I don’t think it’s “new information” that, in order to keep up with the times and the competition, a business needs to have a Facebook page.  (A Twitter page is a good idea too, but that’s a story for a different blog.)  I have noticed so many businesses have been quick to jump on the bandwagon by setting up their Facebook page, but then they forget to pull the reigns to actually MOVE the “wagon.”

You can’t just create a Facebook page and expect people to knock down your doors.

What are some things that you need to know to make Facebook work for you?

 First:  To be competitive on Facebook first you need “fans” or people that LIKE your page.  Below are a few ways to acquire fans.

  1. Put a link to your Facebook page on your website.
  2. Put a Facebook icon/logo on all print material so that people that aren’t visiting your website know that you are on Facebook.
  3. Put a Facebook link on all electronic newsletters and contacts with your customers.
  4. Advertise on Facebook.

Second:Encourage interaction among your fans.  That is the whole point of “social networking” – being social.  Below are some ideas of how you can generate some activity on your page:

  1. Offer exclusive discounts for Facebook fans and ask them to share the offer with their friends. Something like: “Facebook Fan Appreciation Day: Today only 10% off hats.  Make sure to share this offer on your page so that your friends can take advantage of this special offer too.”
  2. Offer a drawing for participation.  “Make a comment on our page to be entered to win a $25 dollar gift certificate.” or “Click and share our photo album for a chance to win
    [something really cool].”
  3. Offer news and information specific to your industry or business and ask for thoughts and comments.
  4. Ask fans to post photos of them using a product they purchased from your company.
  5. Ask fans what one of their favorite products is.

Do NOT simply use your Facebook page exclusively for giving props to your products.

Having a Facebook page isn’t as simple as your typical advertising.  You can’t just put up a page and expect people to come, nor can you expect search engines to care.  In other words,  Google doesn’t notice you because you have a Facebook page.  Google notices when you actually use Facebook it as it was intended. (That’s where the social part comes in.)  

In the world that we live in today, it is all about being social and your social networking investments are just that, an investment.  The more time and energy you put into it, the more you can expect it to pay you back.

In my experiences with Facebook, the single most effective way to put your Facebook page to work for you is to speak to the pocketbook of your fans.  People like discounts,  and they LOVE LOVE FREE (giveaways). 

Did I say people love FREE?

If you or your staff doesn’t have the time and energy to put into your Facebook page, there are plenty of businesses that offer Social Media maintenance.  At Ginasis, we offer Facebook and Twitter maintenance exclusively for our clients.