Facebook has over 2.5 billion users and remains a highly popular social media platform. In fact, more reports show consumers prefer to learn through video rather than a written post! So it makes sense that as an online nutrition coach, you would be posting videos. Facebook has Marketplace, Groups, and targeted ads. But they also have a “live” feature, similar to that of Instagram’s — you can chat, communicate, and market your business in real-time. Perhaps the best part of it all is that it’s free. If you’re wondering how to use Facebook live as a way to promote your business and boost engagement, this post is just for you! Before we dive in, though, allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Tony Stephan, and I’m a dietitian business coach. I help RDs make more IMPACT and more INCOME through nutrition coaching. However, before I became a dietitian business coach, I was an RD nutrition coach (just like you!). I served thousands of nutrition coaching clients over a time span of 12 years. My successful nutrition coaching business is what led me to where I am today. Now let’s discuss some effective ways to use Facebook live as an online nutrition coach!
The Basics Of Using Facebook Live
If you know how to post on Facebook then you know how to use Facebook live. On a computer, simply go about it as if you were going to make a new post. Hit the 3 little dots either in the top or bottom of your screen and you’ll see the “live video” option. You can control your age and demographic of people you want to see from there. On your phone, it is essentially the same process.
Tips To Make Facebook Live Successful For You
Make sure you’re in a spot with a stable, reliable internet connection. Next, make sure to have your video description give a good summary of what it will be about in a few words. Once you are live, do your best to engage with anyone watching (your audience), call people by their names when you greet them, and try responding to comments as they come up. Last but not least, remember to be yourself. Let your personality show! It will be more effective if you’re authentic, your audience will be more inclined to listen to what you have to say.
Now, here are some different ways to use Facebook live:
Host a Q&A
Hosting a live Q&A session allows people to ask questions in real-time while allowing you to position yourself as the nutrition expert. You can plan this ahead of time and inform your audience/followers so they’re more prepared to attend and engage with you. Be prepared to come with some talking points and actionable tips, and have a list of questions ready to address if the live video doesn’t have engaging viewers. Or, you can simply answer frequently asked questions you receive as a nutrition coach!
Interview A Guest
Invite a professional or colleague to go live with you. If you’re a nutrition coach, it might be really effective to have a personal trainer come on with you. You two could discuss the importance of nutrition to fuel fitness goals in greater detail than if you were doing this alone. Or, you can bring on a specialist depending on what your ideal client population is.
Be Authentic
Your live streams should always be professional and somewhat planned. However, don’t be scared to go off the path a little bit and provide some insight into your personal life! Do one of you going to the grocery store, preparing a meal, running errands, or walking your dog. People often assume nutritionists and dietitians eat perfectly all of the time. When in reality we know there’s no such thing as a perfect diet. Putting a meal together in a live video and chatting through it can make you seem more “human” and help you create a more genuine connection with your audience.
The Takeaway
Facebook has plenty of useful features for online entrepreneurs like yourself. The live feature, however, can be very beneficial if done well and consistently. If you haven’t gone live yet on your own Facebook page or in your own group, I challenge you to do so! Start with an introduction video, then get more creative week after week. If you aren’t comfortable in front of the camera yet, don’t worry — it gets easier and less overwhelming with time and experience! (Trust me, I would know!)
So, do you have follow up questions about using Facebook live as an online nutrition coach? Send me an email at tony@tonystephandietitian.com and let me know. Seriously, I want to hear from you!
If you are a dietitian looking to start your own nutrition coaching business, you are in the right place. I’m proud to be a part of the movement of dietitian entrepreneurs who are making more IMPACT and more INCOME! Check out some of our FREE resources below.
