How to engage with your tribe with Facebook Live

With online video set to account for 69% of all consumer-related internet traffic by 2017, it’s no wonder we’ve been seeing live stream videos pop up left, right and centre. Launched earlier this year, Facebook Live enables businesses to tap in to this video revolution, and it’s taking audiences by storm.

Facebook Live allows users to broadcast real-time videos directly from their smartphone or other mobile device, opening up tremendous opportunities to engage with customers on a person-to-person level.

Here are a number of ways you can use Facebook Live to engage with your business’ customers, and show that you’re more than just a logo.

1. Go behind the scenes

Facebook Live provides a great opportunity for you to show your customers just what makes your business stand out. Whether it’s a quick behind the scenes tour of the office, or a demonstration of how your product is made, people love to feel like insiders and get some insight into how a business really works. Giving your audience a glimpse into your world is a great opportunity to show some personality and show your customers your business is more than just a logo. 

2. Hold a live Q&A session

Facebook Live is a two-way channel. Anyone watching a Facebook Live stream can type messages and comments into the conversation, and these will immediately show up on the broadcaster’s screen. This interactivity makes it a great tool for Q&A sessions, allowing businesses to learn a thing or two about their customers, and pave the way for great customer service by answering their customers’ questions, in real time.

3. Channel your inner teacher

Product demonstrations and tutorials are fantastic ways to promote your business’ products or services, and reach a wide audience at the same time. Use Facebook Live to show your audience how they can make the most out of your products. Sharing content on a topic that you know will resonate with them is a sure-fire way to provide value.

4. Showcase a new product or service

Facebook Live can be a fantastic tool for building some buzz around a brand new product or service. Depending on your offering, you can use the platform to demonstrate how the product works and how it solves customers’ problems. By doing this, you’ll be able to forge a connection between customers’ needs and your offerings, paving the way to sales.

5. Repurpose your video

Facebook Live automatically saves live-streamed videos on to the host’s Facebook page for followers to view in their own time, supplementing their content marketing efforts. But the opportunities don’t end there. Use the insights you have gained by taking key points and topics raised in the broadcast and expanding on them in blog posts, newsletters or even your website’s FAQ section.

Facebook Live gives marketers a range of opportunities to engage with their tribe in levels never before experienced. It’s all a matter of planning and creativity, knowing your business and delivering value to your audience. So what are you waiting for?

With over 20 years’ experience in communications, political advisory roles and journalism, Jo Scard is one of Australia’s foremost strategic advisers to corporates, not-for-profits and government.