The complete guide to Facebook domination in your business niche
Facebook 'how to'
Lots of people have been asking me about Facebook, how to do this, why to do that, should I, could I, why would I… here’s an article I read today that sums it all up and gets to the point. These are the 1st 13 tips- check out the whole Slideshare PowerPoint presentation. It only takes a couple minutes to go through this and might steer you on a new course in your search for Facebook domination in your business niche.
………………………………………..
The Basics
1. Find the best name for your Facebook page… and don’t change it.
Before you jump head first into the shallow end of the Facebook pool, take 30 minutes and a few co-workers to brainstorm the correct name for your Facebook Fan page.
The answer might be obvious, but you can ensure the correct name for your page.
Oh, and don’t change it! Sure, you can, but for the sake of your fans, SEO value and your reputation, we would highly recommend against it.
Actually, forget what we said. You can’t change it, the name is forever.
2. Create a custom URL.
Facebook allows you to avoid the difficult to understand fan page URL string, by using a custom name.
Again, why that name is so important. “fanpage191280920909″ just does not sound as good as “travelnewzealand”.
3. Find someone who knows what FBML is.
All of those cool features on the Nike or Red Bull site are not typical add-ons, you are looking at custom FBML…or Facebook Markup Language…like HTML.
While FBML is not difficult for the average programmer, i is tough for your communications manager, social media associate or intern to grasp quickly.
4. Create a custom landing page.
Guess what runs the custom landing page? Yep, FBML.
While you can use FBML to create a rather dynamic landing page, you can also create a simple one in about ten minutes.
Basic image, plus some Photoshop work…add in a link…and post. One Facebook Welcome page.
5. Keep your welcome page short and sweet.
Don’t make the welcome page difficult on the user. Keep it basic.
Tell them why you are on Facebook and why it would be beneficial for them to follow you. Done.
6. Engage the visitor.
Okay, you got them to click the Like button, now what?
Why should they return to your page in the future? Do you post regular (and Lord help you, exclusive) content?
How about a daily deal? Seriously, these people have hundreds of other companies to Like, so why should they come back to your page?
Communications
7. Encourage interaction and communication.
It is called social media for a reason. So get social already.
Stimulate your fans with meaningful, interesting and valuable content… which leads to a meaningful, interesting and valuable conversation.
WARNING: If you don’t really want to talk to your consumer, find out what they really thing about you, possibly hear negative comments or bad words, Facebook is not the place for you.
Move along, nothing to see here…
8. Ask questions, surveys, quizzes = free research!
Facebook is a virtual pot of gold for consumer research. And all you have to do is start asking questions.
Scientific? Probably not.
Honest feedback from your audience? Yes.
Free? Heck, Yes!
9. Surprise your new friends.
Okay, this one could go in a couple sections, but it works here.
Again, you have consumers with an affinity to your social presence…surprise them!
Keep it fun. And not just by running contests.
10. Be available, all of the time!
Social media is a 24/7 monster. Consumers are expecting a response in two hours, instead of two days.
Starting a successful social presence means a commitment to be available to your fans.
11. Don’t hide during a disaster, have an emergency communication plan.
Your Facebook page is an outlet for communication, even during a disaster. Say, a volcano eruption.
Simply ignoring your previously active social channel is not a well received strategy.
Create a disaster plan and include your social outlets.
Marketing:
For the next 13 slides view the whole Troy Thompson presentation
Question of the Week:
How do you answer this question? Does each member of your staff believe and spread the same message? Let’s say you have 10 key clients in the room- answer this question:
Our company provides the best experience for people who want to ______ ?
It’s possible that you may have multiple attributes. Put this question to your staff and maybe your own customers. You might be surprised at the answers…
Does the following graphic help put Facebook into perspective?
How does this impact or relate to what you’re trying to do in your business today?
Where does your future lie on this map?
