Share This
Related Posts
Tags
Facebook Live
By Eliza Theiss on Jul 17, 2017 in Marketing
Video continues to rise to the top of the digital marketing playbook. If you’re skeptical about the power of video, consider that almost 50% of internet users look for videos related to a product or service before visiting a store. And four times as many customers would rather watch a video about a product than read about it. Video content can also improve SEO, increase engagement and boost brand loyalty and awareness.
Within the realm of real estate, the industry – from retail to residential to student housing – is finding creative ways to leverage video. What’s clear is video isn’t going anywhere, so it’s time to jump in feet first.
Facebook Live offers an interactive, free and highly visible way to engage with an audience. The platform now sees 8 billion average daily video views from 500 million users. With help from social media experts, in-depth tutorials and best practice tips, even the most novice user can become a Facebook Live pro.
Here are five tips to rock Facebook Live:
Step 1: Ask permission
If you plan to live stream other people, ask for permission before you record them. Keep in mind some conferences and venues may have strict no streaming policies. When in doubt, ask.
Step 2: Game plan
Some questions to inform your live video strategy:
Why do you want to do live video?
Who are you hoping to reach?
What do you want this audience to do?
What will you talk about?
How long will you go live for? Facebook recommends 10 to 90 minutes, but even 5 minutes is great. Do what feels right for your organization and your viewers.
Where will you go live from? Walk the room and consider reserving a spot in front. Minimal background noise will be ideal for quality audio.
How will you connect? Go live when you have a strong connection. WiFi or 4G connectivity work best.
Step 3: Get promoting
You can’t show up to the party if you’re not invited. With Facebook Live, you can target your personal network, the fans of a business page, a group or an event. Invite followers from other social networks and spaces, such as your resident newsletter, email drops or blog readers. Include a link to where people can tune in. Promote the information across your social media channels at least three weeks in advance.
Bonus tip: use Facebook Live to give a short preview of the event so it’s easy to find where the future live stream will be.
Step 4: Practice makes perfect
Formatting each Facebook Live will help you streamline the video making process and make objectives clear to your audience. When considering the format of your session, include:
- Intro the session
Offer a short, catchy description before going live. Consider explaining what you’ll be doing and from where, so your audience will understand what you’re doing and why.
- Comment and respond live
Say hello to your audience by name and respond to comments live. This helps keeps viewers engaged. You may want someone to assist you on a separate device to monitor comments.
- Hit it home
Sum up your points. Add a call to action and where they can find more information. Concise action items, such as clicking through to a link or plugging a future session, are easy ways to keep you and your business top of mind. Ask your audience to tap the ‘Follow’ button so they’ll be notified the next time you go live. Thank your audience for tuning in live and sign off. After your Facebook Live has concluded, save the video. You can go back to edit or share it after the conclusion of your session. Follow up by re-sharing the live broadcast across your social media channels.
Pro tip: do a test run. In your Facebook Live settings, you can do a test run by toggling your privacy settings. Switch your Live broadcast visibility to ‘Only Me.’ Switch the setting back once you’re done practicing.
Step 5: Remember to have fun
Facebook Live is meant to be just that – live. If something doesn’t go as planned, it’s okay. Have fun and enjoy the process. With time and practice, live video will become a regular part of your digital marketing arsenal.
Have ideas on how to use Facebook Live? Share them with us!
