Facebook has gone in the last five years from a small, closed website for Harvard students, to one of the largest sites on the web, with more than 500 million active users, and with over half of those users logging in every day. A thriving community like that can't be ignored, especially by an up and coming small business. While it may seem overwhelming to some, you may be surprised how easy it is to get up and running; in fact, (if you don't have one already) head over to facebook.com and create a page for your business…..done? Ok, now read the following 5 tips for getting started with putting your business out there and utilizing Facebook to the best of your abilities.
- Stand Out
With 500 million users, just creating a profile is about as effective as stapling some fliers to a tree in the middle of the woods (sure someone may see it someday, but it's not really doing much for you). So, how do you differentiate yourself? There are so many ways to modify and change the look of your page, but the most effective Facebook pages are actually pretty simple, the key is that they let the content drive the page (sell the steak, not the sizzle). This is what keeps people coming back and what builds a strong following, which ultimately leads to more profits.
- Find Your Voice
The meat of a Facebook page is text and pictures. For most businesses, you'll want to consistently be posting (2-3 times per day, not 15-20) and keep a common feel to your posts, so that your readers/followers know what to expect, but feel free to toss is some random quotes/images now and then to mix things up. A Facebook page should never feel buttoned-down and corporate, but make sure that you always keep it family-friendly and appropriate for your typical clientele.
- Cross Promote
This one's pretty self-explanatory, but in the same way that you'll tell people on the Facebook page to visit your store, tell people in the store to visit you on Facebook. Put up a sign in the shop with your URL, or if you do something like a buy 10 get one free punch card (or just a plain old business card) print your Facebook info on it.
- Connect
One of the fatal flaws that many businesses make is to use their Facebook pages as a cold, corporate page to disseminate information and re-hash press releases. Do this and you'll quickly find that know one wants to follow your page, thus making it pretty useless. Try to connect with people on a personal level whenever you get a chance; there's a proper channel for press releases and PR speak, it just isn't social networks.
- Bring Something To The Table
Finally, give your fans a reason to keep coming back. Incentivize them with special deals and discounts that you only announce on the Facebook page. Have a giveaway for the best comment on a photo you post. Or, to get your numbers up, do something creative like post that you'll discount your products by 1% for every thousand new followers you get this weekend (or adjust the numbers accordingly). This gaming/giveaway aspect of the page will keep people checking back often, and more importantly, will spread the word about your business through word of mouth.
Perhaps the best part of using Facebook to promote and market your business is that unlike nearly every other medium (TV, newspapers, magazines, etc.) Facebook levels the playing field and gives you just as much sway with your fans as Coca-Cola, the key is using it right and being persistent.
If you still have questions or want more info, checkout this pages that lists the 8 best Facebook business pages, and see what you can glean from those who've set the standard.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/zaado/8-best-facebook-business-pages-in-each-tab-category/227110047685
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If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur involved in your first startup, you're well aware of the impact that successful Facebook marketing can have on your bottom line. Finding your way through the maze of available apps and tools is time-consuming, tedious work. If you're on the hunt for the latest and greatest ways to reach a larger audience and build your business, check out our recommended Facebook tools and apps that are specifically geared toward taking full advantage of your fan page.
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