Often small businesses tend to dismiss Facebook and Social Media for a number of reasons:
- Not understanding that it is a way to market themselves.
- Thinking that just setting up a Facebook page equals an increase in sales.
- Not realising that it’s a great place to tell people about specials, ie. sell to them.
- Not updating once the page is established
- Never promoting the Facebook site through other mediums eg email signature, website.
- Not responding to comments.
- Not being aware the attraction of a well-designed page
- Not having the know-how to run the Facebook site.
You may be sitting there thinking my page is not up to speed, so how can I improve it?
Here are some tips. (from Lara Solomon, in Smart Company 24 Nov 2011)
- First work out why you actually have a page, what is it’s purpose; if you can’t think of one then maybe you don’t need it!
- Decide what people get from liking your page, what’s in it for them – there has to be something- if you can’t think of anything then it probably means you are going to spam them with info on your products!
- Work out what your page needs to improve and find out how to do that. Here are some places to go for info – when you get there you need to search for the info if you want it:
a. Social Rabbit
b. Inside Facebook
c. Social Media Examiner - Alternatively, if you don’t have time to find the information and do it yourself then hire someone (note this costs money, think up to $1,000 for a page overhaul).
Small businesses have such a huge advantage in the world of social media versus large companies. Okay, so you don’t have a budget to promote your page on TV or have your brand name on everyone’s lips, but you are quick, nimble, real, authentic and open to embracing new technology with a high care factor. Take advantage of what Facebook and other social media have to offer, as the benefits outweigh the costs if you do it right!
What have you done improve your business promotion through Facebook?
Share your views on the value of Facebook for your business.
