Tips for Using New Tools to Reach People and Build Connection

by The Latest News from Facebook for Business April 24, 2020

Tips for Using New Tools to Reach People and Build Connections

April 24, 2020

Businesses of all sizes rely on being able to connect with their customers and employees, but recent disruptions to how people can come together have made that difficult. Facebook’s products have always been about bringing people together, even when they’re not in the same place. To help people feel like they’re together now, even when they’re physically apart, we’re announcing features that make video chat and live video easier and more useful for anyone. While these aren’t tools designed for businesses, we’re sharing tips for how business owners, managers, salespeople, service providers and more can use them to reach people and build connections.

1. Host group video calls.

Group video calls help foster a sense of virtual community when you’re doing things like hosting a meeting or training, or creating an exclusive experience for customers. Messenger Rooms are joinable video calls that make it easy for anyone to bring groups of employees and customers together to connect and meet face to face. While Rooms can’t be created from Facebook Pages, individuals can create a room from Messenger or Facebook and invite anyone to join, even if they don’t have a Facebook account or the Messenger app. Rooms will be able to support up to 50 people soon. There’s no time limit, and rooms can be locked or unlocked to give you control over if others can join your call. You can also remove people from the call.

2. Go live on Facebook and Instagram.

Many businesses have been using live streaming services like Facebook and Instagram Live to help them stay connected. We’re adding new features to make live broadcasting even easier, like the ability to view Instagram Live broadcasts on desktop. On Facebook we’re also bringing back Live With, which lets individuals and Pages invite another person into a Facebook Live broadcast. Businesses can do things like give a virtual look at their inventory, showroom or new products and invite experts or influencers to join in on the conversation. You’ll also be able to mark Facebook Events as online only and, in the coming weeks, integrate Facebook Live so you can broadcast to your guests. To support creators and small businesses, we plan to add the ability for Pages to charge for access to events with Live videos on Facebook – anything from online performances to classes to professional conferences.

3. Use Portal as your home studio.

With the new ability to go Live from Facebook Portal to Pages and Groups, businesses can start to create even more interactive content for their customers and communities. Business owners might use Portal to host live classes, tutorials or demonstrations for the people who have liked their Page or joined their Group.

Learn More

We’ll keep sharing announcements, tips and more on the Facebook for Business News site in the coming weeks. We’ll also continue to explore how we can support businesses through this challenging time. Learn about our Small Business Grants program and access our Business Resource Hub to see additional opportunities we’re offering and steps we’re recommending. Get the latest updates on how Facebook is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

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Tips for Using New Tools to Reach People and Build Connections

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usinesses of all sizes rely on being able to connect with their customers and employees, but recent disruptions to how people can come together have made that difficult. Facebook’s products have always been about bringing people together, even when they’re not in the same place. To help people feel like they’re together now, even when they’re physically apart, we’re announcing features that make video chat and live video easier and more useful for anyone. While these aren’t tools designed for businesses, we’re sharing tips for how business owners, managers, salespeople, service providers and more can use them to reach people and build connections.

1
Host group video calls.

2
Go live on Facebook and Instagram.

3
Use Portal as your home studio.

Learn More