Your Facebook Marketing Strategy

We all know Facebook is for catching up with old friends and keeping tabs on relatives around the world, but why would you need a Facebook marketing strategy? What does it have to do with your business? Just as you set up Facebook pages for your personal use, you can set one up for your business. You can give it an image and personality that reflects your business and show others what your business has to offer, hopefully luring them into checking out your website.

All of that from a simple Facebook page? You bet!

Why do you need a Facebook marketing strategy?

• If there was a website that drew in millions of visitors every single day, wouldn’t you want your business to be advertised, talked about, or even just mentioned once on that site?
• Of course you would, because that is great exposure… and that in a nutshell is the importance of using Facebook to promote your business.
• Facebook is one of the most popular websites in operation today and millions of people from all over the world click into it every day.
• Many come back over and over throughout the course of the day, which is why businesses are now coming up with a Facebook marketing strategy and using it to gain valuable exposure.

One of the biggest benefits of this type of exposure is of course that it doesn’t have to cost you anything but a bit of your time, though there are opportunities to pay for advertising too.

The first step in your Facebook marketing strategy

The first step in your Facebook marketing strategy should be setting up  a Facebook page for your business. This can be done really quickly, but it is best to spend some time making sure it looks interesting and appealing without losing that professional edge. You want to grab the interest of a visitor while still portraying that you are a legitimate, trustworthy business.

Also consider personalising your Facebook page so that viewers get to see the human behind the company. Since Facebook is a more laid back, casual website designed around the ideals of interactive communication, you should use it interact with potential clients or even current clients in a more personalised manner.

Show a picture of yourself and give your background. Do the same for others working for you. Just remember that all details should be appropriate to a business setting. If you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandmother or a room full of business execs, keep it away from your business page.

You could also display your business logo and present an engaging history of the business.

Maintaining your Facebook marketing strategy

When designing your Facebook marketing strategy ensure it makes provision for ongoing maintenance and updates. Marketing on Facebook is not a one off activity, it requires constant engagement.

Once you have a well designed Facebook page that is engaging yet true to the image of your business, make sure to check it often and respond to anyone who wants to befriend your business or who may leave a comment on your wall. Respond to as many as possible and try to be genuinely helpful if someone has questions regarding your business or industry. Your goal is to prove you know what you are talking about and are the expert to turn to in your niche.

You should also update your Facebook page regularly. Post information about special promotions or sales. Give short updates on what’s happening over at your business website. Just keep it fresh and interesting so there is always something new to look at.

Finally, consider joining a Facebook group or two. You may be able to connect with some of your competitors, either to keep an eye on them or to share links and other ventures. It will also give you exposure to potential customers who are personal members of those groups. Or you may want to set up a group that is aimed at your target market.

Although marketing on Facebook seems like a casual affair, it is important that you decide what your goals are, who you are trying to reach and who in your business is responsible for specific activities. This will form the basis of your Facebook marketing strategy and ensure that it gains momentum instead of fizzling out prematurely.

Get more ideas for creating your Facebook marketing strategy on our blog or become a fan of our Facebook page.