Should Your Business Utilize Facebook Live Feature?

Author: Kaitlyn Partington Category: B2B, B2C, E-commerce & Retail, Marketing, Social Media & Digital Date: June 23, 2016

You’ve probably scrolled right past some of them, or maybe something caught your eye, but nevertheless, Facebook Live is a thing these days and it’s growing in popularity.

What is Facebook Live?

According to Facebook, “Live” is the “best way to interact with viewers in real time.” So, it’s basically another real-time chat opportunity to speak with your friends, or if you are a public figure, your followers. It’s similar to Periscope, but it is posted on your Facebook newsfeed and generally gets a lot of engagement.

Why Would I Want to use Facebook Live?

Facebook Live gives you as a business owner the opportunity to speak directly to your Facebook followers. Not only that, but as they engage with you (i.e. comment on your remarks), you are not getting more viewers…just like any other Facebook post. It sounds pretty brilliant if you execute it correctly.

If you’re a business page, you most likely can’t post a Facebook Live (yet). But, you can utilize your personal account and leverage this for some exposure. For many businesses, providing a face to a company helps potential customers and current customers connect wit your brand, company or organization because it lifts the level of trust.

Or, you can wait until Facebook rolls out Live to all business pages. If you’re not comfortable speaking from a personal profile, then this might be your answer.

How Should I Use Facebook Live?

Here are some tips to utilizing Facebook Live to create a compelling, beneficial and time-worthy video interaction:

1. Plan to be Live for a minimum amount of time
   Let’s say you want to test out the Live feature, but you aren’t sure if it’s for you. Give yourself a minimum goal of 10 minutes because this gives people the opportunity to find you, comment, and for you to address their specific questions or concerns.
2. Have a Purpose
   Don’t just log into Facebook Live to say hi. You want to have a purpose, you want people to have a reason to come and listen to you. Give them a reason. You’ll look better on camera, as well.
3. Be Yourself
   Be authentic. Be personal. Be genuine. This is how you gain trust in your followers.
4. Promote Your Live Feed
   Unless there’s some breaking news that is associated with your business, brand or industry, you’re going to find you’ll have more people following your Live feed if you tell them ahead of time.

Is Facebook Live Right for Me and My Business?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to be honest with my followers and customers?
• Do I want to give my customers, followers and future customers the opportunity to ask questions in a public open forum?
• Can I be genuine on camera?
• Do I want to have a two-way conversation with my customers and followers?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then it’s time to start thinking about putting a Facebook Live video session on. If you’re business page doesn’t have the ability to do so yet, then either plan ahead or consider using your personal page to leverage your business. You’ll be surprised how much great feedback you will receive!