Marketing Your Small Business using Facebook:  The Basics

You've probably been hearing about social media this and social media that for almost a decade.  Facebook is a popular form of social media.  You may even have your own Facebook page where you keep in touch with your family and friends.  And you've heard about, or have, a Facebook company page, where your customers can "like" your company. 

Facebook is scheduled to reach one billion users this year.  How can your company benefit from using social media, such as Facebook, to attract, educate, and retain your customers?

An individual can create a personal Facebook page and request other people to be "friends".  Once you're friends, you can share status updates, photos, and your "likes".  A company Facebook page, on the other hand, must wait for "friends" to come along and "like" their page. 

Your reason for having a Facebook page is to increase your business.  But you can't really sell on Facebook....sure, if you're a retailer, you can post sales or coupons...but you can use Facebook to have your customers, and potential customers, get to know your company.  Post information about your new products; educate your customers.  Also show your involvement  in your community.  Write about local events and post items of interest that go beyond your business.

In futue posts, Blue Dog Marketing will talk about what motivates someone to "like" your company Facebook page, your Facebook strategy, and other social media tips for small businesses.