Facebook is one of the fastest growing websites. According to Alexa.com, as of April 2009 it is ranked number 5 for traffic on the internet. With users spending over 25 minutes on the site viewing the 13,000+ applications as they connect to friends, family and business associates, it is a powerful resource.
Facebook experts abound on the net, offering to teach businesses how to leverage the power of this social network. While their services can be useful, getting started on Facebook requires a basic understanding of marketing and a willingness to connect.
Facebook Profiles
Building a Facebook profile is not a complicated process. Users need a to list all of the important information about plainly for all to see. Information about website URL's, blogs, video sites and other social network profiles should all be listed.
Speakers should upload demo videos from other events, videos of products and anything else that others may find interesting. Educational background, affiliations, awards and accredidations should also be included in order to build credibility and trust with the people who view the profile. Building trust and credibility are essential for turning visitors into sales.
Facebook Status Updates
Facebook allows members to provide continual updates to "friends." The key to managing updates is to keep them interesting. Get cheeky, get personal, share an idea or opinion, share insights, reveal activities. Be sure to balance the posts between personal and business so people can relate.
Facebook Emails
Facebook email is a great way to manage contacts. Send emails to your friends about upcoming specials or use this tool to invite folks to events.
Facebook Events
Facebook allows members to create events and invite friends to the events. Live events, webinars, teleclasses and product launches are all great reasons to create an event. And, because the event template can hold a lot of valuable information including clickable links to sign up pages, sales letters and more, friends can view the event and RSVP. This is a great way to guage interest in a product or service.
Facebook Groups
Facebook makes it easy to create groups and groups are a powerful way to promote a business, products, etc. The discussion board is a simple way to inform members about the latest and greatest and provides a venue for them to join a conversation and leave comments.
Clickable links are allowed throughout the group profile so members can be directed to anywhere on the web including: opt-in pages, sales letters, video sites, blogs, affiliate programs, stores and more! Groups are not just for your friends. Anyone can search Facebook for keywords pertaining to your topic then join the group. Groups are also a great venue for customers to post testimonials.
Facebook Tagging
Facebook encourages user tagging of photos and videos with the names of friends. This feature makes it simple to reach more people and generate views for videos and photos that promote business.
Facebook is a wonderful business tool. It's broad user base can be targeted based on interest. Leveraging this targeted tool is rapidly becoming an essential part of a marketing plan. Making "friends," building out a profile and posting the right information about business is the key to success.
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