FAQ: Consolidating video traffic

Should I upload my video to one platform and then just link to it from the rest - or should I upload my video natively to each platform?

As with most things: this depends on your goals.

If you’re mainly focusing on building an audience on one platform over the others, and you want to consolidate all your views in one spot (for example, you’re trying to build your Facebook audience, thus views on your Facebook post would do you the most good), go ahead and link or embed the video when promoting it elsewhere.

However, that technique won’t get the most reach - and, therefore, won’t get as many overall views. Platforms give strong preference to videos loaded natively to their platform. So, if what you’re going for is as many eyeballs as possible on your content, load it up to each platform separately.

Make sense? Good.

FAQ: Livestreaming programs

Some frequent livestreamers (myself included) prefer to use external programs - such as BeLive.tv, ecamm, or Switcher Studio - for their live broadcasts. But should you be using one?

That depends, as always, on your needs, your wants, and your comfort level.

Most programs allow you to “schedule” your live (so you’ve got a link to provide in advance for promotional purposes), and allow you to brand your livestreams with logos, colors, special frames, and even virtual backdrops. Programs can make adding guests to your livestream easier. Some programs allow you to livestream with a DSLR camera, switch between multiple feeds, and even utilize a remote producer.

But is there any advantage to using a program, in terms of reach? No. Simply hitting the “Live Video” button will do everything you really need for your live video to work. I myself use a combination of programmed lives (for my weekly Friday show, Social) and native live video (for more on-the-fly content).

Do what works best for you.

FAQ: Well-equipped

What kind of equipment should you have in order to create great video?

Well… something that can create videos, for one. But that something can be your phone. My entire FAQ video series was filmed on my iPhone, as are most of my videos.

Good lighting can be provided by a window, a lamp… or, yes, a specialized ring light. Quality sound can come from a dedicated USB microphone (I like the Blue Yeti), a lavalier microphone that plugs into your phone (here’s a cheap one that I like)… or just the regular microphone on your phone, computer, or camera. You don’t need a fancy backdrop. You don’t need expensive equipment. In fact, apps like Wave.video, Ripl, and Camtasia don’t require you to film any video footage at all; you can utilize their libraries to create your own video from pre-made content.

So… what’s the one true must-have for your video setup?

A great idea, clearly executed, preferably entertaining and educational.

That’s truly it.

FAQ: Live and Let Live

What are the advantages of live vs. prerecorded video content?

Some advantages of live video:

• Better reach on most social media algorithms

• Increased ability to engage with viewers

• Greater sense of immediacy, intimacy, and realness

• No need to edit; you do it and it’s done!

Some advantages of pre-recorded video:

• Easier to plan and control

• Can batch-create for efficiency

• Often allows for higher production quality

• Can add more bells and whistles

Advantages of making your own decision:

• You’ll be doing what your audience responds to, what works best for your content, and what you prefer creating!

FAQ: Video length

There’s a ton of advice out there on best practices for video length on various platforms. Here are some quick stats by platform:

Facebook (pre-recorded): 2 minutes

Facebook Live: at least 10 minutes; 15 minutes is a sweet spot

Instagram: 30 seconds

Twitter: 30-45 seconds

YouTube: 2 minutes

But stats are just that: stats. My advice is ALWAYS to explore what your own audience responds to, what works best to tell your content’s story, and, above all, what you actually want to do.

FAQ: Camera-shy

One big hesitation some people have with using video on social media is that they’re camera-shy. But the classic “talking head” video format is FAR from your only option on social media!

FAQ: IGTV?

Once Instagram’s 10-second Stories took off, it was time to introduce another video format: IGTV. These longer-form, 10-minute-max videos lend themselves well to episodic content. But should you be using it? And, if so, what are some best practices?

In all honesty, IGTV is still so new that even the most experienced social media video creators are still figuring out best uses for it. But getting in early on a new format isn’t exactly a bad position to put yourself in. Here’s some tips if you’re considering it.

FAQ: SEO

I’ve had a LOT of people ask me about SEO - but many of those people don’t actually know what it means. They just know it’s important.

They’re right that it’s important. It’s part of how you get found online. And there’s a lot more to it than simply being on social media.

You know I hate turning down business - but, truly, SEO is a specialty unto itself! Even comic strip Christine recommends finding a dedicated expert if you’re serious about improving your SEO.

FAQ: Is Facebook dead?

Is Facebook dead?

Between the data crisis and Zuckerberg’s January 2018 game-changing “Facebookpocalypse” announcement, hoards of people have huffily announced that they’ve “quit Facebook” - and encouraged others to do the same.

Sure, some people have left. But is it a significant enough percentage of your audience that you need to shift your business plan around it?… let’s see what the data says.

My comic book alter-ego paraphrases Mark Twain:

FAQ: Must I advertise on social?

The January 2018 “Facebookpocalypse” is still being felt… with many pages experiencing limited organic reach.

Does that mean that Facebook is now “pay to play”?

What about other social media platforms? And, even if you CAN get organic traction, should you still be putting some ad dollars towards social media?

My comic alter-ego is always mindful of the needs of teeny tiny micro businesses - and, for them, ORGANIC can be the best source of data…

FAQ: Getting active on LinkedIn

How often do you log into LinkedIn?

If you’re still using it as a static resume hub, only logging in to update new information or when you’re looking for work - you’re missing out on a TON of opportunity.

It is NOT the same as Facebook, however…

Or, as my comic counterpart would say: it’s like real-life networking; bring your best business self, and leave the cat pictures at home.

FAQ: Should I use a Group or a Page?

You may be hearing a lot about Facebook Groups. But what are they? Are they different from Pages? Are they part of Pages?

My hot take, which not everyone will agree with (MLMs, I’m looking at you): Groups are for conversation, not sales. Tread carefully. Make sure you bring VALUE to your groups - otherwise, don’t do it.

And, regardless - definitely keep your page.

This week’s comic barely scrapes the surface of this complicated topic - but here’s her take.

FAQ: Do I still need a website?

Time for the flip-side of last week’s question: if social media is so important, do I still need my own website as well?

They’re pretty different things. Here’s why you need both.

My comic alter-ego agrees:

View fullsize

FAQ: Do I have to be on social media?

I will admit that my feelings on social media are a little biased, being a social media strategist and all… but there’s a reason I entered this line of work, and that is because I truly believe it to be an essential tool for all businesses, large and ESPECIALLY small.

My comic alter ego agrees with me, too:

SOCIAL, SCHMOCIAL

FAQ: How often should I post?

You will see statistics indicating how frequently you should be posting on each social media platform.

And I am here to tell you that those statistics are bunk.

My comic alter ego puts it more concisely:

POST FREQUENCY

FAQ: Which platforms should I be on?

This is, without a doubt, the question I hear most frequently.

The pressure of being on ALL the platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and whatever else the kids are using these days) is part of what makes social media seem so daunting for many busy small business owners - not to mention casual everyday users!

But don’t worry - you don’t need to be everywhere.

…or, if you’re more of a reader:

PLATFORM FATIGUE

FAQ: Hiring out social

Should you hire someone else to manage your social media accounts & content?

The answer: it depends…

Many thanks to Greg Gritmon (aka Mr. Christine Gritmon) for lending his talents to this easy-peasy comic strip explanation!

HIRING OUT SOCIAL