Digital platforms provide authors with more book publicity opportunities every day – but some prove to be more valuable than others. An excellent example of a useful one is Facebook Live. If you're strategizing about how to market a book, it's an opportunity you should consider strongly. Live video streaming to fans, and even the media provides excellent relationship building and promotional opportunities for virtually no cost. Facebook Live, launched in 2015, is available to all users who have smartphones, and it's quick and convenient to set up. There is no reason not to use it.
For authors, the possibilities for using live video streaming are endless. For example, you can appear live and read a chapter to promote a new or forthcoming book to fans. It's also an ideal way to give readers expanded information about a book's inspiration or even your writing process. If you have an in-person event, you can live stream it for people who are far away or unable to attend in person. If you're a non-fiction author, it's often possible to do a live demonstration of something included in your book. For fiction authors, you can broadcast live from a location featured in your story.
Setting up a Facebook Live appearance is as easy as selecting the Live icon from your smartphone to begin broadcasting video. Everyone following you on Facebook can watch and participate. Options include liking, reacting, and commenting on your broadcast. One of the most useful features allows viewers to ask questions in real-time. It can add an interactive element to your live presentation. You're also able to see the number of live viewers and who is tuning in. When you're finished, ending the broadcast is as easy as clicking the finish button. The video is saved and posted to your timeline.
The best way for authors to use Facebook live for book promotion is to be organized and plan. It would be best to know what you will present in your broadcast and arrange answers for the questions it will generate. Your Facebook Live event should have an interesting name and originate from a location free from excessive background noise. Your phone's front and back-facing camera options let you show your face and also the site from where you're broadcasting. Remind your viewers to subscribe and keep in mind the maximum time for a session is 90 minutes.