Today’s post looks at another popular streaming platform, Facebook Live Stream. This is so hot right now. I’m seeing people from all types of businesses use it because it’s an easy platform to use.
One in particular that I’ve seen is Pick Your Plum. Their site launches deals daily and the way they use Facebook Live Streaming is to demonstrate live one or more of the day’s products that are up for sale.
How to use Facebook Live Streaming Video Platform
When you’re on Facebook, you can choose the broadcast icon and this is what allows Facebook to connect with the camera you’re using to record.
Once Facebook is connected with you, then you’ll have to put in the description of what your video is all about. At this point, you can select your audience. If you want to share it with everyone, then you would leave it public so that you have a wider audience.
If you want only your friends to see it, then you would set the privacy accordingly. You would choose an even tighter privacy setting if you wanted only certain people to see the video.
Connecting to your Audience
People can comment on the video, so you’ll be able to interact with them. The minute you begin broadcasting your video, it will pop up on your timeline. As you’re broadcasting, you’ll be able to view the video in real time.
You’ll also see the number of audience members watching the video as well as the duration of the broadcast. While you don’t have to limit your streaming time, just remember that shorter videos tend to hold an audience’s attention longer.
When Facebook first launched this feature, it was offered to celebrities and everyone who liked or followed them were informed about the video. You won’t get the same spotlight so you’ll have to self-promote before the video event.
Otherwise, you might not have much of an audience. So talk up your video well ahead of time. Mention it on your other social media platforms. After the video is completed, it will be in your feed and it can still reach an audience there. Remember that you can share your video as an iTunes podcast for even greater audience reach!
Planning your live streams
There are a few things you need to be aware of that will help you attract a wider audience when you’re using Facebook Live Stream.
You need to make sure that your video has a point. No one wants to hear someone just rambling. Their time is precious and if you’re just rambling, then you’re white noise and you’ll fade into the background. So, have a point and be consistent with your videos so that your followers are motivated to pay attention when you broadcast.
Some of the videos I’ve seen range from a clip of a live band at a weekly market for about 30 seconds, to a daily show and tell of new product releases from a daily deals site.
Make sure your connection is solid and your video clear. Poor video images are worse than not doing it at all because it’s unprofessional and shows a lack of planning, initiative, and concern for quality.
Finally, as I’ve shared in the other posts from this series, you’ll want to make sure you get personal with the audience.
Interact with them. Give their comments your attention.
Communication makes the audience feel invested with you. This is where branding yourself with expertise crosses over into helping you form loyal bonds with your audience.
