Live video streaming is becoming more popular on social sites, especially when it comes to younger generations. While Periscope has been buzzing for a while, a new and even more well-known platform is now offering live-streaming—Facebook. With the addition of Facebook Live, users can now stream live content to friends, fans and followers.
Facebook Live is built into the area where you normally go to publish a status update. You also have the option to either broadcast from your personal profile or your verified Facebook Business Page. This feature only works on the Facebook mobile app and is available to both Apple and Android users. When using Facebook Live, there’s no need to worry about professional set-up, lighting, or cameras. This production is meant to be raw and real. However, be sure to plan a main theme or focus for your broadcast, so it doesn’t turn into random ramblings.
Ready to Start? Here’s How It Works.
Step 1: In the mobile app, create a status post. Once you’re able to start typing, look right above the keyboard, and select the icon on the far right, resembling a silhouette with two halos.
Step 2: Create a catchy title for your video. You want your audience to watch your live broadcast, so make it something you would want to see. Try using attractive words like “exclusive,” “preview,” or “first look” to get your audience engaged, or at least curious about what you’re offering.
If you’re not ready to go live or need a few practice runs, tap the “friends” section once you’re done creating your title. Once here, you can select “Only Me,” and you will be the only one able to see your video post.
Step 3: Congratulations! You’ve just created your first LIVE broadcast. Now, you’re ready to share the best real estate information with your followers! In your broadcasts, it’s best to talk for at least 5 minutes so your audience and followers have a chance to tune in and ask questions. Remember to stay relevant to your topic.
Why Facebook Live Works
By now you’re most likely wondering if this new tool will make a difference in your social strategy. Our answer, plain and simple, is yes. When you use Facebook Live, Facebook rewards you by pushing your live video content higher in the news feed. What does that mean for you? When a potential lead opens up Facebook, your video is one of the first things they’ll see when you’re broadcasting live.
Viewers will spend 3x more time watching a live video as compared to a recorded video. There’s something exciting about being on-air as opposed to something that’s staged. Your viewers get to know the real you. Now is also a good time to brush up on your optimal posting time so when you’re broadcasting, you know you’re hitting as many audience members as possible.
What Should You Be Broadcasting?
Wonder which topics would be suitable for your real estate broadcasts? Here’s a short list to give you some ideas:
- Walk-through of a new listing – Spend some extra time on the beautiful features the home/property has to offer.
- Weekly wrap-up of your business – Did you have any closings? Congratulate your clients! Are you having an open house over the weekend? Invite members of your local community. You can even broadcast your open house!
- Local events – Is something exciting happening in your area? Share a live peek so viewers can see what it would be like to live there.
- Q&A discussion – host a live event to discuss the current real estate market.
- Local reviews – Share your experiences at local business to build local credibility.
Facebook Live has created a new era of exciting video broadcasting that will continue to change the way users participate in social media. Are you going to get on this trend or let it pass you by? If you need some help maintaining your social platform or aren’t sure how to get started, check out Homes.com Social, a suite of social media tools for managing your social media presence.
