You’ve probably heard about Facebook Live and all the attention it attracts.

It’s true – you can engage audiences with the click of a button and bring them into your world, sharing information that helps build your brand. Knowing how to use Facebook Live can be a beneficial part of your marketing strategy. First, let’s start with the basics.

What is Facebook Live?

Facebook Live allows you to livestream video to your followers and other interested parties, or watch a recap directly accessible from your timeline.

How does it work?

The broadcast is done from a mobile device directly from the newsfeed, or from a desktop computer via Facebook Pages. The process is simple:

For Mobile

• On the News Feed or your Facebook profile, click the video camera.
• Facebook will ask for access to your camera and microphone. Select “OK.”
• Choose your privacy restrictions, if any.
• Write a description of your broadcast.
• Add an activity, tag friends or choose a location.
• Be creative: write or draw on your video, or add lenses or filters. Just tap the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
• Click the “Go Live” button.
• Once your broadcast is finished, click “finish.”
• A screen will pop up to save the video to your camera roll. Click download to save the video to the camera roll.

For Desktop

• On the Facebook Page, click the “Write something” box.
• You will see a prompt “See All.” Click this and select “Start a Live Video.”
• Write a description for your live feed to engage the audience. This appears on the timeline and in the News Feed.
• Give Facebook permission to use your camera and microphone.
• Check your video view, description, and press “Go Live.”
• Once the video is finished, you can edit by tapping the drop-down arrow. You can find th is in the upper right-hand corner.

What are the benefits?

Now that you have a general idea of how this works, it’s important to understand the benefits of this feature. Facebook Live allows you to record videos up to 90 minutes. As technology continues to dominate the way people engage, this option can be more effective than standard posts or paid advertisements. Why? Live video is authentic.

For an author who needs a strong book marketing strategy, Facebook Live can be used in a variety of ways. Hosting a live book read event can help attract new audiences. You can also position yourself as an industry leader by hosting a class on different topics that can tie back to your book. This makes selling books through Facebook a lot easier than standard advertising. You can sell your books online, or right from the livestream. You can also get speaking engagements and other opportunities from your videos, which can be very profitable.

Non-fiction authors can host webinars to provide more intimate details that give further insight into their books. Fiction authors can use this tool to create teasers, or host contests. Both non-fiction and fiction authors can advertise book signings, or help promote causes associated with their books.

Facebook Live Best Practices

Implementing best practices for your Facebook promotions is key. Here are a few tips:

• Be Consistent

If you’re going to start using videos with Facebook Live, it’s best to have a comprehensive strategy in place outlining what you are going to talk about and the activities you will cover with your videos. This helps save time, and gives you an opportunity to focus on specific items and areas that need to be covered.

• Be Engaged

As your live video stream is going, you will see comments from your viewers. Take the time to mention them by name to keep them engaged.

• Be Descriptive

Be very descriptive when outlining what you video is about. It will help draw interest, and compel your audience to find out more about your book.

• Play the Part

If you’re marketing books, you have to look the part. Being alert and dressed appropriately makes a difference.

• Do a Dry Run

Before you start taping, think about your lighting, the spot where your video will be seen, and any background you need. This will help you determine what works and what doesn’t.

• Build a Buzz

Broadcast your upcoming video as much as possible. Create teasers as to what’s coming to gain interest.

• Use Analytics

Take time to evaluate the analytics to determine which topics and tactics work best for your audiences.

• Continue the Discussion

Continue discussing the video on your News Feed with the audience. This helps provide authenticity and a realistic viewpoint from another perspective. Take this opportunity to learn what your audience wants, and use this information to structure your videos to provide what they need.

These are just a few ways Facebook Live can benefit you as an author. Your marketing efforts will be enhanced by using this tool to your advantage. You can make more money selling books to your fans and other audiences, while helping build a fan base.

This is a perfect time to embrace your tech-savvy side and reap the benefits!