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Engage in real time with Facebook Live®

Tips on social live streaming

Facebook® is getting back to the basics with their newest algorithm update. Prioritizing quality and genuine community engagement over flashy sales pitches, the social network is trying to go back to the way we thought social media would make us feel: Connected to each other.

Now more than ever, it is essential to create content that sparks engagement with your viewers. Think comments over likes, and conversations over GIFs or memes. One of the best ways to encourage this from your users: Facebook Live® for business.

The live experience

Video is now the most viewed type of content on mobile devices, and one fifth of all those videos on Facebook are posted live. Facebook has taken notice. If you have friends who live stream, it’s likely those posts rise to the top of your personal feed. Why? Facebook prioritizes its feed algorithm to favor live video. The algorithm determines the order of the posts users see. Engaging live videos generally appear toward the top of feeds. In addition, followers often receive notifications when a page they follow is going live. Facebook’s initial data revealed that live videos receive 10 times the number of comments compared to regular videos, proving to be a huge opportunity for you to foster genuine community engagement for your business page.

Why use Facebook live?

Simply put, using Facebook Live increases your page engagement while presenting interesting content to your followers. Sharing these moments with viewers as they happen brings new life to your business page. With live video, you can invite your followers to watch your live stream, share live stream videos among group and business pages and view live reactions to the video. After the live broadcast ends, it’s posted to the page or profile so others who missed the live stream can watch it later and for your business to promote alongside other content, such as in blogs or other social channels. You can also keep the conversation going after the live video has ended by responding to comments and asking questions.

Live streaming for beginners

So what should you stream? Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Holding a Q&A session: Allowing your customers to ask you questions about your company or products adds a level of sincerity that isn’t achievable through text. Because the video is live, your customers perceive your answers as honest and unrehearsed. Ask your community for questions before the live video begins.
  • Product releases: Make your product launch even more news worthy by going live. Hype-up the launch in the coming days. Entice viewers to tune into a ‘special announcement you don’t want to miss’. Allow viewers to join into the excitement of a product launch together, live.
  • Live streaming to event pages: Showing live video from an event-such as a seminar or trade show-is a great way to include those who aren’t there. It can also help encourage attendance at your booth or event.
  • Going behind the scenes: Giving your customers an inside look at your business can be a fun way to make them feel included and allow them to form a deeper connection with your brand.

How to avoid live streaming pitfalls

Potentially the largest concern for all live-streamers will be copyright issues. Things as simple as inadvertently playing music in the background of a video or showing a branded sign could lead to legal headaches. The best way to avoid this issue is to be cognizant of your surroundings by managing not only the content for your video but the location as well.

It is also important to plan an outline of what you will discuss before the live shoot begins. Not only will this help you avoid dead air while filming, it will also ensure you don’t miss important talking points that you’d like to discuss.

While planning, it is also helpful to write an attention-grabbing description for your video, promote the live event before it happens and even practice in front of colleagues before the live shoot.

Kicking the competition

Facebook Live for business takes your social media strategy to the next level. Making the most of this feature will help you combat the updated algorithm, create quality content for your community and increase engagement. Now, grab your camera and get started!

If you’re looking for more tips on how to incorporate live video into your social strategy, we’re here to help!

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