Facebook Live—I love it.
Live lets people, public figures and Pages share live video with their followers and friends on Facebook. I’ve been using Facebook Live to improve my social media community and engagement. Here’s a look at three tips I’ve used to improve my Facebook Live broadcasts and see real results.
1. Use Open Broadcaster Software
If you want to move up from using your smartphone to create your Facebook Live broadcasts, take a look at OBS. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is free open source software for video recording and live streaming.
OBS allows me to stream from my desktop on my webcam, to my viewers on Facebook. It also allows me to smoothly transition from onscreen to my desktop. If I have guests, I can stream more than one person, and flip back between the two of us, and create side-by-side videos seamlessly.
Also, with OBS I can schedule an upcoming stream on Facebook to let viewers know in advance. This is particularly helpful if you don’t go live at the same time every week. Simply share a link to the live video in an email before it happens with copy that says “This is where we’re going to connect.” It’s similar to a webinar. For me, it has a professional feel, and I’m much more likely to do it when I have it on my schedule.
2. Create a Facebook Live editorial calendar
Get an idea of your format, topics, and the goal of each Facebook Live broadcast. I always know exactly what I want to share, why I want to share it and what it feeds into: getting someone to take an action (e.g., subscribe to an email list, sign up or a webinar, affiliate link conversions, etc.). What is the purpose of each Facebook Live broadcast? This comes from creating a plan with an editorial calendar.
3. Don’t forget your CTA
This tip really builds off of number two. Do not forget to make the ask. You’re creating value and sharing your message. When you finish your broadcast you may think, “Oh, how come nobody joined my ‘X’?” But wait, did you tell them about it? Did you send viewers to a link? Is there a link in the copy next to the video? Did you make a clear call to action? If not, that’s why your viewers aren’t taking the next step.
When you have a clear objective and a plan, this gets a whole lot easier because you know the purpose of each broadcast. Each step should move viewers through the purchase path, from problem to solution. The solution is whatever the call to action (CTA) is in your Facebook Live broadcast.
These three tips will help you provide more value in your next broadcast. Since its launch in April 2016, Facebook Live has experienced incredible growth. As the platform has matured, it’s proven to be a valuable tool for brands to enhance their social media presence, and it can do the same for yours.
This article has been edited.
The Stacey Harris is a social media strategist and trainer helping entrepreneurs build communities online. Stacey also helps entrepreneurs stay up to date on social media with her podcast Hit the Mic with The Stacey Harris. Connect with @thestaceyharris on Twitter.
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