It’s no secret that Facebook reach has declined so much over the last year that updates barely reach Page fans without some work. Yes, it does take work to increase Facebook Reach (or ads!) Simply posting a Facebook update and expecting people to actually see it is a bit like rubbing a lamp and expecting a Genie to appear…
Now we’re on a pay to play platform, is there any way to increase Facebook reach without spending money?
Increase Facebook reach with videos
I have been watching with interest Facebook’s change in attitude to videos uploaded directly rather than YouTube links. Social Bakers reported that video uploaded directly to Facebook has 10x viral reach than a YouTube link updates.
It irritates me that the Facebook uploaded videos play in low quality by default, surely that puts people off? I need to stop judging and just do it – here’s why.
Last month I read a post by Mike Gingerish. He shared that his short videos created as “trailers” to his blog posts and offers were performing 50-500% better than any other update.
“What a good idea” I thought and shared the article on my Facebook Page (it reached 19 people…) I don’t do talking head videos often and promptly forgot about the video tip!
Until I did a quick tutorial about blocking Facebook game requests…
As usual, I uploaded the video to YouTube and embedded it on my blog. Rather than sharing the blog link, I thought I would try just uploading the whole tutorial video to Facebook, include a link back to the post in the description and video call to action at the end.
Not only did I reach 405 people with no extra effort, but more importantly I saw an increase in click through to my post from Facebook.
While 405 people reached isn’t huge compared to many superstar pages, it’s far more than the scraping double digits I normally see unless I put some time and effort in – and who has time for that?
How I increased my Facebook reach by 742% and more with little videos
The video above was one of my “How To” screen-cast videos that I use for my blog, so perhaps it’s not an ideal example. The increase in reach equates to 1828% (21 people reached to 405), but I know many small businesses I talk with baulk at the thought of creating screen-cast videos.
Looking at my little 1 minute animated videos, I saw a great increase in reach (and clicks) too.
My who needs Monty video saw an 844% increase in reach.
My Merry Christmas video saw an increase of 742% in reach
Despite the fact that videos uploaded to Facebook seem to play in low quality as default and you need to click HD to watch how they were produced, they still work. Reach increased and click-throughs started to rise.
Looking at a handful of videos on my Facebook Page is far from a scientific study! It is certainly worth looking at closer and monitoring the effects of using video on Facebook.
As Facebook continues to add and improve video features for Pages, now is a good time to start experimenting if you aren’t already!
Want to try video yourself?
I have 5 short video quotes ready made for you for just £5. Each quote is 10-15seconds long with a video background. In the mini-quote pack, you get 5 video background quotes and 5 image quotes. They’re ideal for sharing on Facebook and Pinterest or embedding on your website.
Download securely via GumRoad, click the button below.
Download 5 Video Quotes For £5
Over to you…
What’s your experience with video on Facebook? Have you seen an increase in Facebook reach using videos? Do share in the comments!
Increase Facebook Reach 742% Without Ads (That's Not A Typo!) by Jan Kearney
It's infuriating isn't it? You put all that time and effort into growing your fan base on your Facebook Page and now your updates rarely reach anyone...
You CAN Expand Your Reach
Using some simple techniques you can reach more of your fans without paying for ads.
In this report you will learn:
- What is Reach and is it worth worrying about
- 3 Key steps you need to take to increase your reach
- 10 Post ideas to help you reach more fans
Get your copy now – it’s free. Simply fill in your name and email in the box below and I’ll whizz the report over to you.
I have to try something similar to this. My Facebook fan page is just lying there. So sad! Your illustrations embedded in this post communicated volumes without words. That helps more than you know. Sometimes long posts lose my interest, but this one made me want to learn more.
Thanks for the insight, Jan!
Happy New Year!
Video on Facebook is definately worth experimenting with Mialei – see if it works for you.
Thanks for popping in and you have a Happy New Year too 🙂
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this little tidbit. I haven’t been doing as many videos as I think I “should.” However, I just got a smartphone and can see how easy it is to upload a video from the phone to Facebook so given the results you had, it seems like it’s definitely worth a try.
Thanks again and have a heartwarming holiday season. Happy new year!
🙂
Hi Debra. I’ve yet to succumb to the joys of a smart phone – I’d never switch off! Video is well worth experimenting with on Facebook, you could easily do it with a phone too. You have so much to share on your travels, they’d be a joy to watch.
Have a fabulous New Year Debra, thanks for popping in 🙂
Hi Jan!
I have to admit, I don’t use Facebook pages much so I’m certainly behind on what works and what doesn’t.
Although I can certainly see why this would work when I analyze my own browsing habits – I’m more likely to visit a site after spending the time to watch an interesting video that comes up on my news feed. I suppose it makes sense – I’ve already invested a minute or so into watching the video, I may as well check out what else they’ve got to offer. As you’ve just proven, this is the case for others as well.
If I ever get back into Facebook pages I’ll be sure to remember this post. Thanks for sharing, Jan!
Hi James – working with Local businesses, Facebook is one of those things “expected”. Plus their reviews on local Pages are creeping up – people prefer to review where they hang out. Unfortunately, Page reach has been dragging down and it is work to keep it up!
I was a bit shocked at the difference video made and I’ll cetainly keep expermenting. I hope you do too if you get back into Pages.
Thanks for popping in and have a Happy New Year!
Hi Jan
Oh horrors…. I am really going to have to do something aren’t I? I’ve spent hours stuttering and stumbling into my phone, only to bin the lot never to be retrieved. For someone who is as honest as the day is long, I have this knack of looking a real shifty character on video. Haha
I’ve also paid two years of Animoto subs and still the best I’ve managed is a video of the dog destroying an indestructible toy.
Perhaps I’d better make video the goal that Sue is trying to coax us into!
Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year, Joy
I’m sure you don’t look shifty Joy! I’d love to see you speaking on video – although I totally get why you don’t! It’s not my cup of tea either lol
With so many ways to create video these days, why restrict yourself to a talking head? Get out and play!
Have a wonderful New Year Joy! See you in 2015 🙂
Hi Jan,
Thanks for sharing your results with FB. Perhaps there’s yet hope for me.
Probably won’t do any ‘talking head’ type videos as I’ve a face more attuned to radio 😉
But, as you pointed out, there’s other routes to test.
Happy and prosperous New Year!
Edward
Oh now come on Edward! You have a face of wisdom and experience 🙂 Looking forward to your videos in 2015!
Have a wonderful New Year – wishing you health and prosperity 🙂
Hey Jan,
Fantastic research… I never had noticed this on facebook pages. Between facebook is one of the leading social media sites now a days. Through this trick we can get most out from facebook too.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
-Mustafa