Facebook Marketing 101 - Tips Every Business Should Know
The chances of a brand going viral or becoming an everyday household name are a lot higher with an effective Facebook marketing strategy in place. To help you out, here is a list of tips every business looking to use a Facebook Page as a communications and marketing tool should know.
- Don't leave any part of the profile incomplete. If you leave parts missing, then the page looks unfinished and unprofessional. Pay attention to detail, and don't let small things like that slip through the cracks.
- Make sure to create a unique Facebook URL. Directing customers to facebook.com/CompanyName is a lot easier then telling them to find you at facebook.com/345e5949ufl. It is like having a website. It is far better to have www.companyname.com than www.freewebsite.yourcompanyname.com.
- Make use of different Facebook applications to give your Facebook page a more professional and enhanced look. Facebook along with third party applications allow businesses to customize their Facebook page quickly and easily. It's like having a personalized website, but easier and most of the time 100% free! Of course, there are companies out there that can help you with these features too - like Casual Fridays!
- Perhaps a business has an online store? Well how about integrating a "Shop Now" tab on the Facebook page? This allows the audience to easily shop products and services right from Facebook. This makes for great customer service and ease of use. People like ease of use.
- Engage fans by pushing out unique and valuable content. I know this is standard, but it is surprising how many companies only use social networks for self-promotion. This is a business' chance to show their audience what they know, and how good they are at what they do. Strive to become an industry expert. Be the brand that the audience looks to for valuable insight into the industry.
Run Facebook contests and promotions. People love having the chance to win free stuff or obtain something at a discount. Giveaway your product or service or perhaps even third party products (last we checked, people love Visa gift cards). A person who may not even be a fan of the brand will take advantage of the opportunity to win something free. On this note, when running contests or promotions make use of the customized pages and tabs I talked about earlier. These make them more official and professional.
- Finally, be friendly, funny and inviting. Facebook is a marketing playground, and the best part about this sandbox is its filled with millions of people to play with. Don't be the bully that no one wants to build the castle with. Invite people to engage and join the conversation with lighter topics and content. You don't always have to be so intense. Peoples' lives are stressful and serious enough. Give the audience something to laugh at and something to enjoy. People are attracted to positive energy and attitudes, and will be more likely to engage with the "feel good" company, rather than the thundercloud.