Facebook Ireland trains over 350 small businesses online during COVID-19

Facebook Ireland recently moved its business training events, ‘Boost with Facebook’ online to provide SMEs with the support and tools they need to survive while adjusting to temporary closures and social distancing measures during COVID-19.

Over 350 small businesses have attended ‘Boost with Facebook’ webinars to date. This week, the session entitled “Unlock your Creative Potential from Home” is in partnership with VidMob. It will focus on helping businesses create engaging mobile video content from home. Experts from the creative analytics platform will provide practical advice on how to create standout video content using apps, design software and audio software. The webinars are free and people can register to view them at Boost With Facebook.

Previous webinars in the series have provided advice on ways in which business owners can connect directly with customers and clients. One session outlined best practices for hosting a Facebook Live event, which can found at Facebook Live, these included:

1. Engage your audience: Audience participation and Lives go hand in hand. Say hello to commenters by name and respond to their comments, post questions and use polls to interact throughout.

2. Practice makes perfect: Check to make sure that you have a strong signal before going live, check your tech is set-up correctly and ensure you have music rights before going live.

3. Pre and post-Live are equally important: Build anticipation by letting people know when you will be broadcasting live. Consider creating an event with a great description to capture fans’ attention and help them understand what your broadcast is about.

4. No Live is perfect: Audiences love the authentic, non-scripted style of a Live video, so get creative and embrace mistakes. Try different types of broadcasts and go live often to keep your audience engaged.

Commenting on the importance of supporting SMEs, communities and the economy during COVID-19, Ciaran Quilty, Vice President of Global Business Group at Facebook said;

“We’ve trained over 350 so far through our ‘Boost with Facebook’ webinars, helping them continue to carry out their day-to-day business, connect with their customers, adapt and even thrive during COVID-19. SMEs are having to pivot from an in-person to online model to keep their employees and businesses afloat during this time of crisis. For some SMEs in Ireland, the task of moving to a digital platform can seem daunting which is why we think these online sessions will benefit SMEs across Ireland.”

“We also recently announced a $100 million grant program to help 30,000 small businesses in 30 countries around the world, including Ireland. In addition to this grant, we also launched a new Small Business Resource Hub to support Irish small businesses. The hub has a range of resources such as a resiliency tool kit and online training sessions designed to help businesses minimise disruption during COVID-19. The ‘Boost with Facebook’ webinar series will help businesses put these resources into action over the coming weeks.”

Facebook’s webinar series is free to view on Boost With Facebook with past webinars also available.