I got the live video bug in the early days of Google Hangouts. It is just so much easier to do video when no one is expecting you to produce it or edit it!
All of a sudden, video could be spontaneous!
The basic problem with Google Hangouts was the ability to let people know that you were broadcasting. Even years later, it is an complicated process that includes scheduling, event pages and a labyrinth of Google circles.
When rumors started flying that Periscope would be released to the general public, I started tweeting @PeriscopeCo begging for a release date. When it was finally released, I started on day one. I periscoped my trip down an alpine slide, a hike in the Colorado woods, a FB how-to and a bored chat from the airport.
All from the same account.
Alpine sliding next to social media training is just a weird mix!
That is the problem with all these other live platforms – you have to build an audience. And then if you want to talk about something different, you have to build another audience.
{Yawn} I am too tired for that!
Facebook Live was rolled out to all pages in early March 2016. Since that time, I have been experimenting daily on both Quirky Momma & Holly Homer FB pages – I might be LIVE more than my share of air-time!
I want to share with you what I have learned…
Facebook Live is GREAT for business.
7 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Facebook Live Video
- Your video is priority in your fan’s streams while you are live. With all the algorithm changes over the last few years, there is just no way to reach all your fans online with one post…except a live video. I have seen as many as 35% of my fans watch a Facebook Live Video while it is live. You can’t beat that with a link, photo or native video upload!
- Engage with the community you already have built. Unlike the other platforms, you likely already have a fanbase on FB. No matter the size, live video can help you increase engagement and reach more of the people who liked your page. If you are like me and speak on several different topics, you no longer have to create a new audience for each topic, simply use the appropriate FB page!
- You can get instant feedback from your fans. One of my favorite things about live video is that you can get advice, take questions or just simply chat with your fans. They are able to add comments to the video that you can read in real-time. And because your live video post is similar to a native video post, those comments will stay with the post long after you are no longer broadcasting.
- You can create community in your community. This is one of my favorite parts of FB live video. It is the first time I feel like I can actually lead a community vs. just a page. The conversation is more than two-ways and that is very powerful. The other night on a live video when I was discussing some of the difficulties I have had balancing motherhood, one of my fans commented that she was having a hard time with a baby and postpartum depression. By the end of the video, 3 of the other fans who had dealt with that issue in the past had direct messaged her.
- Your video stays on your FB page. Unlike Periscope & Snapchat, your content is “permanent” unless you decide to delete it. This gives you sharable video content on your Facebook page for as long as you want it there.
- No equipment needed. You don’t need fancy equipment or lighting. All you need is your phone and a FB page. If you want to get fancy, I recommend a tripod so you don’t have to hold your phone and the headset that came with your phone for better sound.
- People get to know YOU. Video has always been the best platform for connecting with your audience and I would argue that live video is even better. People see the REAL you, not the edited version! Yes, you may say “uh” too often or stumble over your words, but the ability for your fans to watch you without a filter is something that they really appreciate.
Turn on FB live today and make your first video. I know it is scary. I know you might make a mistake…or two. But there is no way to learn live video from your closet!
And when you do, please leave your first video link in the comments below! I would adore to stop by and say nice things :).
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Jacque Watkins
Love learning from you and others who are so encouraging and leading the way for us to dare to just try and do it! Thankful for you…here’s mine. So scary but I did it!
https://www.facebook.com/JacqueWatkins/videos/854968737942677/
Natasha
Hi Holly! Yes, I’m definitely enjoying your Live videos. I did my first FB live about 6 months ago. Thanks for checking it out! https://www.facebook.com/inspiringsinglemothers/videos/1774358632799435/
Michelle Dudley
Hey Dallas neighbor! Thank you for all you share. I am learning so much and stepping way out of my comfort zone. Wow I need to be more cheerful on video. lol Nervous much? ha! https://www.facebook.com/5dinners1hour/videos/1230899233641607/?__mref=message_bubble
Amy Beth
Hi Holly! I’m for sure following you and would love to come hear you speak. Are you ever in Austin? I think I was your junior working for Victor Brown at SAC, then again at LLU physical therapy school. Once again your leading the way for an online platform. I hope to follow on your footsteps again- they’ve been good ones!
Fred was a classmate and good friend as well.
Much love,
Amy Beth
Holly
Amy Beth,
Thanks SOOO much. I know we have met before…it just has been a {cough} few years ago! Your website is amazing. I need your photographer :). The only thing I have lined up so far to speak is this month at the Social Media Marketing World Summit & then in San Diego this spring at Social Media Marketing World. I should have more information on that one within the next month or so. My aunt still lives in Austin so hopefully we will be headed there soon.
Holly