With more than 800 million active users, Facebook is one of the premiere social networking tools for businesses. Additionally, Facebook indicates that the average user is connected to more than 80 community pages, groups, and events, which means Facebook is a great way to connect with local consumers. Here, we’ll talk about some ways that you can use Facebook to improve exposure and communicate with customers.
Facebook Pages & Groups
There are two Facebook tools you can use for your business: Pages and Groups. A Facebook Page is similar to a traditional Facebook profile, in that you can post updates and upload pictures, but rather than a friends list, you’ll have a fan list. The primary difference is that Fans cannot post to your Facebook wall (though they can comment and “Like” items you post), so only your updates will appear on the Facebook Page. Any update that you post will appear on your Facebook Page and will also appear in your Fans’ lists of status updates, which you can utilize to deliver updates about new products and services or any other piece of news you want customers to know about. Facebook Groups require that any members must be approved by or added to the group, and there are a number of permission settings to give you the ability to restrict access. Unlike a Facebook Page, the communication options or a Group are many, including chats; shared images and documents; and scheduled group events. Group admins can send updates to members, but because the group requires effort to manage, it’s often best-suited to host quick discussions or other small-scale projects that require collaboration. For mass communication, a Facebook Page makes for easier interaction.
Create A Facebook PageTo set up the Facebook Page for your business, open your Web browser and go to www.facebook.com/pages /create.php, where you’ll find options for all types of companies and brands. Note that if you haven’t already set up aFacebook account, you’ll need to do so before you can create a Group or Page. Small businesses will likely select the Local Business Or Place option, but if you have one product you specialize in, you may also want to select the Brand Or Product page to highlight your unique product. Depending on what type of Page you select, the setup options will vary, but generally, you’ll upload a photo, invite fans, and provide basic information about your business.
Create A Facebook Group
Visit www.facebook.com/groups and click Create Group, which will bring up a Create New Group window. Enter continue patronizing your business. A variety of marketing techniques are viable here, including special promotions and links to positive reviews. That being said, not everything you post should necessarily be a sales pitch, or you may turn off prospective customers. Asking fans for their opinions or having them vote on a poll provides you with some meaningful interaction, as well as an opportunity for new ideas. Alternatively, you can give your fans a reason to check in with your business by providing advice about topics in which your business specializes. For example, an accounting firm could cover common mistakes people make or deductions that are often overlooked when filing their taxes.
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