If you’re one of Facebook’s 2 billion active users, then you’ll be more than aware of the drastic rise of video over the last few years. With the increase in broadband speeds, data plans and with mobile devices with the processing power of a laptop, it’s now far easier than ever to consume video content.
With this in mind, it’s about time you start to ask yourself why you’re not utilizing Facebook Live? For the first time, small businesses have their own TV channel to tell the world how much value they can add to their customer's lives; the only thing holding you back is your imagination.
Give your audience something
No one will stop scrolling through their Newsfeed to listen to you talk for the sake of talking, and that certainly won’t help you grow your business. Using Facebook Live to launch new promotions is an effective way to direct your social media audience over to your business, but also demonstrate to them that you’re committed to offering them additional value.
You can host a Facebook Live to educate on causes that your business supports through “corporate social responsibility” activities or provide tips to help them get more out of your products. As long as the content provides insight into how your business provides a better value proposition than your competitors, you’ll be onto a winner.
Live encourages engagement
Facebook has allowed users to upload videos for a while now, but it has only been in the last year that Facebook Live has taken off. This type of content is so effective because it’s method of two-way communication, you can deliver your message to your audience, and they can reply instantly, opening the conversation.
Your customers are far more likely to comment when they know you’ll read it and respond there and then, compared to posting a comment and not knowing when you’ll read it. This leads to Facebook Live offering much higher levels of engagement than any other type of content on the platform.
Let your audience know you see them!
Facebook Live is still a novelty for many people, and many are intrigued by this form of interactive video content. When people comment with a question or even just to greet you, make sure you use their name and make sure you acknowledge them.
One-to-one conversations with your customers increase trust they have in you and the brand. Facebook Live allows you to have these one-to-ones very quickly with everyone that interacts with the video, providing an intimate but efficient method of communication with your audience.
Reach the top of your customer’s feeds
If someone told you that you could place advertisements at the top of your customer’s newsfeed, you’d probably ask how much the loan would cost to pay for it. You might be surprised to know that it’s possible, and at absolutely no expense. Facebook has invested heavily in video in recent years and is very keen for Live to be a success. As a result, whenever an account goes Live on Facebook, friends, and followers can be notified to watch and join the conversation. If you feel you’re struggling with creating content to maximize your business’ reach on Facebook, then you’d be a fool not to add Live sessions to your content calendar.
In 2018, it is clear to every business owner how effective social media is as a communication tool, so it’s important that you take advantage of every feature available to get an edge on the competition. Maybe some are camera shy, but it seems that many are reluctant to turn on the camera and start talking directly to their customers over Facebook Live. This is your chance, steal the limelight and a greater slice of the market!