Social media is a lot like being back in high school, and as the biggest social network and undisputed leader in social media marketing and advertising, Facebook is where the cool kids hang out. It is also very much a popularity contest and each like and share is like a ‘high five’ from your digital community.
So how do you make that work for you? How do you avoid social media awkwardness, and maintain your appeal while using the network for marketing? There are actually a few ways.
Stop Selling
It goes against everything you believe, but the single most important thing to remember about Facebook marketing is that to sell more, you need to sell less. Instead of sales pitches, your Facebook page should be all about information and entertainment. After all, Facebook is about connecting with friends, and no one stays friends with people who are constantly trying to sell them something.
Use Targeted Ads
Being the biggest social network out there, it also stands to reason that there is lots of advertising and marketing competition on Facebook. While you can use your existing network of friends and family to grow your page readership, it is usually a good idea to spend a little money on targeted ad campaigns to grow your page initially. You know you are awesome. Paid ads just let you let the world know that too.
Give Things Away
Facebook success depends on your popularity on the site. What is more likely to make you popular than giving stuff away? Contests, giveaways and social network only discounts are all great ways to boost your popularity on any social media network, and especially the big FB.
Like Other People’s Stuff Too
Want to lose popularity fast? Be the company that sits in its digital ivory tower, ignoring everyone and everything else, while you send your message out to the world.
Facebook is about collaboration, and some ways to collaborate are:
- Like related but not competing pages.
- Allow fans to post on your page (but moderate posts first to weed out the marketing and inappropriate content).
- Like and comment on their posts, too.
Integrate With Apps
Creating a custom app for your Facebook page that allows visitors on your website to login to a members-only area helps to tie your website and your Facebook page together, and when it’s easy for people to login to your site, they’re more likely to sign up for offers or newsletters. It is relatively easy to create a simple app, but there are also companies that can take care of this for you.
Limit Your Posts
Once you have persuaded people to like your page, do not chase them away by spamming their wall! Limit your posts to a couple a day, and make sure that they are interesting, informative, funny, or offering a giveaway or discount. If you are not being annoying, and you are giving them more than you are asking for, you will win the Facebook popularity contest with your fans.
Remember that Facebook, more than most other social networks, is about friends and family. To succeed in your marketing efforts, you need to keep that foremost in your thoughts, and tailor your message and the methods of delivery accordingly.
