Facebook Live Tips - 10 Tips For Going Live on FB // SMPerth

Before, During & After Your Broadcast – there’s always something to be done.

Say hello to authentic engagement with these 10 tips for your next Facebook Live.

Born in 2016, Facebook Live uses the camera on a computer or mobile device to broadcast real-time video.

In no time it became integral to successful digital marketing strategies, with recent research finding Live videos perform better with Facebook’s algorithm and generate more engagement than pre-recorded videos.

Follows these essential Facebook Live tips to grow and engage your audience.

1. Have an agenda

So you decided you’re going live on Facebook. Great! But why?

There are several different types of Facebook Live videos, including a virtual event, a how-to, a performance, a Q&A, or a product/service reveal.

Once this is clear, document a simple structure that includes a hook (the first few seconds are incredibly precious so don’t waste them), then an introduction and a compelling title that will give the audience a reason to tune in.

If you’re struggling for content ideas, reach out to your audience and ask them what they’d like to see.

Just remember the core of a Facebook Live is like any other piece of content, to add value.

2. Run quality control

It is vital to ensure your Facebook Live is being streamed in clear, high resolution. Is the location where you’re planning on going Live notorious for dropping in and out of wifi? Test your wifi speed for a strong broadband connection and change your plans based on the results, along with understanding who else might be using the wifi at the same time.

Good lighting (definitely do not position yourself behind a window), minimal background and ambient noise are essential, so the focus is on you and the content being presented, not a noisy truck outside.

Consider what device you will be going Live on – a computer or smartphone. If you’re using your phone, invest in a tripod, so the video is not shaky. What device you use will inform if the video is landscape or portrait.

Angle the camera slightly above eye level.

3. Do a practice run

You want to come across as relaxed and confident on your Live, and this might take a few attempts!

Change settings on your Facebook on “Who Should See This” to “Only Me” and record a test run. Only you will see how this video will appear, and you will be able to give yourself some notes on where you could improve.

4. Pick the right time

It’s true; one really is the loneliest number!

Dig around in your Facebook Insights and discover when your audience is likely to be active.

While Facebook Live videos can be archived, make sure your audience is sleeping or at work during the time you have organised.

5. Hype up your Live

These videos are an event, so treat them like one!

Build anticipation of your Live video by promoting it on Facebook (create an Event) and other social media platforms.

On a case-by-case basis, it may be worth creating paid ads to publicise the Live.

6. Eye contact

After you press the “Go Live” button, there will be 3,2,1 countdown, and then you are truly Live on the internet.

Begin with the hook of the Live and then introduce yourself (as mentioned in step 1).

During your stream, be sure to make eye contact with the camera lens to create a deep connection. Give it all of your attention and try not to be distracted by outside forces, as your audience will be able to tell if you’re disinterested.

7. Engage with your audience

People love to be acknowledged so once you are Live welcome the audience joining by their first name and thank them for joining. Invite them into the conversation and encourage questions (ask them where they’re watching from) and discussions.

Even if there is no one watching Live, as previously mentioned, Live videos can be archived so still engage and signal to the audience to leave comments and that you will answer later.

At the end of the Live, pin the best comments so later viewers can see them.

The best practice for Live videos is to broadcast for at least ten minutes. However more time gives you more opportunity for an audience to engage, higher engagement results favour the algorithm and will place it higher on news feeds.

8. Continually recap

The beauty of Live videos is that audience members will drop in and out. Be aware of this and as you record, recap points you have previously discussed.

If this sounds difficult, you can start with the phrase “if you’re just joining us” and then continue with more context.

9. Have a call to action

Don’t push the end button just yet! Before you even go Live, think about what you want the audience to do after the Live has ended.

Some typical call to actions includes encouraging the audience like the video, share the video, leave a comment, sign up to a mailing list or visit a specific blog post you may have mentioned during the stream.