Tips for a Successful Facebook Live Experience

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Live streaming has really taken off in the last few years with platforms like Periscope or Meerkat and now Facebook.  Facebook launched this feature in February of 2016 and has really changed the game this year with videos such as the mom with the Chewbacca mask.  This video has have over 160 million views and shows how powerful Facebook Live can be when used correctly. View here for this example: https://www.facebook.com/candaceSpayne/videos/10209653193067040/  

This feature  is free to anyone who has a social media account with Facebook. The service is quite easy to use – You just write a description of the content shared, click on the Go Live button, and record for up to 90 minutes.  Like Periscope your viewers can interact through comments and reactions during your live stream. Facebook does prioritize your video to the top of your news feed making it easier for you to gain some extra viewers.  After the broadcast is completed the video will remain on your page, allowing those who missed the live show to view at a later time.. Keep this in mind when titling your broadcast/video.

Facebook Live is a great way to release a new product line, behind the scenes footage, events, or Questions and Answers.  This strategy provides for a more personal interaction with their consumers.   This is a successful option for brands to really engage with a viewer in a different way and it’s working so far.  Here are a few of the Social Buzz Lab’s tips for a successful Facebook Live experience:

Facebook Live Suggestions

• Recording Suggestions.

  • Connection: If at all possible use a wifi connection.  If you cannot, make sure your location has a strong signal.  If you loose connection – don’t panic. Facebook will try to reconnect you- if this doesn’t work just find a spot with better connection.
  • Viewing: At this time Facebook does not auto adjust accordingly so all recording should remain in the same position throughout the live feed.
  • Perspective: Those of you who want to switch between you and your surroundings so you can change perspectives.  We just suggest you warn the viewers before you do so and try to transition smoothly
  • Move slowly: When you video or broadcast live  and try to show off something do it slowly. It will seem lame at the time but will look so much better to the viewer.
  • Be aware of the microphone: As great as technology is today, you are still using a cell phone or tablet device. This means just because the person recording can hear another person well, doesn’t mean the microphone can. Just ask the audience if they can hear you if you are uncertain. Best solution is to purchase an external mic, especially if you are doing your video outside or where there is background noise.
  • Keep background noise to a minimum: If there is loud music or multiple people speaking loudly that is an area to avoid while live. You may have to speak up louder to make sure your message is being heard loud and clear – Just ask the audience if they can hear you if you are uncertain.
  • Avoid going live for any time less than 5 minutes: The longer your broadcast, the more viewers you will have. Anything under 5 minutes doesn’t allow users to get on Facebook and start viewing your broadcast.

• Things to have in mind while you are live

  • Promote when you are going live: Send out an email, post on several social media platforms that you will be going live on a certain date and time. This will give your viewers a date to set to tune into your live video.  We would recommend posting at least an hour before to give everyone a reminder.
  • Good Facebook Description: Write a good description that will make people want to view your Live video.  Keep it short and to the point – you can go back and edit this later if you need to.
  • Timing: Don’t forget to pick the right time for your audience. You can look at your insights on Facebook to see the most active times on your page.
  • Give People Time to Join In: When you start your live presentation give your audience time to join in. Usually 3-5 minutes. During this time you can engage with your audience by asking where they are from or how’s the weather and you can also engage back with them by welcoming “Jane from Virginia” or “Glad you can join us John”. This will provide time for your audience to join in.

  • Presentable Host: Whoever is being filmed needs to be well-spoken and be in the moment of the role. It’s important that they are well spoken because they will be the storytellers. They will have to connect with the viewers and create an experience for them. Be personable and say hi to the audience – connect with them. It’s also very important that they represent the brand. For example:  if our apparel brand Junk Food Clothing is filming they should be wearing a Junk Food Clothing Tee and not a suit.

     

  • Have someone who is comfortable and knowledgable: The host should be comfortable and knowledgeable of the brand. You are live and people will notice if you are uncertain of what you are talking about. The more prepared you are for the video the more smoothly things will run. Make sure you are explaining who you are and what you are doing.
  • Comments: Questions and comments from viewers will pop up on screen.  Either you or someone else should be monitoring these and make sure someone is addressing their answers. If you cannot do this during the live feed then you can keep the conversation going after.