Facebook Live is a fun, powerful way to connect with your followers while also helping you build your audience at the same time. Here’s a short guide that will show you how to take advantage of Facebook Live and begin growing your following right now.
What you need to get started
First off, streaming live on Facebook is very simple. All you need is a Facebook account and a cell phone or tablet with a camera. Essentially, all you have to do is open the Facebook app, tap on the status section, click on Live Video, add a description, choose your audience and start talking.
An alternative to streaming on Facebook Live with your mobile device is to use a piece of software like Zoom or OBS and broadcasting from your computer. For Zoom, every paid plan has access to broadcasting webinars within the app, and it’s a simple matter of connecting your Facebook account and turning on the Facebook Live feature.
Check out this article to learn more about streaming to Facebook with Zoom. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115000350406-Streaming-a-Webinar-on-Facebook-Live
If you’re using software like OBS, check out this article to learn more about setting up your account https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/get-started/live
Broadcasting from a computer has a couple of advantages over using your phone for Facebook Live.
You get to use a webcam instead of holding your device in your hand which can help create a more professional image, if that’s what you’re going for. You can also broadcast a keynote and present information in a way that you wouldn’t be able to with a phone or tablet.
During your stream, you can engage your audience and participate in the chat as it happens. Once you’re live, the content of your stream is entirely up to you.
Here are a few quick tips for improving the quality of your Facebook Live broadcast.
- Tell fans when you’re broadcasting ahead of time. You can build anticipation by giving people notice that you’ll be going Live ahead of time, one day ahead is good time to let your audience know.
- Go live when you have a strong connection. Wait until you have a good connection before you begin streaming, if it’s too weak you won’t be able to stream at all.
- Write a catchy description before going live. Your description will either pull people in or let them pass by. Write something catchy beforehand to capture people’s attention and help them understand what your broadcast is about.
- Ask viewers to subscribe to Live notifications. Calls to action are always important, tell your viewers to subscribe so they will get notifications when you go live.
- Say hello to commenters by name; respond to their comments live. Thrill your audience and address them by name, engagement can help turn passive viewers into fans.
- Broadcast for longer periods of time to reach more people. The longer you’re live on Facebook, the more likely it is that your viewers will find your stream and share with their friends.
- Use a closing line to signal the end of the broadcast. Close strong, tell your viewers when you’re wrapping up and wait until the ping to stop the broadcast.
- Be creative and go live often! Experiment, there are lots of great ways to broadcast content on Facebook including Q&A’s, behind the scenes, interviews, commentary, and more. Try out different approaches and content to see what your audience really responds to.
