Why you NEED to be using Facebook Live to market your business.
Facebook live isn’t new. Well, at least in terms of tech-time. It began in August 2015 and by April 2016 all Facebook users had the ability to go live from their Facebook accounts.
Since that time, using live video streams has literally exploded. In fact, according to DigitalTrends, over 10 MILLION people went live on New Year’s Eve alone. 10. Million. People. Think about that for a moment!
While going live when a ball drops or a snowstorm hits or when your dog jumps on a skateboard and cruises down the street is fun, does going live add value for you as a business owner?
My answer: a resounding YES!
It doesn’t matter if you have an online business, provide a service, or even have a brick-and-mortar store, using video and Facebook lives is going to be a way for you to promote and build your business in 2018.
Why I Go Live
The idea for this blog post came to me after a conversation I had over the holidays. My brother-in-law, Sean, was chatting with me because he follows what I do on Facebook and he reads this blog (thank you, Sean!) and he’s just really supportive of what we’re doing over here at MavroCreative.
He said to me, “I see everything that you’re doing but what I don’t understand is how you’re actually going to make money doing this. Is it all worth it and how are you getting customers just from being on video on Facebook?”
And that made me pause for a moment to really think about what it is that I’m doing.
What I explained to him was that I DON’T expect that there’s going to be a direct sale from someone watching me or Molly one random Tuesday that they happen to tune in (we’re live every Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. EST on our MavroCreative Facebook page!)
Rather, it’s all about providing good quality content that people can use whether or not they buy from me.
Sounds crazy, right? I’m marketing my business but I don’t expect someone to take immediate action and hire me to build their website or to enroll in our online course. So what the heck am I doing it for?
What I’m doing is I’m creating and nurturing my brand. And a big part of it these days is connecting with my audience in a more personal and compelling way. Consumers are savvy but they’re also jaded. Investing time in nurturing your relationships allows them to get to know you. Like you. And most importantly, trust you.
Facebook lives and doing a Facebook weekly show is one way for me to directly connect with my audience.
And in fact, it’s at the top of my 2018 plan as a key component.
Want to watch our Facebook Live that talks all about it? Check out the video below!
Here are my top five reasons why you should be using Facebook live as a strategic marketing tool in your business as well.
#1. You can connect and reach more of your audience with live video.
The personal connection that your viewers have with you and how they engage can’t be beat. It gives an authenticity to your voice and your message. It’s in the moment, right as it’s happening, and it’s real.
MavroCreative client, Keri Mantie of The Lean Life, connects with her clients and potential clients via Facebook live for her health coaching business:
“I’ve loved using Facebook live within my coaching groups over the past year. Being that 100% of my coaching program is online, it’s been a great way for me to connect with my clients on a much more personal level. My clients really seem to enjoy them and I’ve also been able to repurpose a lot of the content for other projects.”
#2. Real-Time Engagement
The fact that you can jump on your phone, hit a button and start filming is awesome. But what’s even better is that you can do it at any time, in any place, for any reason! If you have a promotion that you want to market or you’re looking for feedback about a new product, you can go live and get instantaneous feedback from your customers.
It’s like having your own, personal focus group without the cost!
#3. It has an after-life.
Is your Mom the only person who shows up live when you’re on? No worries! The best part about Facebook live is that it has a life even after the video ends. In fact, that’s often where the real magic of your Facebook live video begins. People can view it and comment on it after it ends and you can use it for other marketing purposes as well (like embedding it into a blog post like we’ve done here!)
And it can be shared, which gives it even more legs!
#4. It can lead to sales.
While I’m not using Facebook live to directly promote a product or service at MavroCreative, it paves the way for customers to learn more about you, which in turn can (and most likely, will) lead to sales.
For instance, MavroCreative client Karen Paolino Correia of Create Heaven was an early adopter of Facebook live. She notes: “I have been on Facebook Live consistently for over a year now sharing in my 4:44 Angel Readings on Thursdays. It has been very well received and is a way I can give back to my community as well as effectively promote upcoming events as well as my private sessions which creates increased sales. I have had up to 1,800 views on certain weeks and I have both consistent followers and new viewers each week.”
#5. It’s easy to do and it’s free.
All you need is a phone or computer and you can go live. No fancy lighting. No sophisticated microphone. No cool backdrop required. If you can do a selfie, you can record a live video!!
This is me out on a morning walk with my dogs. I got inspired on my walk and decided to go live with what I was thinking about. Outside. In the cold. No makeup or hair done. You can literally go live when the moment strikes!
And sure, if you want to get more sophisticated, there are tools out there that you can add to your setup (like a clip on microphone for better sound if you record outdoors a lot or an inexpensive light kit if the lighting in your home is less than ideal). But the best part is that you can grow into it as your needs evolve.
Wrap Up
So there you have it! I hope this has inspired to go out and start going live on your Facebook page for your business. You literally have nothing to lose! Let us know in the comments below if you’re using Facebook live in your business!
Until next time!
xoxo
