The free way to get the word out
Among the many different ways to spread the word of your business, Facebook marketing is currently one of the best approaches online. The truth is that most of us don’t know the tricks and strategies for successful social media marketing. It may be somewhat time consuming but it isn’t as complicated as you may think. This post is all about how to optimize your posts without paying a penny, so your business will get the attention it deserves.
Set up a business page for Facebook marketing
Facebook is a very busy place, so in order to build a following you must create a Facebook page for your business. This is done straight from your personal Facebook page.
On your home page go to the bottom left side menu, click on ‘Page’. You want to create an enticing business page so that you can showcase your service or product and bring in the customers. Spend time describing exactly what you offer and how they can contact you for more information. Your picture and banner should positively represent your business. Share your page with all your friends then join and interact in relevant groups where your future client could be hiding. Check to see if the groups allow posting and if they do, be sure to read their rules.
The beauty of the business page is when someone likes, comments or shares your page, your posts are more likely to be viewed by the very people (and their friends) who are interested in what you have to say and will potentially use your service or product.
Make each post count
Use a variety of videos, pictures, articles and text, and rotate them often. With these posts you want to resist the urge to make a sale but rather offer useful information and tips or something that will inspire them. This approach will make them want to ask more questions and head to your website. Remember Facebook users are bombarded with ads constantly and become blind or annoyed by posts that go straight for the hard sell. Lure your clients in gently and show them you care.
Consider setting up a posting schedule
This can be done manually in a spreadsheet/calendar or on a site like Hootsuite. Hootsuite is a website that allows you to schedule automatic posts to all social media accounts from one location.
You want to post at least once a day however marketers recommend 4 – 7 posts spread out over the 8am -10pm period. Remember that your fans will not see every post. Facebook is only so big and also has to weed out ads based on popularity and flagging. People also tend to turn notifications off so a good practice is to urge your clients and fans to turn notifications on just for the pages they want to see.
Under the Following button check ‘See first’ and turn “on” notifications for this specific page. Consider making a video or a screenshot like the image below to show your clients exactly how it’s done). This is a handy piece of info that your potential clientele will appreciate because it custom designs their newsfeed and limits pages they don’t want to see often.
Do’s and Don’ts of Facebook marketing
- Do add your Facebook page to your website, email signature, business card and tell your friends, family, employees and clients to like and share it.
- Always interact with people that comment. This is your first opportunity to provide memorable customer service and make that potential client feel good. It will also allow their friends to see how personable and knowledgeable you are about your product or service.
- Make visual content count. The pictures and videos you post are there to make a first impression. You want your fans to like, comment, and share your posts.
- Post original content. Original posts should make up 80% of what you put out there. Your fans and Facebook will know if you are posting someone else’s work. Keeping it original will give you a better shot of being noticed as well as showing your target audience that you care enough to invest time for them.
- Use your Insights feature which is located at the top of your business page. If you are diligent about keeping track of what’s working and what isn’t you will be able to tweak your posts for the best results.
- Never ask to like, share, book or purchase anything in the text of your post. Facebook recognizes the text and restricts those posts which is why we have to bypass the system. Literally place those requests on the actual photo or video (See image below), this can be done in apps like Skitch or programs like PowerPoint.
- Avoid posting the same post in different categories at the same time, Facebook will limit that activity.
Be consistent with your Facebook marketing habits. As a marketing tool it has so much potential. Connect with your target audience, offer them valuable, original information and visual content to boost your business sales.
