How Can I Use Facebook Watch As A Marketing Strategy?

In an attempt to compete with YouTube video views and to keep active users on the platform, Facebook rolled out Facebook Watch in 2017.  While the adoption seemed a little slow last year, it’s growing steam.  In Facebook Watch and newsfeed, Facebook has over 8 billion video views a day.

Today we are going to discuss and answer some questions about business tips if you'd like to use Facebook Watch as a marketing strategy.

Question: First off, is Facebook Watch really a place businesses and marketing teams should spend their time?

Michelle: Sure, if video is part of their overall marketing strategy. Video is a key part of any social media strategy and if you’re going to spend the time to create videos, you may as well utilize the benefits that Facebook watch has to offer. Videos that are uploaded directly to facebook will get more views than an external YouTube link.  Some companies are loading the same video in both platforms while others are creating separate content to meed the needs of different mediums and audiences, but either way, utilize the offering.  AND, since Facebook is putting algorithm focus on video, businesses should “play the game” so that they can get visibility in the news feed.

Question: If you do want to make Facebook Watch a primary marketing strategy, what do you recommend to start?

Michelle: If your business is going to lead with video and consistently create and share video, or if you’re primary business is entertainment (like comedy clubs) or expertise (like speakers, authors or trainers) content is your number one strategy for building an audience.  Changing your page template to video will make your videos eligible to get into the Facebook Watch button, and give you extra tools to promote past, present and current videos.  Experts like Marie Forleo and Gretchen Rubin have video pages, along with Dry Comedy Bar.  Changing your template is easy and you can easily change it to another setting if you don’t like it.

Question: How do you gain followers and grow your audience?

Michelle: It all starts with good content. Take time to create a content schedule, decide how often you’re going to post videos or episodes.  As you share your videos to personal pages and gain traction it, good content will get shared and your audience will organically increase.  Also, don’t be afraid to do Facebook Live Videos, as long as they are with a purpose. Remember every video needs to be an extension of your messaging strategy.

Question: One final quick question, what is the biggest mistake marketers make when it comes to facebook video strategy?

Michelle: Remember that social media is just one part of your marketing strategy.  You need to reach you audience in additional ways and you always need to remember to create and preserve your Home Court Advantage.  Tomorrow, Facebook could change the algorithm again and they could change the “rules” for Facebook watch or any other feature.  Remember to spend as much time building your website, retail location and sales processes.  Get people from social media to your website where you own the team, the brand and the raving fans.