2017 Predictions with Social Media Examiner

Business, Marketing

I had the honor of collaborating with the team from Social Media Examiner and other social media strategists in making online marketing predictions for the upcoming year.  You can read the entire article HERE, but here's my response…

2017 PREDICTION

While social media has always offered the chance to become more engaged with businesses and brands they love (and become more loyal to them as a result), Facebook Live now makes it more possible for fans to experience engagement on a whole new level.
 
However, as more businesses leverage this tool, it's becoming more competitive to have a live broadcast stand out from the rest.  My 2017 prediction is that for Facebook Live feeds to be successful, hosts need to be strategically prepared.
 
Gone are the days of flippantly curated live broadcasts…it's time to play hard ball!
 
As Facebook Live becomes mainstream, the main consideration is to be prepared.  Intimidation usually comes from the unexpected, but having a checklist ensures you're prepared and have done everything you can for a successful broadcast.  Also, it's important to remember that viewers aren't expecting to see a Broadway actor recite a powerful monologue.  Viewers tune in with the expectation that a Facebook Live chat is just that, a chat.  
 
Don't feel the pressure of perfection (namely because perfection doesn't exist in the online streaming world), and instead opt for:  1. clarity of message; and 2. approachability.  

 

Streaming video is a great opportunity to personalize a business, so revel in the value of showcasing who you are, not just what you do.

If you want your Facebook page to be seen and have more organic reach, live video reigns supreme.  In fact, the algorithm favors live video to anything else (videos, photos, and text updates) at the moment.  Gone are the days when simple photo and a link to a blog post could push traffic to your site…while available, it's just not as effective as it used to be.  

Live video is engaging and studies show that viewers spend more time on live streams than any other Facebook posts.  As a result, they have a much higher likelihood of being shown to viewers.

As we move into 2017, it's key to use Facebook Live as an integral part of our marketing, but–more so–to use it strategically to stand out from the quickly saturating Newsfeed.  

If you'd like to download a free Facebook Live check list and tips, feel free to download HERE!