Social Media Marketing Revealed - Week 2

In week 1 we discussed what social media is and general marketing concepts within it. Today we will take a closer look at a single social media site... FACEBOOK!

Chances are the vast majority, if not all, of you reading this right now have Facebook. Facebook is one of the largest social network sites in existence right now. It is great for brand exposure and customer relations due to it's sheer depth. It is not, however, SEO friendly.
 
Step 1: Create a personal profile
The first step towards creating a Facebook presence for your company is to create a personal profile. This can be done using any valid email address.
 
Step 2: Create a business page
From your personal profile you can create a company page. This page should include company information such as contact, hours of operation, location, etc. You can also add photos, videos, upcoming events, and links back to your website.
 
Step 3: Build your network
You will want to build your network to maximize you exposure. You can do this by inviting your contacts to like your page. You can also join other groups that are relevant to your business and company interests.
 
Once these three steps have been completed you will want to maintain a consistent presence through a variety of the following avenues:
 
Followers
Feature a follower of the month: This could be determined by any means including most likes or shares, most comments, or just a special follower you want to show your appreciation for.
 
Ask questions of your followers: Get them engaged and keep them engaged. Followers like to feel like they have a voice that is heard by your company. By asking them questions and acknowledging their feedback they will feel appreciated on a human level.
 
Ask for follower content: Some followers would love to share their knowledge on a given subject. Why not let them share that passion with your company and followers?
 
Ask for their biggest challenge: This can be their biggest challenge with your company or product and how you plan to remedy the issue. Or it can be any challenge they would like to share. Followers like to feel like they are treated as individuals.
 
Events
Debut a product launch: If you have a new product you are about to release you can easily make an event of it on your company Facebook page. Hype up the event in the days leading up to the big reveal.
 
Throw an online party: This type of event can take place over a predesignated time. Let people know about it before hand and give them small challenges throughout the party. Maybe they have to share an embaressing story or maybe they have to post a picture of an item (like a scavenger hunt). The possibilities are endless.
 
Screen a press conference or event: There are technologies out there that can screen events live to company's websites and social media platforms. I'm not going to lie, I don't know much about it. I do know a group that has done it in the past with their events and it has been a huge success in getting word about the event out there.
 
Guest post on other pages: Approach related companies about writing an official post on their page or website then advertise the event with your followers.
 
Contests
Award a prize to followers who share: Sharing is a great way to get your content out unto your followers news feeds and the news feeds of their friends. Motivate followers to share you content by awarding a prize to those who share.
 
Integrate contests on all social platforms: When your company hosts a contest make sure it is shared across all you social media platforms whenever possible. This will give the contest the most exposure and in turn raise user engagement.
 
Crowdsource new product ideas: Let your followers help with the development of new products. Host a contest for new product ideas, have followers design part of the packaging, have followers pick colours and art work, etc.
 
Issue a fan challenge: Challenges can be open to anything. The great thing about challenges is it brings out the competitive nature in people. Challenges can be with other brands, other followers, or with yourself.

Share
Reward followers who tag your business:  This doesn't need to extravegent, just something to acknowledge your appreciation that a follower tagged your business. Meantioning them in a post thanking them will go a long way.
 
Link to an article, video, or resource: When, in your internet surfing, you come across an article, video, or other resource that you think your followers might appreciate take the time to share with them on your company page.
 
Add a Like box to your website: On you company website remember to have link to your Facebook page. Having easy access to your page for people browsing your website will help them connect with you.

Ongoing
Offer coupons for followers only: Offer Facebook exclusive coupons or discounts. This will keep followers coming to your page to check up on future deals.

Ask how you're doing: Asking for feedback from you followers will help you develop your business in the right direction and assist you in dealing with any issues you may not have been aware of. This will also make your followers be heard.

Use photo profile strip to display specials: Use the cover photo on your Facebook page to advertise. This can include anything from promotional deals, coupons, events, etc.

Hold a monthly contest: Holding a scheduled contest will make your followers keep coming back to your page. People like things they can count on and you want that to translate into your company.

Taya de Baat
Owner
TayLynn Bookkeeping

Taylynnbooks@shaw.ca
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