Guest Blogger DiAnn Mills

Facebook Live is the #1 means of interacting naturally with followers. The live video streaming is an informal presentation as though the writer is sitting across the kitchen table enjoying a cup of coffee. Sometimes they are!

The viewer sees the host in real-time, so sometimes blunders occur, but that is a part of our day-to-day communication. The goal is a high level of transparency with knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a touch of humor.

But why do the work for a Facebook Live event? What’s in it for us? The biggest reason is to engage followers and readers with a valued message. We’ve been gifted with gifts and talents that can benefit others. Our expertise may not seem like much to us, but to the person(s) who are looking for our expertise—we are amazing! Communicating a specific topic blesses those who log on. The enthusiasm begins with the host.

Some writers enlist another person to moderate questions. I’ve done this, and it can be helpful, but not necessary for the success of the writer’s livestream presentation.

When is the right time to have a Facebook Live event? Your event can be scheduled whenever you feel it’s best for your audience. The timing can be a part of a book launch, upcoming holiday, a writer milestone, prequel to an announcement, or simply a means to stay connected to followers.

Should I give something away? I think random giveaways are a vital part of the event. Those who are present have an opportunity to receive a fun or valuable gift. I’ve given away books, gift cards, an hour of mentoring, and a five-page edit. Decide what works best for you and your audience. Perhaps a friendly competition will keep viewers engaged during your presentation.

How do we create a natural environment that is entertaining and informative? Here are 11 ways to have a successful Facebook Live event.

1. Develop a topic that you are enthusiastic to share and is part of your brand.
2. Write out the script content in a conversational tone and familiarize yourself with the material.
3. Post the upcoming event on social media. Describe your upcoming event in a way that entices others to log on. Do this more than once. Build excitement and mention the giveaway opportunity.
4. Select the platform you are most comfortable with, desktop browser vs. mobile app to host your livestream. Some of the realtime livestream features may differ depending on your platform of choice.
5. For the event, log on fifteen minutes early. Adjust your lighting. Check the sound. Look your best. Plaster on a genuine party smile.
6. Peer into the camera. Welcome guests and ask each one to introduce themselves in the chat section. Answer any questions. This may be the closest a writer gets to a follower or reader.
7. Give an intro of what is planned during the Facebook Live event.
8. Jump into your presentation.
9. Now and then glance at comments to see if something needs to be addressed. For example: “I see that Jan asked if I’d be teaching this topic at an upcoming conference.”
10. Thank the guests for attending. Inform them of your website, social media handles, and always provide your email address for those who may have questions later.
11. The livestream video will be published to your Page or profile so that fans and friends who missed it can watch at a later time. How cool is that?

Facebook Live connects us with people we may never meet face to face. The sense of community brings us all closer together. Are you ready to host your event? What’s holding you back?

About the Author

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com

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