I think Facebook will continue to get bigger, and more folks are going to use it on a daily basis.
In fact, I think for many artists and entrepreneurs who don’t have a website, it’s wise to create a FaceBook page, make it professional and work it!
Keep in mind – some of this blog post is for people who didn’t grow up with a mouse or joy-stick in our hands. It also assumes that you know that you must first have a personal page to have a business page. These do not have to be linked obviously, but if you’re smart, your personal page will feed your business page.
So, the 10 “Best” things to do on Facebook.
1. Spy on your kids. Really – I’m not kidding. Let’s face it, kids, teenagers and young adults are glued to their smart phones, iPad thing-a-ma-jigs, and computers. If you don’t know your kids new girl/boy friend…. find them (your kids) on FaceBook. You’ll see what’s going on in their lives. I know MANY people who learned how to use FaceBook this way.
2. Get to know old friends and acquaintances again. We’ve all heard the stories, and there are a lot of them, about people hooking up with old girlfriends/boyfriends and even starting affairs by connecting on Facebook. However, in the normal context of things, getting hooked up with old friends and acquaintances can be a lot of fun, and WILL get your FaceBook page in front of more eyeballs.
3. “Like” business and organizations that you share interests with. So, for instance, if you have coaching business and you’re helping people find their purpose, then go find groups that discuss “Living your Purpose,” Purpose Driven Lives.” You’ll find authors, groups, organizations and small businesses that are centered around “Purpose.” This will greatly expand your reach, and if you have authentic conversations with the people in these groups, you will increase your own “Likes.”
4. Be Authentic. Do NOT join groups that you want to exploit. Say you have the thought, “hmmm, I bet small business owners might want to join my network marketing line, so I’m going to go hang out in small business groups and let them know just how great my product is.” DO NOT DO THAT. (Ok, I know this is something NOT to do on Facebook!)
5. Share pictures of your life that you are comfortable with the world seeing. This is important. PEOPLE DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THEYÂ KNOW LIKE AND TRUST. Get comfortable with the fact that you ARE entering into an arena where there are less boundaries (although you can easily control who sees what). Again, put some thought into it. I share pictures of my yard (because I love spring flowers), or the Christmas Cookies I made (because I’m proud of them and they’re delicious). Getting on FaceBook and sharing a thing or two keeps you real.
6. Don’t keep “friends” who swear or say things that embarrass you. Once you start having friends, you may notice that some people say things that are just offensive. I chose to “hide” many of my adorable nieces and nephews because they swear. I don’t care, but my audiences might. (They swear a lot for some reason.)
7. Avoid controversial issues like politics and religion. Unless you want people to associate you “your personal brand” with a particular political slant, or religious view, keep any comments minimal. I’ve shared a few things here in Ohio. For instance I don’t agree with some of the changes our new Governor is making. One of them I feel strongly about, so I’ve shared a few links.
8. Once you get 25 people who “Like” your page, give it a good name. Facebook has a rule that you can’t do that until you have 25 people who “Like” your page. For instance, my Facebook address is www.FaceBook.com/TekMiss. So, once you get your 25 “Likers”, go to http://www.facebook.com/username/ to create your original name.
9. Have a special promotion. Once you have enough “Likers” (it’s different for everyone, but I’d suggest about 100 at a minimum), give your Facebook Likers a special deal on something. If you have a website… take them back to your website for a special coupon, or free item. Make your Likers happy – make them feel special! Keep them coming back.
10. Use a Facebook ad to promote your new Business Page. Consider spending some money to get your name out there. You need a compelling ad, with copy that draws in the kind of people you want. For instance, my business is crazy saturated on the web, so I put up an ad and targeted folks who are living or working their Purpose (since I do Purposeful Online Marketing). I spent a couple hundred dollars and had 100 new “Likers” in less than a month. This may seem silly, but once a small business has a 100 people who are Likers, it’s easier to have it grow.
As I’m finishing this, I realize there are so many other great things to do. Let me know if you’d like me to continue this series. It’s Friday evening (6:30) and my husband and a couple of friends are having cocktails downstairs – gotta go.
Have a great weekend!
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