Gain Some Ground on Social Media with Facebook Live Video

Independent Retailers are seeing big engagement increases using this recent Facebook Tool. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned social media maven consider adding 1 Facebook Live Video each week to your social media outreach. Ideally, you will do this on the same day and time each week. I know this may sound scary and time consuming, but it really isn't so difficult to do. 

Here's what you need:

1. A topic that will educate your audience and position you as an expert. What are you really good at or passionate about? What do you want to share? Think about all the ways you can get that information across. How about a tip or a how to? Do you have a new product that relates to the topic that you can review? The topic should be something you can discuss for about 3 minutes. It can sometimes take a little time for your viewers to find you. 

VIDEO TIPS: You may need to practice before you go live. Have a friend video your presentation several times and watch yourself on playback. You'll see what you need to correct. You will get more comfortable each time. I begin with a list of thoughts I want to include. I find that I need about 3 dry runs before I get it "right". I'll do those 3 to get my delivery down and then do the Live shoot. You can also have a prompter next to your camera person with big cards that have your points or reminders on them to help keep you on track. You can also use a timer clock to keep you on track with time.

2. Give your video a catchy title that will make your audience stop what they are doing to watch you immediately. 

3. Check your tech. Make sure your WiFi connection is good. Enlist a camera person who understands how to use your phone and can shoot a steady video. I suggest a tech test about 10 minutes before you plan to start.

4. Begin by introducing yourself, your store and your location. Thank people for viewing and remind them to like and share your video.

5. Present your topic. Welcome new viewers when you are about 1.5 minutes in. Thank people for viewing and remind them to like and share your video at this time too.

6. Bring it home with a summary or conclusion. Remind people who you are, your store name and location. Promote your next Facebook Live date and time. Thank people for viewing and remind them to like, comment and share your video again.

7. Save the video - You all know by now that I am all about using the same content in as many ways as possible. You can archive these on YouTube, creating a YouTube channel and promote the archive on your website and through your other social media channels.

8. Boost this post to customers within a certain distance of your store. Boosting is a great way to get customers in your area to come to you.

Some data collection and analysis here can be very useful. First, you may like to keep a count of customers each day and track if your traffic is higher after these boosts. Remember, it isn't all about the traffic. It is about converting that traffic into sales and then making that customer a fan. Second, you could add a discount code in your wrap up and count how many customers come into the store and use it.

Need help? Ask us how.
Anne Cecil
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