How to Get in Front of Clients With Facebook Live in Social Media Marketing

Are you using Facebook Live to connect with your leads and customers? You should be. This social media marketing giant isn’t slowing down. Here’s what to do.

If you’re searching for new social media marketing strategies or different ways reach new audiences or engage with followers overall, it’s time for you to start streaming.

Allowing you to say what you want in whatever way you may choose, and connecting with audiences instantly, Facebook Live offers an opportunity for you to not only increase your customer base but also to create closer relationships with followers.

Get ready to go live—keep reading to find out how this social media marketing strategy can help you make all the difference!

What is Facebook Live, and How Can You Successfully Use it in Social Media Marketing?

Earlier this year, Facebook introduced a new feature for its users called Facebook Live.

After coming out for verified public figures in August 2015, Live is now available for all verified Facebook users.

The feature offers live-streaming video capabilities to users, capitalizing on the recent trend of video consumption online and capturing in-the-moment posts.

What’s important to know, is that this seemingly basic feature has the potential to change the way marketers and consumers approach the Facebook platform.

How it Works

With Facebook Live, users can start broadcasting video live from your smartphone with a tap of the live stream icon. Additionally, users can write an optional description for the event.

At the conclusion of your video, simply tap “finish” to complete the video and have it posted as a permanently available feature on your timeline.

Any users following have the ability to view the broadcast; however, you can block specific users from seeing the video.

The maximum time limit for a broadcast is 30 minutes.

While the live-streaming feature is similar to other products out there such as Periscope and Meerkat, there are several differences that make Facebook Live stand out.

The ability for the video to be retrieved at any time and the association with other features with the app are the most noteworthy for social media marketing.

How to Use Facebook Live Step by Step

1. Go Live—It’s Time to Broadcast!

First, broadcasting through Facebook Live begins through your profile.

Once on your Facebook profile, simply tap to update your status and choose the Live icon.

Next, write out a title for your broadcast (if you want). This is the description will go out in the news feed and in notifications.

Before posting the broadcast, you may want to choose the audience, just like with other personal status updates. After selecting specific friends or picking to go public, tap “Go Live.”

Now, you’re good to go, so start shooting!

During the broadcast, you’ll be able to see the number of live viewers. While those friends are tuning in, you can invite them to hit the subscription button so they’ll be notified the next time you’re live.

Broadcasting on a Budget

No matter what your budget may be, you can produce Facebook Live videos to stand out and engage your audience.

Here are some tips to consider while creating your Facebook Live broadcasts for social media marketing.

• Use your smartphone to start streaming live from your desktop computer, using the build in camera. The best part is if you already have a smartphone or computer, there are no new costs!
• Consider investing in a mobile phone setup in order to create a more professional look in your videos. The costs range between $150 and $300 but will create more stable videos with better audio and lighting
• If you’re looking to produce higher quality and more professional live streams, look into building a dedicated studio setup. This is more of an investment for high-end equipment and can cost between $3,000 and $30,000; however, the TV-quality broadcasts may be worth it in the end.

2. Keep Your Audience Engaged From Beginning to End

Facebook recommends a few tips and tricks for using Facebook Live that you can take advantage of throughout the streaming and posting process.

• To build anticipation, tell people ahead of time when you’re going to broadcast.
• Make sure prior to filming you have a strong WiFi connection.
• Write a compelling description before going live to capture fans’ attention and help them understand what they’re about to watch.
• Let your audience know that they can follow you and receive notifications whenever you go live next.
• Your audience wants to hear from you, so respond to commenters and say hello by name!
• The longer you broadcast, the more people are likely to discover and invite their friends to watch the video, so try broadcasting for longer periods of time.
• Get creative by trying different types of broadcasts, and go live frequently!

3. Step Up Your Facebook Live Game By Editing Your Video

After it’s been posted to your wall, you have the ability to go back and edit your Facebook Live video.

Similar to the way you edit any other video that you have uploaded to Facebook, follow the steps below:

Click on the date of the post in your timeline to access it, and then select the Edit option. Choose a thumbnail from the 10 image options Facebook gives you, or upload your own thumbnail. Select a category from the drop-down menu next to Video Category. Add a call to action from the several choices available. Consider using Ads Manager to get more visibility.

4. Get Video Views by Sharing and Spreading the Word

As with any other content you want to be viewed by audiences, post your video in as many places as you can while staying relevant.

To do this, share the video on all of your social media profiles. Also, consider creating a blog post with some of the highlights and embed the video or share the link.

5. Analyze Your Video’s Performance

To check out the performance analytics for your Facebook Live video, take similar steps to that of normal Facebook videos.

For pre-recorded videos, Facebook lets you analyze the following:

• Minutes viewed
• Unique viewers
• Video views
• 10-second views
• Average % completion

With Facebook Live videos, Facebook lets you analyze all of the metrics included for pre-recorded videos above, as well as the added bonuses below!

• Peak live viewers
• People reached
• Reactions
• Comments
• Shares

Have you used Facebook Live? What is your favorite and least favorite part of the platform’s new feature? Tell us about your experience with the social media marketing strategy in the comments below!