I wasn’t the most skilled when it came to Live video, Facebook Live video to be more specific. Why? Because I had never spent the time to look into the best practices that surround a live broadcast in order to effectively engage an audience.

Sure some of the best practices may seem like common sense to seasoned digital marketers and regular live video users that have learned through trial and error. But if you’ve never built a strategy and tactics surrounding Facebook Live or a live broadcast, these tips are going to prove to be highly beneficial in your next Facebook Live video session.

Tell people you’re going live ahead of your live broadcast

Sending a message out to your followers before your live broadcast, letting them know when you’ll be live and what you’ll be discussing helps build anticipation for the event. It’s also going to get them ready and on the lookout for your live broadcast notification. If it’s a bigger live broadcast event you might want to send the message out a day in advance to prep people to block calendars.

Check your connection

There’s nothing worse than trying to hit the live broadcast video button only to be shut out because the signal isn’t strong enough. Make sure the wifi signal you’re on, or the carrier signal, is strong enough to support your broadcast.

Get a compelling title and description ready before going live

A great title will capture your audience’s attention, and help them to decide whether your broadcast is worthy enough to tune in to. The description will be used after the fact to add more context and add to your live broadcast post when all is said and done.

Interact with your audience

When people tune in and comment, their names will be visible. People like nothing more than the sound of their own names. Make it personal. Say hi to individuals. Ask them questions. Thank them.

Reach more people by broadcasting longer

We recommend that you go live for at least 10 minutes. This gives your audience enough time to discover your video, invite friends and actually watch the broadcast live! The longer you live broadcast, the more people will tune in to your live broadcast.

The sign off

Make it clear that you’re ending the live broadcast. Come up with a standard line that makes it evident you’re shutting down the stream, but people can still connect and collaborate with you through other means.

Facebook Live is one of the best ways to interact with your viewers in real time, allowing you to connect instantly to your audience. Answering their questions and hearing what’s on their mind while giving them a behind the scenes look into your business or personal brand.

Stuck on what to live broadcast?

If the live broadcast is new to you, even if you’re a veteran, coming up with ideas on what to broadcast can prove to be challenging. These six items can be that jumping point needed to build up your live broadcast schedule.

• Q&A – Answer questions from fans.
• Breaking news – comment on the day’s events.
• Interview – Bring a friend or expert into the conversation.
• Behind the scenes – turn your camera to the scenery around you and let events unfold.Watch-with – watch your
• favorite show, movie or event with your audience. Fun, right?
• Demo – teach people how to do something like cook, play music or learn more about a current event.