Facebook Live for Businesses
As a small business, your time and energy is limited. In most cases you are the only person taking care of every aspect of your business from digital presence to scheduling and managing the finances. Reading up the newest social media features is the last thing on your radar. However, looking forward and understand the emerging tools which are predicted to dominate marketing in 2017 can provide small businesses with a valuable competitive edge. We have talked about the benefits video marketing can bring to your online marketing strategy. Today, we would like to bring to your attention a specific video technology to watch: The Live Video.
Snapchat has ushered in an era rapidly exchanged video content. Albeit apps facilitating live broadcasting as Meerkat, Periscope and Blab have come and gone, the live video trend is definitely here to stay. Facebook live, the most recent and successful version of this technology has gone mainstream with everyone from individuals to corporations hopping on the bandwagon. It has proved itself to be an interesting tool for many different across the board, one which presents challenges and rewards for brands of every size. In this article we will outline some tips to help small businesses utilize this genre to their benefit.
The Benefit of Facebook Live for Your Business Page
Videos are the best way to connect with fans and followers online, resulting 1200% more engagement than text and images. The beauty of the live video feature is in its flexible nature. The medium is meant to capture a raw slice of reality, whether it takes the form of a conversation with your followers or streaming a cool event that is taking place. By definition, live videos do not require editing or fancy equipment - all you need is a camera and an good internet connection. Facebook Live has the added bonus that these videos are saved on your page and can be viewed and shared long after the actual event.
Tips for Facebook Live as a Marketing Tool
1. Promote Before the Broadcast
Make the most of your broadcasts my scheduling them at time of day when users will be able to tune in (early evening is a good idea), and letting your followers know ahead of time that you will be going live.
2. Come Prepared
Just because your live video looks like it is spontaneous doesn’t mean you don’t need to have a plan. While Facebook Live videos should feel informal conversational, that doesn’t mean you should come unprepared. Plan what you intend to say beforehand. If you aren’t a natural public speaker, you can even rehearse on video prior to actual going live.
3. Engage!
Take advantage of the live engagement afforded to you by this medium. Users are investing their time to like and comment on your video in real-time, take a moment to acknowledge this and even thank a few by name. This is also a great opportunity to allow consumers to join the debate and ask you questions or offer their opinions on relevant topics.
Facebook Live Content Ideas
“Behind the Scenes”
Show your followers interesting things that are happening behind the scenes: the creative process behind creating a new product, special tips that help you get through the day, or anything relevant that you feel comfortable broadcasting online. Customers love having a glimpse into the inner working of their favorite brands.
Live Events
Whether it is a company picnic or an interesting speaker at a business conference, allowing your followers to attend events they might not otherwise be able to afford or access is a great way to utilize Facebook Live. Just be sure that the event is interesting and relevant to your social media following and not just to you.
“Ask Me Anything”
This is a great way to encourage engagement and open up to your followers. Let them be the interviewers and ask you about how you built your brand and achieved success as a small business. Feel free to avoid answering questions that are too personal or inappropriate, and have a game plan of what you want to share.
Facebook Live can be an amazing tool to kick start online engagement! Utilize these tips and tools and you’ll be a live video pro in no time. If this was helpful, give Solomoto’s Facebook Page a shoutout on your next live video!