid.pdf, to plan balanced meals that meet your nutritional needs.
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