Using Facebook for business is something that a lot of people are doing these days. It's important to learn to use Facebook for business to bring your business into the world of Web 2.0. Using Facebook for business can help move your business forward and get it noticed with the online crowd.
You may think of Facebook as a place to find friends, both old and new, but there's more to Facebook than meets the eye. Facebook is a tool that you can use to promote your business. Whether you want to get feedback from your clients, promote a new product, or just get a following, Facebook can help.
What's the cost?
The best part about using Facebook to promote your business is that it's free. You have to have a personal Facebook account before you can start a Facebook for your business though. The two profiles will be connected, that's Facebook's rule for using Facebook for business.
Create a Facebook for business
Log into Facebook and then go to Facebook's create a page tool. Choose which category your business falls into from the drop down box. Then follow the directions to create the Facebook for your business.
Now you need to personalize your business Facebook by adding some content to it, adding something to the info section and adding some information about what your readers will get from joining your business Facebook. Also add a profile photo, a photo will help people relate to your business.
Advertise your business Facebook
Now you're going to want to get the word out that your business is on Facebook. Here are some ways to advertise your business on Facebook:
- Send the link to all your friends, fans and clients and have them send the link to their friends, fans and clients.
- Buy a Facebook ad, they're cheap and can bring in more people.
- Add a link on your business' website telling your customers that your business is now on Facebook.
What to do with your business Facebook
Your business Facebook will be very useful in getting more customers and promoting products. Here are a few ways to use your business Facebook.
- Add messages to it. Not only will it help to populate the page, it'll also let everyone who's signed up for your business profile know that you have something important to tell them. They'll see every message that you post from their own Facebook.
- Add links back to your business' website. If you're promoting a specific item, link to the page on your website where more information can be found on that item.
- Promote your products. Mention a product and tell people why it's special.
- Promote new products. Let your loyal customers know when something new is about to happen.
- Get feedback from your customers. Ask questions and post polls.
* Related Article: Using Facebook Groups
Comments
With 200 million users Facebook can be a great way to increase the reach of your business. But beware: it works best for consumer focused businesses, less good if you operate Business to Business.
Think about it: most people are on Facebook to share content with friends a family. "Brands" work there because people are often happy to be seen associated with them or to endorsing them. Will they be as keen to buddy up with their attorney or realtor? Or a supplier intent on building a marketing database?
Only pout your efforts in if you know that your customers are willing to engage with you on a social network. It is quite likely they want privacy there, in which case your social media push will be wasted.
Ian Hendry
CEO, WeCanDo.BIZ
We are launching a new product line on wannahitsports.com. This website serves a unique product line targeted to those with interest in competitive sports. Our growth on our Fan Page has been very steady.
My first attempt of leveraging Facebook as a marketing tool was with a benefit event for a friend (andrewdavisbenefit.com). The immediate exposure you have to your social network and your social networks' network is baffling. People who had never heard of our friend became aware of who is and contributed to his behalf.
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