Are you one of the millions of businesses already using Facebook for promotion and brand awareness, or are you reluctant to join the online world? According to a 2011 Marketing Trends Survey, conducted by StrongMail, 57 percent of businesses plan to increase their marketing budget for social media in 2011. Facebook is at the top of the social media list. Here are five ways your small business can use Facebook to engage customers, build brand awareness, and increase sales.
Free Products and Services for Fans of Facebook Pages
According to an analysis of a survey conducted by Internet2Go, 45 percent of small companies with fewer than 100 employees said they use Facebook and Twitter to promote their business. One growing strategy is for small businesses to offer free product samples and certificates for free services to a selected number of Facebook Fans. Running these type of promotions pays dividends because it engages more potential customers to subscribe to Facebook status updates.
Offer Coupons and Discounts Using Facebook Status Updates
Offer discounts and coupons regularly on your businesses' Facebook page. Don't force people to become a Fan of the Page in order to receive a discount. There are several reasons you want to offer discounts to a broad audience. Coupons ensure you will still make sales at a reduced price, but the number of purchases you'll get through the viral nature of Facebook postings means you'll make up or exceed the difference in sales volume.
Use Facebook to Post Links to Article-Based Sales Pages
Rather than a direct marketing approach, use Facebook to link to technical articles about your products and services, highlighting benefits and testimonials from satisfied customers. End each article with a sales pitch or links to sales pages where products or services can be purchased for a small discount.
Post Photos and Videos on Your Business Facebook Page
Customers will appreciate the virtual tour of your business products and services in color photographs and video. But did you know that videos play a very important role in search engine optimization (SEO)? Search engines crawl, or look for new web-based content using algorithms, or equations.
Post Links to Blogs and Websites Using Facebook
Backlinks, SEO, and link generation help people find your page, search engines index and drive traffic to websites where sales pages and email marketing opt-in forms are located.
Facebook should be part of your small business strategy to retain existing customers, engage new ones, and drive traffic to sales pages. Try implementing one of the five ideas above on Facebook, and track the results. Survey customers regularly to evaluate what strategies are working best, and use Facebook to solicit input, engage, and brand.
Jule Rizzardo - Jule Rizzardo is a freelance writer, specializing in small business advertising and management skill development.
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