Don’t Give Up on Facebook

Perhaps personally you’ve begun to find that checking Facebook is akin to checking the fridge. Every time you go there, it’s the same old thing. From a marketing perspective you SHOULDN’T GIVE UP ON FACEBOOK. Here’s why.

 

Return on Investment

 

Facebook cost nothing, very little if you hire an expert to help you manage your account. Therefore sales that directly (or indirectly) result from your building relationships on Facebook – are very profitable.

Viral Potential

I recently had a client that was discouraged by his Facebook business page. Having only 38 likes in his first few months with a page, he was ready to delete the page. Don’t give up too soon! Just like all good things, Facebook takes time and work. This same page with “only” 38 fans was reaching a viral audience! One recent post was seen by 200 Facebook users.

 

Freshen Up your Page

If you’re not getting the engagement you want, or simply want to plump up your numbers, try mixing up your forms of content. Rather than just text, upload pictures or videos. Take a look at your insights. Be sure that you’re communicating with the audience you think you are. Try anapplication. And be sure to let a little personality shine through. Stay consistent with your brand image, but social media should be fun! Have some.

Need help? Call me at 715-584-6773

How Social Media Helps SEO

*Special Guest Blog post by Sachin of websudasa.com

Social media is one of the most popular marketing trends these days. Social media can easily help anyone to raise brand awareness as well as to generate more targeted visitors to your website. Have you ever thought how social media can help you in SEO? 

Let’s explore some of the most famous websites in social media like facebook, twitter, YouTube, digg and many more. Click here to find list social networking websites. Yes, there are hundreds of social networking & bookmarking websites available which can help you in SEO. 

Generate Quality Links with Social Media

There are so many SEO activities we do for link building but social media is in one of most effective ways to build genuine one way links. As you know one-way links are of utmost importance in search engine optimization. 

Here’s an example

You can do a search on knowem.com for your brand.

“Search over 575 popular social networks, over 150 domain names, and the entire USPTO Trademark Database to instantly secure your brand on the internet.”

Let’s talk about some of the most famous websites. How these websites can help us in SEO, see the image below for your reference

We actively started focusing on some of the most popular social media sites to generate some quality one-way links.

So let’s talk about some of the most famous social media sites.

How to use facebook for SEO

Some of the activities we follow to generate quality one-way links from facebook

1.       Submit website link in facebook business page

2.       Website link in facebook profile

3.       Write facebook notes to generate some targeted traffic and links

4.       Share one or two links or status update in profile or business page

How to use twitter for SEO

1.       Create your company/blog business profile & add your website link in profile

2.       Share your blog or website links on twitter. As soon as your tweets became popular or get a good number of retweets, they become good links.

How to use YouTube or other Video Sharing Websites for SEO

1.       Create a company profile or personal profile where you can easily add your website link.

2.       You can keep adding some of the videos related to your products or. Add your product or website link in descriptions.

How to use Social Bookmarking Websites

1.       Create your personal profile as well as company profile on most of the social bookmarking websites.

2.       Maintain your account by adding some friends to your network.

3.       As soon as you publish any post on your blog you can bookmark those articles on these websites.

4.       You can exchange articles with your friends to submit different articles from your account.

5.       You should get some votes for your articles to get permanent links from these websites or they will remove your link after sometime.

How to use Webmaster to Track Social Media Links

1.       Login to your Google webmaster account.

2.       You can check traffic -> links to your site - >more where you can see all domains that have links to pages on your site.

3.       Here you can easily find social networking and bookmarking websites.

4.       You can click those websites for more details & found what kind of content is getting maximum links. Write that type of content for your blog.

As many genuine and targeted one-way links as you can generate for your website will give you higher chances to get top ranking for your keywords in search engine.

Author Bio: - Sachin Bhutani, Internet marketing consultant and founder of SEO company in India. Writes articles related to SEO, PPC, blogging and making money online. Email info@websudasa.com if you’re interested in having Sachin write a guest article for your website.

Why Facebook WON’T Help Your Business

Yes, you read that correctly. This article is about why Facebook won’t help your business. I’ve been meaning to write this blog since I wrote, Why Twitter Won’t Help Your Business. And many of the reasons are the same. 

Overpopularity, Noise, and Content

There’s just too much noise. It’s hard to sort between the useless “I’m just getting out of the shower” and “I’m having an omelet for breakfast” and actual useful morsels. Because so many Facebookers update from their phones the site is becoming even more bogged down. No one cares about the mundane details of your daily life! (Or maybe that’s just me. I guess if you like reality TV and wouldn’t mind reading it instead of hearing it…)

Many businesses believe that Facebook is just about the numbers. It’s all a competition to see who can get the most likes. In my world, it is quality that counts, not quantity. Everyone knows that the closer you get to your target market, the higher your conversion rate will be. Why waste your time broadcasting to the world when you could be having smaller conversations at a deeper level?

