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Social media, and Facebook in particular, is constantly changing formats, evolving and presenting new and exciting features. Each new feature or innovation Facebook brings to the table is a brand new opportunity to reach and engage with your target audience.

If you are a business owner, this potential should get you just as excited as I am. One of the most intriguing features introduced by Facebook lately is the new slideshow feature. Introduced near the latter end of 2016, Facebook Slideshow allows you to create ads and regular posts that string together still images into a video supported by catchy (albeit somewhat cheesy) music in the background.

Take a look at some examples we have put together for some of our clients.

<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frandallbeans%2Fvideos%2F1208519289231166%2F&show_text=0&width=400" width="400" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTishFlooring%2Fvideos%2F1701582473188935%2F&show_text=0&width=400" width="400" height="400" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>

 At the outset, you may be thinking this is not a super exciting or game-changing innovation. I’m not suggesting this tool is the best thing since sliced bread but, its simplicity aside, this is a Facebook tool you should not overlook and has the potential to be a powerful tool for engaging your audience.

So, why do I love Facebook Slideshow so much?

Preference to video

With the recent release and emphasis on their new Facebook Live feature, it should come as no surprise to you that Facebook loves video. If you play along, Facebook will love you too.

Facebook’s algorithm of how it ranks priority of posts and decides how many people will see what you are putting out there is ever-changing. However, many updates made over the past several months have shown a clear priority for video over text and even photos.

Now is the time to take advantage, and Facebook Slideshow is a great way to do it.

Viewers are also more likely to stop and take in a short video than they are to scroll through a carousel or gallery, as if you needed another reason to jump on the video bandwagon.

The beauty of the slideshow is that it allows you to put together and reap the benefits of video without having the skill of shooting and editing video yourself.

One is not enough

It’s true, sometimes a single image can suffice. However, for every one instance that is true there are countless others when having multiple images on hand is stronger.

Certain products, services or themes can only really be accurately showcased with multiple images. Think of this in terms of businesses that have a larger emphasis on visual elements. The food industry as well as home service industries are good examples of these types of businesses. 

A restaurant wanting to show off their new menu items, a food company wanting to advertise their new recipe collection, a flooring company wanting to promote their new product line and a lighting company wanting to display their showroom are just a few instances where one image or a collage of smaller images just won’t work as well. 

Facebook Slideshow gives each element time to shine and presents it in an easy format for your audienceto digest.

Compelling storytelling

Maybe you don’t have a product line to present or a cookbook to promote? There is still an opportunity to utilize Facebook Slideshow beyond just advertising. Slideshow allows for interesting and more personal business posts to show off in other areas.

A roofing company can take before, during and after pictures throughout the process of a job and string them together to create an engaging and interesting story. Does your industry have an awards night?  Taking pictures throughout events like this or at industry shows are another interesting opportunity.

Everyone loves a good story, so why not give them one? More personal or “behind the scene” type of posts are always strong performers, gaining viral impressions and helping to get your name out in the open.

Whether your business is based on visuals or you just want to try a new avenue to engage and interact with your followers and audience, Facebook Slideshow presents an opportunity that is too unique to pass up.

And it isn’t the only one. Is your business getting the most out of social media?

Discover what other small businesses are doing on Facebook and other social media platforms.

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