Even though Facebook is the most popular social media platform, using it as a marketing tool is still not second nature to many small business leaders.
With Facebook interacting with 79% of Americans it should be a tool in every small businesses’ marketing effort. And don’t forget to include Instagram at 32% penetration and Twitter at 24%.
Even if you are not a Facebook user or already adding it to your business’ promotional mix, here are some tips to best utilize a powerful tool. In today’s world, growing a strong online presence is a marketing necessity.
Any business can start a Facebook account for free and it is easy enough to use. But, a smart marketer will probably use multiple social media platforms depending on their target audience(s).
Therefore your strategy should integrate a social media management platform like Hootsuite or Likeable Local. This allows for the management of all social media accounts in one place. For efficiency, create several posts at once and plan when they will be posted on a social media calendar. View and respond to comments. Generate analytics reports to learn when the posts are most likely to be seen.
Facebook can be used to build your brand, advertise sales, and run paid marketing campaigns. Further it has the ability to get personal, to share what happens in the business sector through posting photos, announcing new offerings, or availability of hard to get product. Be creative on what makes your small business unique.
Show how and why your company matters and contributes to its communities through donations, sponsorships, support of local causes, etc. Small businesses grow when customers believe they get involved in local life.
Responding to Facebook comments in a timely manner is important. It sends a message you are listening and care. The more responsive you are, the more engagement you will get.
Of course there is always drama and trolls (one who deliberately tries to disrupt, attack, offend or generally cause trouble within the community by posting certain comments, photos, videos, GIFs or some other form of online content) on Facebook and other social platforms as well. How you deal with it can either attract people or drive them away. Don’t ignore negative comments. Put yourself in their shoes and respond with a caring, compassionate message, perhaps an offer to make things right; being civil and sensitive will resonate with your Facebook followers.
Unique, engaging content appeals to followers, who will like and share with others. Videos, infographics are compelling. If you do not have the in-house expertise, utilize a third party, but be sure to give credit where it is due.
When you post to your Facebook page matters. According to an analysis by the CoSchedule Blog, you are most likely to get the most shares and click throughs to your website if you post on Thursday or Friday between 1-4 pm and during the weekend between noon and 1 pm.
Facebook and other social media platforms allow your small business to connect with customers on a more personal level; it offers an opportunity to build engaging relationship
Using Facebook for Your Small Business
August 4, 2017Even though Facebook is the most popular social media platform, using it as a marketing tool is still not second nature to many small business leaders.
With Facebook interacting with 79% of Americans it should be a tool in every small businesses’ marketing effort. And don’t forget to include Instagram at 32% penetration and Twitter at 24%.
Even if you are not a Facebook user or already adding it to your business’ promotional mix, here are some tips to best utilize a powerful tool. In today’s world, growing a strong online presence is a marketing necessity.
Any business can start a Facebook account for free and it is easy enough to use. But, a smart marketer will probably use multiple social media platforms depending on their target audience(s).
Therefore your strategy should integrate a social media management platform like Hootsuite or Likeable Local. This allows for the management of all social media accounts in one place. For efficiency, create several posts at once and plan when they will be posted on a social media calendar. View and respond to comments. Generate analytics reports to learn when the posts are most likely to be seen.
Facebook can be used to build your brand, advertise sales, and run paid marketing campaigns. Further it has the ability to get personal, to share what happens in the business sector through posting photos, announcing new offerings, or availability of hard to get product. Be creative on what makes your small business unique.
Show how and why your company matters and contributes to its communities through donations, sponsorships, support of local causes, etc. Small businesses grow when customers believe they get involved in local life.
Responding to Facebook comments in a timely manner is important. It sends a message you are listening and care. The more responsive you are, the more engagement you will get.
Of course there is always drama and trolls (one who deliberately tries to disrupt, attack, offend or generally cause trouble within the community by posting certain comments, photos, videos, GIFs or some other form of online content) on Facebook and other social platforms as well. How you deal with it can either attract people or drive them away. Don’t ignore negative comments. Put yourself in their shoes and respond with a caring, compassionate message, perhaps an offer to make things right; being civil and sensitive will resonate with your Facebook followers.
Unique, engaging content appeals to followers, who will like and share with others. Videos, infographics are compelling. If you do not have the in-house expertise, utilize a third party, but be sure to give credit where it is due.
When you post to your Facebook page matters. According to an analysis by the CoSchedule Blog, you are most likely to get the most shares and click throughs to your website if you post on Thursday or Friday between 1-4 pm and during the weekend between noon and 1 pm.
Facebook and other social media platforms allow your small business to connect with customers on a more personal level; it offers an opportunity to build engaging relationship
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