Is Your Business Getting The Best Out Of Facebook?

Everyone’s on Facebook these days, aren’t they? With 500 million users globally, Facebook is the largest social network in the world and half of those active on Facebook log in every day.

So, whether you’re in Belfast or Belleek, your audience is already there. And there’s a good chance they’re already talking about you whether you’re part of the conversation or not.

What’s stopping you taking advantage of one of the most powerful, incredibly cost-effective marketing mediums around? Let’s get you going.

Start here

When you’re setting up your page – keep it simple! Your customers will search for your business name as it appears offline so make sure you keep it the same on your vanity URL (Facebook.com/yourbusinessname) and page title. Then make sure your audience offline know you’re on Facebook – put the Facebook logo on all your printed material that goes into your customers hands – flyers, for example, or, if you’re a restaurant, on your menus and menu boards.

Listen

Online, just like back in the real world, people don’t like shoutytypes who talk before they listen. So don’t wade in. Do your research. Engaging your audience is about giving them what they want in the way that they want it.

Activate your Audience

Getting the people who already know and use your product or service talking about their experience with you, or simply talking with you, demonstrates that you have a good relationship with them and that in itself is invaluable when seen by potential customers. 

Make it worth their while

Whether it’s information or a free lunch, people love freebies!

If you can afford to and are confident in your product or service, you can generate serious goodwill by giving away samples or running competitions. This is also a hugely effective strategy in building your Facebook fanbase – particularly if you make content or promotions exclusive to Facebook fans.

Reach out

Finally, now we’re talking! The conversations you have with your customers should create a ripple effect – keep them light and fun and positive and be seen to be helpful and easy to talk to. Be the go to person in your marketplace by demonstrating your knowledge and experience.

Post frequently but keep it relevant

This is key to keeping your fans onboard and engaged – try to post at least once a day but only if you have something to say! Posting for the sake of it can be annoying and turn fans off.

Keep an eye on engagement

If you’re getting lots of likes and your customers are joining the conversation, you’re doing something right. Then keep an eye on that little graph in Facebook Insights to note what’s working, what your customers like and keep doing it!

Maximising your Facebook presence can go a long way to maximising your potential. If you’re still not sure about how best to manage your social media strategy to benefit your bottom line over the longer term, talk to us today!