How To Use Facebook Live Like A Pro
Learn how to market your brand in real time.
Are you making the most of Facebook Live? It's a much-hyped new tool for influencers and publishers looking to live-stream their brand directly into the feeds of thousands of users, but it's not as easy as simply pointing your iPhone at something interesting and hoping for the best (something that we're sure Chewbacca Mask Lady would disagree with). There's actually a lot of thought and planning involved to ensure that your posts are a viral hit - after all, in today's fickle digital world, you're only as good as your last post.
As more and more brands turn their attention to the platform, a number of best practices have started to emerge. Below we reveal the tips and tricks that you'll need to know before going live...
1. Pick the Perfect Position
Shooting horizontally will ensure the most professional finish - there's nothing worse than a vertical video with wasted white space either side. Invest in a tripod for smooth, clean shots.
2. Location is Everything
Choose a well-lit spot with a strong Wi-Fi connection and minimal background noise. If you lose connection, don't panic, Facebook Live will pause and try to reconnect your video.
3. Write a Good Description
Keep your descriptions short and on-brand. You want to encourage people to tune in without giving too much away. You can always go back and edit the description after your broadcast. .
4. Promote Yourself
Promote your broadcast before the big day. Keeping times and dates consistent will also attract more viewers - if users are expecting a video on a certain day they're more likely to tune in.
5. Timing Is Key
Use Facebook Insights to see when the majority of your followers are online, this is likely to increase your broadcast reach. Don't be afraid to experiment with different times.
6. Experiment With Segments
Keep your videos fresh by switching-up your content. Whether you're sharing celebrity interviews, weekly news round-ups, influencer takeovers or product hauls, discover what works best for you.
7. Add a Personal Touch
Kick off all of your broadcasts with a warm hello. Keep your audience engaged by asking them to send in questions and name-check users directly to make them feel a part of the experience.
8. Keep Broadcasts Short & Sweet
You should aim to broadcast for around 10 minutes. Plan ahead and rehearse what you're going to say beforehand. Make sure you don't overdo it or drag out broadcasts for longer than necessary.
9. Have Fun
Most importantly, have fun! If you're having a good time and enjoying yourself, your audience will be too. Try not to overthink things and just go with the flow.
10. Pause & Sign Off
To avoid any end of show awkwardness pause for a few seconds after signing off. The 'ping' sound will signal when your video has stopped streaming.
Words: Dan Flay
Image via Vogue