FACEBOOK…a mere distant tool in the past for young people to connect with their mates on! This super sized platform is bursting at the seams with quality tools to assist small business to get their message out there.
The three power platforms on offer to all small businesses are:
2) a fan page,
3) a group page
There are more business power applications up and coming yet let’s keep this post simple!
Now, I’m guessing that some of you may be sitting on the fence here, others are biting at the bit to dive in and the rest…..well, you are already there!
This post aims to touch the surface of the many benefits in having a Facebook Fan page for your business.
1) EXPOSURE EXPOSURE EXPOSURE…..and it’s all free! Yipeeee! When you have a Facebook fan page (these pages have been specifically designed for business use by Facebook) more people get to find out about your business. How? Well, your page gets indexed (eg. on Google) and is searchable both inside and out of Facebook. Most savvy business owners are now adding their Facebook fan page link on the landing page of their website too! What a great way to build up your list, growing a stronger relationship with visitors to your site, plus the old trusties too! 
There are many other ways you can promote your fanpage, to name just a few…. Twitter, Youtube, Myspace and Linkedin.
2) Do you remember when you were at primary school, and at some point of the day (usually the end) there was a slot allocated for reading time! Our reading time consisted of the teacher grouping us all together, getting us comfy then reading an exciting and mind fizzing book to us (usually Roald Dahl!) I used to go away in dream land and couldn’t wait for the next session. Well, a Facebook fan page is like this! You give some fantastic content or information that would be of great value to your target market then keep them stimulated, hanging out for the next reading session! Remember brand loyalty is one thing yet you really need to add value to your fans to keep them coming back for more.
You could possibility offer something when consumers join (eg. a free e-book). This can help boost your fan base.
3) CONNECT! You can send messages and updates to your fans! What a rippa way to build up a strong database of valuable followers. Keep them engaged by holding competitions here, send them messages about your products, ask what they would like to see in the next months edition newsletter, or what new products they believe you could offer.
Remember people are always looking for “what’s in it for me” and they love to feel like they are giving back!
4) Power to the people! You get to control the page, from the applications and content to the pictures and videos you upload. No need to pay out $$$$ for a web developer, this page is all yours! So go ahead and add your personal touches.
5) Viral marketing!!! Each time a person joins your Fan page, it’s published in their News feed for all their followers to read. This is another simple way to attract attention to your page.
6) It’s FREE and EASY! You can whip up a fan page in a matter of minutes! Also check out this hot chickie babes video for a quick ”how to set up your very own facebook fan page”.
Remember, setting up a Facebook fan page is simple, yet getting it to be super productive takes time, dedication, enthusiasm and some planning. Don’t expect to create a page and then have a huge following straight away. Build good content, make it easy to share, and let people know about it, and over-time your fan base will grow.
One last note! When using social media tools like this always remember that the relationship comes first, then the business opportunity second!
Was this post informative, I wanna know? Are you inspired to make your own? Or do you already have your own? Simply post a comment below as I’m always looking for feedback!
High fives !
Ps. Just added a new web2.0 feature! You can now record a video comment by hitting the seesmic button below this post! Who’s gonna be my first!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The ability to reach people on facebook is amazing. By far the largest network out there. However like you said its easy to set up the page but its going to take awhile to get it going.
Don’t be afraid to promote it everywhere and ask people to be a fan of it. The worst they can say is no!
Hi Sam
Your information on here is interesting and helpful. It’s great to know of someone who can share this knowledge and help to clear some of the confusion of “where to begin” with social media sites.
Jared! You are spot on matey! I totally agree it’s certainly the biggest social network out here! Facebook has over 200 million active members, and is predicted to be at 500 million by 2011… or sooner!It’s also the 5th most trafficked website in the world! Now that’s worth not ignoring!
@maxine, thanks for your feedback! I was totally there about a year ago! I understand what it’s like to be slightly confused! Will keep continuing to pump out the Sammy knowledge!
Your input is gold!
Nice one Sam
Small business owners have an edge in that we can adppt new technologies REALLY fast, so it certainly doesn’t hurt to try all these free networks. Especially when you’re talking about one that has as many users as Brazil has people!
Bella
Fantastic post, Sam. You really covered a lot of key points here- and in a manageable, clean & simple format no less!
I think you summed up the potential of Facebook perfectly with: “This super sized platform is bursting at the seams with quality tools to assist small business to get their message out there.” It’s so true, and the sooner small businesses begin to take advantage of this powerful tool, the better off they’ll be.
And again with keeping the content fresh, relevant and interesting (trifecta!): “Remember brand loyalty is one thing yet you really need to add value to your fans to keep them coming back for more.” Very well put- an essential thing to keep in mind.
By the by, Roald Dahl… ah, one of my all-time favorite writers!
Keep up the great work, Sam!