10 Building Blocks to Using Facebook to Build Your Business

Home | Business


10 Building Blocks to Using Facebook to Build Your Business

By: Lennie Appelquist

There are a bunch of social media platforms that you can become a part of today like Gather and Zaadz, and they all have their pluses and minuses. The best way to choose a social networking site to become a part of is to evaluate the people who have already joined. To me, Facebook is one of the best websites for networking - both personally and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is the best site when it comes to all around marketing and networking.

I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is a desirable marketing tool to add to your marketing plan. Here are 10 steps to take on Facebook to introduce new people to your for FREE!

1. Build a Great Profile: This is absolutely the FIRST thing that you must do to make an impression on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your marketing strategy. A strong profile will include a photo of you. Don't use the one of you doing shots at the local bar, unless that's what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. You should include your contact information, your web address (this is extremely important), education, work experience and your personal interests. A complete profile is the only way to go.

2. Add Friends: This is what sets Facebook apart - the ability meet new people, build relationships and watch them grow. The more relationships you develop, the more impressive your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to find friends that have already joined Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for people with like interests. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One great thing on Facebook is that you can see friends of your friends. This will help you build a substantial network in no time.

3. Join Groups on Facebook: You can join groups within Facebook that are affiliated with what you do. There are groups for consultants, schools, and trainers. Almost every supposable type of professional service provider has some kind of an online group. I belong to many groups on Facebook and have made tons of new contacts this way.

4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can’t find a group that really fits your style? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, begin some memorable discussions, and probably find lots of new people. And even if you find great group to belong to, start your own. This gives you the chance to be the trendsetter!

5. Syndicate your Blog Using RSS: You can syndicate your blog on your profile page. This basically means that every time you make a post, it will automatically show up on your profile page. More Exposure equals More Readers equals More Leads equals More Business. And the bonus is the back links to your site. I syndicate headlines from three of my blogs on Facebook.

6. Reach OUT and Touch Someone: Are you a fan or admirer of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Lots of my business acquaintances check their Facebook messages more constantly than their email. They are also more likely to answer Facebook messages. Don’t feel quite right sending a message to someone you don’t know? No worries! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “I love your work!” message on their wall. All Facebook profiles come with “virtual walls” where visitors can leave comments. The more messages you leave on your friend's Facebook profiles the more exposure you get!

7. Add an Event: Launching a New Service? Add an events page and invite all those you know. You can even see how many people RSVPed and get feedback from your attendees. Marketing doesn’t get any easier (or cheaper!) than this.

8. Send Virtual Gifts: Want to show your appreciation for someone? Send them a virtual gift. You can choose from a 4 leaf clover to a potted plant that actually sits on the your friends profile and grows over time (plus many others). With all the 3rd party applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a sure fire way to "win friends and influence people"!

9. Use Some Cool Apps: Facebook has literally a ton of applications that were built just for the site. Photo manipulators, sports, fashion and more. When you use an application, you get to invite your friends to use these interesting mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to interact with your friends on Facebook. Again, this helps you build important relationships.

10. Build a Community: More than likely Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to create a community. It intoduces you to a group of people who are regularly linked to you, and these folks are open to hearing what you have to say. Write on people’s walls, give them feedback, and introduce them to each other. Start building your brand and leveraging Facebook for networking!

Facebook is a fantastic place to meet a bunch of new people who may also become customers and/or clients. Just keep one thing in mind: don't get too carried away and spend all your time there. Facebook is a tool, part of your online marketing campaign. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.

Article Source: http://www.find-investment-advice.com

Lennie Appelquist is the Owner of FreeMarket Media Group. FreeMarket Media Group is dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses generate leads, convert those leads in customers/clients and build a web presence that works for them. We can show you how to make your online business profitable - IMMEDIATELY.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Business Articles Via RSS!
Link Directory

Powered by Article Dashboard