Social networking has risen to the top of the Internet map. Not only is it a way to connect with family and friends but also as a way to market a business. Facebook is highly regarded as one of the most used social networking sites. It only makes good marketing sense to use Facebook for businesses.
Many people are using Facebook for business reasons. It’s a way to get your product in the lime light while interacting with your customers on a daily basis. Unfortunately a high percentage of these businesses are not making a lot of money through their social networking tactics.
Facebook, when used correctly for business can be quite profitable. Whether it’s marketing business strategies, selling a product or selling yourself, such as a coach, when approached correctly using Facebook business strategies can be money in the bank.
There are a few simple tips that help when using Facebook for business. These tips can guide you in targeting the people who would be interested in your product or service. It’s also a way to help build trust in you and your business.
- Develop a Good Profile
This is where your Facebook business strategies begin. Be honest and sincere. Don’t oversell yourself or your business. People want to know who they are buying from but they aren’t necessarily interested in knowing all the details about you. Focus on the business and what it can do for others.
An important part of your profile is your blog. It gives people a chance to see you and what you are made of. Don’t try and sell anything from your blog. Link back to your website and the product or service through your blog content.
Content is important when it comes to your blog, remember “Content is King”. Be sure it’s pertinent to your product. This gives your readers and potential customers some insight into your knowledge and skills. It’s the beginning of building trust with those who are seeking your services.
Keep your blog content free. Selling should be left to the website. This again builds trust with your readers. They have the option to choose when they want to further their knowledge and purchase what you have to offer. Add links to your site in the posts to allow them this choice.
Remember that developing trust is the key to social network marketing strategies. People can tell when someone is pushing a sale or if they are trying to be helpful. The key to making money on Facebook isn’t any different than anywhere else. Provide good free information to benefit your readers even if they don’t purchase your product immediately.
- Involve Yourself with Niche-Specific Groups
There are a wide range of users on Facebook and many believe this leads it to be an untargeted site, but that’s not necessarily true. Because of the wide range of users it’s easy to find niche-specific groups.
Investigate different groups that are interested in your market. Ask questions about your product and how it can help the members of the group. It may take a little time but in the end you will find the groups that can benefit from what your business has to offer.
In reality this is where the real money can be made through Facebook. Why waste time on those who have no need for your product? By involving yourself with these niche-specific groups you are opening up your business to potential customers.
- Dive In to the Community
After identifying the groups you want to join start engaging in conversations. This is where you begin to develop real trust with potential customers. Developing trust is one of the most important things for effectively using Facebook for businesses.
If people believe you really want to help them, it is much more likely you can sell them something. Most businesses make the mistake of ramming sales messages down others’ throats. They forget to ask what their customers want. An abundance of sales messages is a dead giveaway that it’s just about the profits.
Get involved in community discussions. Ask questions and be prepared to answer people’s questions. When you do this, they will come to view you as an expert. Again this builds trust and people will listen and follow your lead
Don’t expect anything in return. It’s important to benefit people even if they never buy your product or service. If you genuinely want to help people they will pick up on that and the profits will be inevitable.
Using Facebook for business can be a very profitable marketing strategy. Check out all the options Facebook has to offer. Things such as Facebook Tutorial for business, Facebook business page tips, Facebook business card and the list goes on and on. Begin by utilizing these tips and work your way up from there.
If you are genuine in wanting to help others you can’t help but profit from using Facebook for business. Take the plunge and give it a try. It’s a guaranteed way to promote your business and put money in the bank. For more helpful tips make sure to check out my free report offered over at my Fan Page “6 Simple Steps to Facebook Marketing Success”.
To Your Success!
Kate Wilber
The Marketing Momma