As we all prepare our marketing strategies for the coming year, it’s important to keep in mind that effective Facebook video best practices are an important part of the marketing mix. Mark Zuckerberg has REPEATEDLY STATED he wants to make Facebook video first. What does this mean? For as cool, connected and crucial as Facebook is, it is only a series of code. How that code displays on your computer, tablet and smartphone is a matter of programming. So, when Zuckerberg says he wants to go video first, that means that the behind-the-scenes code is probably changing to make that happen.

What does that mean for you? It means you have to follow these four effective Facebook video best practices to make sure your videos are ready to be front-and-center.

1. EMBED YOUR VIDEO NATIVELY

Yes, it’s easier to post a video in one place and share with a link on your other sites. I know it’s another step in the social media landscape. I know. However, when – and I do mean when – Facebook goes video first, you’ll want your videos to be embedded natively on the platform.

2. TAG YOUR VIDEO

You wouldn’t believe how many videos are uploaded without tags. Computer programs can’t read video. Well, not yet anyways. Your tags help Facebook “see” your content. Think about how you want people to find your video. Subject area? Think of long-tail keywords and searchability. Is your video becoming widely known? Think about descriptive keywords to help folks find that “funny cat video where baby cries” a lot easier.

3. HAVE A CALL TO ACTION

If you’re going to go to the trouble of making, editing and uploading a video, then you need to tell people what to do next. Help them along. If it’s to like your Facebook page or visit your website – tell them. They’ve watched your content. Now help them along the sales funnel.

4. BE YOURSELF

Don’t try to be anyone but yourself. Video is great because it communicates so much without words. No wonder Zuckerberg is pushing to make his platform give preference to videos. But, if your video is forced, insincere or not who you are as a brand, then your viewers will see right through it and move along.