Since its launch in Spring 2016, Facebook Live continues to grow in popularity as an easy (and fun) way to communicate who you are (and your brand) to your community. Originally released for mobile use only, online marketers can now also stream live from their desktops.
Why is it so important to incorporate Facebook Live videos into your social media marketing strategy? What we do know is that they are more likely to appear higher in their followers’ newsfeeds, when the videos are live. We know that Facebook users spend more than 3 times more time watching a Facebook Live video on average compared to other videos. There is a definite appetite for “what’s going on right now” content, rather than “you missed it!”
Here are our top 10 tips for getting started with Facebook Live:
- Getting started is tough, especially for those who are less tech-savvy, it’s nice that Facebook thought about that! Start by using the “Just me” privacy settings; This can be changed later, while dipping your virtual toe into the water of the live stream, it’s a great option to take advantage of. You will soon be a pro and jump right in!
- I still don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, okay, we get it! Make a couple of practice webcam calls with a friend / colleague. What do you notice? Are you touching your desk, making the camera shaky and difficult to follow? Is your voice clear, is there a lot of background noise? Eliminate the glitches you can control (and just accept the ones you can’t).
- Make the video spontaneous, but planned. If you’re broadcasting from your home office, look at the view behind you, over your shoulder. Overflowing garbage can? Empty it. Customer information? Save it. But … don’t write it too much. Your live video should be you in all your imperfect glory! It’s okay to stumble across a word or two, and it’s okay to be nervous – your community will love you more for it! Don’t let blemishes stop you!
- Make Facebook Live a part of your overall marketing strategy, not the only marketing strategy you use. Keep posting written content, blogs, and links to interesting articles. Please continue to engage your community by commenting and sharing your content. Remember, not all of your followers will have time to watch a live broadcast, but they will want to see your blog.
- Keep reminding your viewers who you are. Think of a conference call, how there are a few laggards or two who are late to start, and you need to bring them up to speed. Facebook Live is no different. Also remember to pace your content as you know not all of your viewers will be there at first, it’s okay to spend some time talking about what’s to come, the great articles you’ve read, the thanks to the followers who have shared on their page (thank them by name, they’ll appreciate it). Then jump to your content.
- For your planned live broadcasts, promote them on your social media channels, let your community know when they can join you. Have a team member send out reminders when your broadcast is about to begin, and then provide some “technical support” as you chat, answering questions on your behalf.
- Think about the timing: who is your target market and when are they most likely to be online? Busy professionals are unlikely to tune in during the workday, busy parents have no time after school during the dinner rush hour. Take advantage of what you know about your market and schedule your broadcast appropriately. I’m not sure? Play with him. Choose a variety of different times / days of the week and watch your participation.
- And with timing, of course, we need to talk about the length of your live stream, keep it reasonable. Go too long, it will get complicated and awkward, too short and your followers will be disappointed. Think about your broadcast, what you really want to play, what to expect, and know when enough is enough.
- Watch others’ live broadcasts – what are your colleagues doing, what can you learn? Don’t just look at what they are doing, but understand why. Is there primarily a question and answer Livestream, or is it prepared content?
- Smile! Enjoy every moment! You’ve worked hard to get here, so let’s do it!
It’s time to jump!
We’d love to hear your hits on Facebook Live (and not the hit moments!)