Let’s be honest, most of us are quite slow on the uptake when it comes to new platforms online. We’re so busy trying to implement existing strategies that it can be hard to adopt a new platform without clear validation that it actually works.

Holding our hands up, we were quite slow on the uptake of FacebookLive, until one of our clients pointed out the sheer power of this new Platform from Facebook. We knew there was an increasing buzz around the new phenomena, but didn’t react fast enough to be that one step ahead for our clients.

So, let’s put that right.

What is FacebookLive?

FacebookLive is a relatively new video platform that allows you to stream live video from either your phone, laptop and desktop onto Facebook in real time.

This means if you are running an event, conference or simply need to show an update, you can stream this in real-time to whoever has been notified and taps the “Live Subscribe” button on the top of a live video.

Since the organic algorithm changed, where your posts were seen by less and less of your followers, the only alternative was to use Facebook ads to increase your reach. FacebookLive changes everything! Now, if you’re smart enough, you can send a message to everyone who follows you about an upcoming live session and provide them with the time and date it’ll be live.

Even if only 20% decide to watch your live broadcast, it doesn’t matter. After a few minutes, it will appear in your stream as a recorded video, where your followers can watch a replay.

In the text stream, you can also have live conversations with your followers and reply to messages they have posted.

Not only will your existing followers see your live stream – new followers will be able to see it too.

[bctt tweet=”Using FacebookLive Will Help Grow your Business” username=”XenmediaM”]

How long does Facebook Live last?

If you want to produce a professional broadcast, we advise you to prepare some backup material. The longer you broadcast, the longer your video will stay relevant in the news feed of your fans. The recommended broadcast time is around 10 minutes and you can stream for as long as 90 minutes.

How can it help your business?

Interacting with your followers

Discussing topics that interest both your clients and you. For example, you may have written a recent blog posts and your readers might have questions about it – FacebookLive allows you to do this in real time.

If the live session is scheduled properly, you can ask your fans to ask questions ahead of time and then answer them live, once you are live-streaming. Your fans can also ask questions while you are live too!

Behind The Scenes

People love looking behind the scenes of your business. This is your time to show them – broadcast what you do on a daily basis and how you work to get things done.

Promote An Upcoming Event

If you have an upcoming event or sale on the horizon, then FacebookLive is a great way to announce that. Once you have a date and time for the event, post the details, then share specific details about the event live.

You can even use the platform to broadcast a meetup you are either attending or one you are running. This is excellent social proof for prospective new clients to find out what you and your brand are all about.

To get some analytics about how popular that post is, try to use Bitly (a URL shortener) for your URL. That way, you will be able to track how popular the event may be by analysing the click-through statistics.

New Products & Services

You can introduce new products and services by teasing your fans with a preview (kind of like a sneak-peek). You can show them what that product or service will look like, and what they’ll be able to do with it, once it’s launched.

Answer FAQ’s

Depending on the type of business you operate and which niche, you may have a few customer service queries that are often asked by several of your clients. By doing a live stream, you are able to answer any questions that are often asked, whilst having that video archive you can share with your customer service team.

Run A Facebook Group

You can use FacebookLive to speak to your group members individually. This is great for private Facebook groups that are quite small and intimate. By using the platform on a 1-on-1 basis, your fans will be highly engaged and feel they know you a little bit better with that closer interaction.

[bctt tweet=”Using FacebookLive Will Help Grow your Business” username=”XenmediaM”]

How do you set up Facebook live?

Summary

So, there you have it. One of the best marketing platforms you can utilise straight away, without cost. You can reach more of your fans and also draw in new fans for your brand or business. The best part: it’s absolutely free (at the moment).

I think if there is a major interest from companies around the world, Facebook will start charging a small fee for time used for example. So jump on this while the platform is still free to use.

This won’t be your main marketing strategy, but it’s certainly one to add to your marketing and promotional mix.

Resources:

Facebook Live compatible hardware and software