Are you using Facebook Live yet? If not, why not?
In the six years since Facebook launched Facebook Live, the use of the platform’s streaming video service has exploded. Back in 2018, the number of Facebook Live broadcasts reached 3.5 billion and produced six times as many interactions as traditional videos. The use of live video streaming continues to grow, and by 2022, it’s expected to reach a 17% share of all internet traffic.
As part of an overall video strategy, Facebook Live raises brand awareness, brings more qualified leads to your website, and helps you connect with your audience in a way other digital strategies don’t.
Facebook Live for Business Growth
As a driver of growth, Facebook Live offers incredible opportunities and advantages. It’s easy to use and can be launched and viewed on any device. Here’s how to best use it in your brand’s marketing campaigns.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a major retailer or small local business, going all-in with Facebook Live is a terrific way to generate interest and gain new customers.
- Unity Stamp Company, a small-town Minnesota business that makes etched rubber stamps, uses tutorials to promote its products. The approach has transformed the business. One reason they’re so popular is that, because they’re live, the audience gets a more realistic experience, including on-air mistakes, than with professionally produced videos.
- Beauty giant Sephora uses Facebook Live to broadcast Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions, answering viewer questions and providing info on what’s trending.
Whichever end of the spectrum you fall on, Facebook Live is a fun and fairly simple way to leverage the power of video to communicate your brand’s story, build authentic relationships with followers, and foster trust and loyalty.
Which Facebook Live Methods to Use
To get the most out of the platform you need to strategize about which types of videos your target audiences are most likely to enjoy and engage with. Good-performing streaming options include:
- Behind-the-scenes tours that give the audience a day-in-the-life glimpse into how your products are made or how you develop new ones.
- Q&A sessions are amongst the most popular streams. To mix things up, throw some questions to your viewers. It’s fun for them and you gain valuable feedback and insight into your audience’s wants and needs.
- A talk show format is a great way for brands offering services instead of products to expose their audience to industry experts and satisfied customers.
- Give an insider’s view to an event. Today, most events are happening online, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share what you learned or saw. Just be sure to get any required clearances.
- Hold an online fundraiser for a good cause or offer a limited-time promotion that’s only available for as long as the video is live.
- What can you teach your audience? If you own a restaurant or cafe, try live cooking segments or a virtual coffee tasting. Operate a women’s boutique? Hold a live fashion show or do demonstrations on things like new ways to tie a scarf.
One type of video that doesn’t get talked about as much but has been hugely popular on YouTube for years is what’s known as an “unboxing” video. You can do the same thing with Facebook Live and add the extra excitement that comes with everyone “discovering” what’s in the box at the same time. A bookstore could unpack new releases, a cookware shop might unveil this year’s trending cookware colors, or a knitting shop can get everyone oohing and aahing over this year’s latest wools.
Take it Live
Whether it’s to educate your audience, increase engagement, or generate leads, adding Facebook Live to your digital marketing arsenal is a powerful way to grow your organization. Have questions about Facebook Live? Just reach out—we’re here to answer them!