If you’re a small business or organization and not using Facebook, you really need to sign up right now to take advantage of the huge marketing potential you’ve been missing. Maybe you’re on Facebook, but don’t use it professionally. You can’t ignore 500 million users! Many of your existing customers already log in daily and if they “like” your business all their friends will know about it.
Last week one of my friends “liked” their local Dental Office, instantly a notice displayed on my page. I clicked on the link, found out where it was, their hours, photos, a map and comments by their customers. I would never have known about them, but for that simple “like”.
It really is an inexpensive marketing opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. Here are a few tips:
- Check out the Competition – The first thing you should do is take a look at your competitor’s pages. Look them up in the “search” box at the top of Facebook. How often do they post updates? What do they post about? How many fans or friends do they have? A quick analysis of how they’re using Facebook will greatly help to set up your page.
- Account Name – Don’t use your company name as a personal account, because then you won’t be able to use it as Business Account or a Business Fan Page.
- Types of Accounts – You have a few options. A basic Business Account will provide a simple presence, but there are some restrictions on these accounts. One person can’t have both a personal account and a business account. I recommend a Business Fan Page, where customers can become a “fan” which then shows up on their page and their friends pages resulting in the type of experience I mentioned above with the Dental Office. Want one? Go here.
- Customize your Fan Page – Start by uploading a profile picture. Don’t use the owner’s photo unless you’re selling cars or real estate, a company logo is much more professional. Provide some background of the company and your products and services along with location and contact information.
- Facebook Only Offers – Consider discounts, special offers and contests only for your Facebook fans.
- Promote Community Interaction – Ask your fans questions. How do they use your products and services? Question them about your company’s events. Give your customers a reason to communicate.
- Cross-Promote – If you have a company web page, make sure to insert a Facebook badge that links to your fan page. If you have twitter feed, place a link in your Facebook page and occasionally mention your fan page in your tweets.
- Local Ads – Once you establish a solid presence on Facebook, you may want to take advantage of Facebook ads. Facebook has two types of ads, a Facebook Ad and a Social Ads. Customers can be targeted by age, education, location, etc. You can read about how they work here.
So, go ahead and get started. Facebook is really great and low-cost way to create a community that is interested in your business and develop long-lasting customer relationships.