Social media has taken over our lives in more ways than one. It has changed the way we communicate personally and professionally. No longer do we need to wait for hours to reach a business or communicate with an individual. We now have instant gratification at our fingertips. And while some may argue this is the downfall of our society, the truth is that this is one of the best things that could have happened for businesses around the world. People up studying or working through the midnight hours, or even new parents who cannot get any sleep, can now discover new businesses, learn about them, and even possibly communicate with them or with others using their services. Just when we thought it could not get any more advanced, live video has taken over. As of January 2016, Facebook has launched Facebook Live and began offering it for use on business pages.
How It Works
Facebook Live is the newest way to connect with clients instantaneously. When you look to publish a new update/post to your page, the option appears to “Go Live.” This allows for the video camera to start rolling and stream in real time on your Facebook page. However, unlike Snapchat and other live streaming mechanisms, the post can stay forever once you are done recording. On the other hand, you also have the option to remove the post after a certain amount of time. It becomes a video marketing tool with both immediate and long-term interaction capabilities.
Business Benefits
Facebook Live could be one of the most beneficial new elements of social media for businesses, if used properly. Unlike YouTube or Vimeo, the videos are unedited and show you as you, making you a real person and entity as opposed to a scripted commercial. Think of it as reality TV for social media.
This allows for a business to take their customers into their world on a more intimate level, allowing the customer to feel as though they know you and your company. For instance, you can take your customer behind the scenes and introduce them to you and your board of directors in a candid, unscripted moment. You may even choose to show your customer base one of the few secrets to your success, such as how you make that one-of-a-kind doll (without giving away too many secrets, of course).
Another option is hosting seminars in real time. People hoping to attend, but unable to leave the office can view the seminar as it is occurring and hear the questions and answers in real time. They would even be able to provide comments through the Facebook link and become part of the action.
The real appeal to Facebook Live video is the ease of use with how it is implemented and using such a familiar platform in Facebook. Unlike Google Hangouts or Snapchat, which are not as widely used, Facebook has 1.6 billion users and is the most popular social media platform in the world.
These are just a few ideas of how Facebook Live can revolutionize how you and your clients communicate and interact online. To learn more about this option and other uses of social media and the Internet for your business, contact the experts at Skol Marketing at (612) 787-7565. One of their marketing experts will be happy to help you navigate the Internet for your business.
