Going Live In… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

We mean this in the nicest way possible. ‘If you’ve ever been afraid to go live on social media, now’s the time to get over it!’

Seriously, if you’re a part of a business right now, you need to make sure that your brand is the epitome of the three C’s: 
Culture, Connection, and Customer Service.

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to accomplish these all at once is by going live on Facebook to increase engagement. Facebook allows you to stream speeches, press conferences, event gatherings, and other updates on any mobile apps. Live videos are watched three times longer than pre recorded videos, and get 10% more engagement.

We’ve recently attended an exclusive webinar from Facebook Business and want to share what we’ve learned!

To begin, there are two ways to go live on Facebook. Consider how much time you’ll have to prepare before going live, and what the goal of your messaging is.

What to Know Before You Start

Use a phone to go live if you:

• Are on the go and don’t have a bunch of time to polish your video.
• Don’t have access to extra equipment.
• Don’t need to add on-screen graphics or switch between cameras.

Pro Tip: 

If you shoot videos on your phone, make sure that you have a stable wifi connection, use a tripod or Steadicam to avoid shaky videos, and use headphones to drown out background noise.

Use camera or streaming software to go live if you:

• Want to maximize video quality.
• Have access to extra equipment.
• Want to schedule your broadcast.
• Want to include graphics.
• Plan to crosspost with another page.

Pro Tip:

If you plan to go live through hardware or software, use a wired ethernet connection and run a test beforehand. In case you loose connection, prepare a message such as:

“We are currently experiencing some technical problems. Thank you for your patience.”

If you do decide to go live with a streaming software, you will need encoding hardware, or software and a camera installed. You can even use ‘Live Producer’ on Facebook to use higher-end production equipment and streaming software or your computer’s webcam. You can access Live Producer on a desktop or laptop computer.

When Should You Go Live?

Here are some of the best times to go live:

• To discuss hot topics.
• If you need to comment on breaking news.
• Interview someone.
• Engage in a live Q & A session.
• Give a behind the scenes look into events unfolding.

Pro Tips:

• Leverage built in tools like the built in clock, polls, chats, and questions to keep everyone engaged.
• Take advantage of the new trimming tool to delete the awkward spaces.
• Ensure that graphics are clear and readable in case people are listening with the sound off. Consider using graphics that are sized to the phone since that’s what most users are watching on. *Be sure to test your graphics before a major broadcast.

Going Live

So now you’re on the live video. Does it feel a little awkward? How do you keep the conversation going? 

A good rule of thumb is to run through what you’ll say prior to the live video. Ask a trusted page administrator to join the conversation to moderate comments, and pin questions.

After You Go Live

After your live video is over, there’s still work to be done! Download your video if you approve of it, and want it to be viewed again. If not, feel free to delete it. Don’t forget to update your video description with new updates. Don’t be afraid to repurpose your content. Take short clips of your video and share them throughout your social media channels.

Pro Tips:

• When sharing your video or any content on Facebook, don’t encourage baiting. Facebook’s algorithm makes it difficult for posts to be seen that include statements such as ‘Like or share this post,’ or ‘Use this hashtag.’ They encourage organic connections. Instead ask, ‘Do you think that your friends would be interested in seeing this?’ 
• If you have a main social media page, and other connected pages, consider how you want to share the post.
• Crossposting = Allows another page to go live with the video that you’re producing. There’s nothing showing that you are the original person that will be posting. This will look like the live feed is coming directly from one page.
• Sharing the Live Stream = Shows that it’s your original post, allows them to write a post.

At first glance, this information can seem like a lot to absorb. Above all else, remember that people are viewing your live video because they want to hear from you! Make viewers remember your: Company ‘Culture,’ how you chose to ‘Connect’ with them, and how great you are at delivering ‘Customer Service.’

Deliver great content at the appropriate time, and watch your page’s engagement soar. Good luck!

Need more resources? Check out Facebook’s helpful tips: https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/coronavirus-resources.

Check out some of favorite moments on live here:

Owner Kim gets featured on a live episode of the ‘Remarkable Results Podcast’ ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/shopmarketingpros/posts/2969704793064747?__xts__[0]=68.ARBoX8cdSUN4RDsBlfqLNU9HA186SGlwkANX5jnger9VuNkqsM3CJbdsucpkO7iVhX4ayiW7nn39HZcf_FAl-_CG9AbSRL_KUXVupz6Nw_80HGZ56ylcAQi6eygaw-dzCBKZ2PCbu-u90XQ-Opr1l70VfsCQjt0ieCbzMVHi3WxMSkzowP8Uboe6cBFNoYDsY7whmJg6brqns9WSfeOwa3muGHUYCkCoQOSdDazK2FRsXzDU3Q9d4FAIT2SRLYta0rkZRwT4ezmqFKFPXBMSwZuWVZ0kusEHk6DwLAHvCeCRLnNHYa845IIDR7_ggbO2ClF8xnX1a1eGiaQOpeyV5bE8i5JI2T5uFZrlRahP&__tn__=-R

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