Popularity is a double edged sword. When something is really popular, it isn’t cool anymore. Facebookers have a tendency to assume that everyone reads their every post. This can result in a faulty, inflated sense of self. People also forget that it is quite possible that everybody did read their post (reminder, check your privacy and security settings). So, you thought you were having a conversation with a couple of close friends? Nope, I read about it, too.

Time Waster

Let’s not even discuss the time waste factor. There is a huge learning curve and Facebook is always changing. Many marketers will tell you that most of the network’s changes are not in favor of business pages and marketers.

You can have success with Facebook. Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a firm believer in the power of Facebook for business. Just ease into it, get to know the pace and rhythm. Learn the rules, written and otherwise. You have to use the tool properly for it to work for your business. The more powerful a tool the higher the risks.

If you have found success marketing your business on Facebook, I’d be happy to hear how you did in the comments below.

Stay connected to Fletcher Freelance by liking our business page, following us on Twitter, or sign up for the Marketing Monthly newsletter (over there -->).

New Facebook Pages

If you haven’t heard the announcement from Facebook yet, here’s the news, “Coming Soon: New Facebook Pages On March 30, 2012, all Facebook Pages will get a new design. Preview your page now to see what it looks like and try out the new features.” Learn more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/about/pages/.

What’s Changing?

As some marketing experts had predicted, business pages are taking on a look very similar to Timeline for personal profiles. If you don’t know about Timeline, visit https://www.facebook.com/about/timeline.

Business pages will feature a cover photo, allow you to highlight new posts on the top of the page each week, and show recent activity and private messages (to admins) at the top of the Page. You can star posts by hovering over a story on Timeline and clicking the star. The post will then expand to widescreen. Friend activity will be more prominent. Insights have also been restored after being down for awhile.

To turn on a preview of your new page you can do so at https://www.facebook.com/about/pages/. Pages that have already undergone the change include Zena Caffee, Livestrong, and Hyundai.

Confused? Need help updating your page? Please call or email Fletcher Freelance at 715-584-6773 or terra(at)fletcherfreelance(dot)com.

8 Great Apps for your Facebook Business Page

I’ve been touting the benefits of a Facebook business page for years. But don’t let it stagnate! The purpose of such a page should be to build relationships, to engage users, and to position yourself as an expert in your field. Using these apps will help accomplish those goals.

Tabmaker

If you’ve wondered how to get one of those fancy landing pages, you could hire a web developer or website designer to do it for you, heck – you could hire me. But you could also do it yourself. Tabmaker is a free application that allows you to set up a landing page for first-time visitors or share exclusive content with your fans only. Use your own images, chose colors, and the design you like.

Easy Promos Premium

With Easy Promos you can create your own sweepstakes, photo or video contests, essay contests, pick your favorite, or offer other coupons and promotional codes on your Facebook business page. The premium version costs $100 per campaign. The user-friendly app allows you to manage and customize your promotion from participant requirements to deadlines and more. The Premium version offers options to, “create and manage video contests, customize opt-in checkboxes, create custom wall posts, upload your own banner in the header, and control registration and voting dates. You can also control the frequency of voting according to IP, and limit voting to friends of the entrant.”

Contest Tab

Contest tab is only $30. For that price you can build awareness of your brand with user-generated photo content. The potential to go viral is huge. You can customize with CSS, view real-time analytics, and add share and invite buttons. Additional app options include access to related apps: My Restaurant Tab, Photo Contest Tab, Hotels Tab, Real Estate Tab, and Rent Your Home Tab.

One Way Commerce

If you’ve read the statistics on mobile shopping, you’re aware of the direction commerce is heading. This full e-commerce system allows you to create an instant storefront on your business page. Inventory is tracked, emails sent, and it integrates with QuickBooks and Salesforce.com. The app is FREE and takes only a few minutes to get started. You can create custom banners, upload graphics, and add like buttons to each product. Now there is no excuse to not be selling online!

Join my Mailing List

If you’re on Constant Contact, this app should be a no-brainer. Why not have a tab to grow your list? Enough said. Here's mine. (I made it while in Constant Contact.)

Networked Blogs

Another helpful app. If you’re blogging, have your blog autopost on your business page (also works on a personal profile). All you have to do is register your blog and prove you are the author. Here's mine.

SlideShare

If you use slideshare.net, you need this tool to import your presentations to Facebook. Supports PowerPoint, Keynote, and more! It’s easy to synch the accounts. Just find synch under the application. One disadvantage is you cannot view without going to the app page.

Cueler

If you’re on YouTube autopost videos you upload to your business channel on Facebook. It’s super easy. Just add the Cueler app and tell it what your YouTube username is. Cueler adds a tab and stores your latest videos there as well as posting on your wall (and in fans’ newsfeeds). Body Essentials uses this well.

These are just a few of the apps I like. Also consider a review app. Have one that’s worked for you? Please share in the comments below. If you need help managing your social media presence, just call 715-584-6773.

Why Business Owners Should be Irritated with Facebook Changes

I’ve seen countless status updates from my Facebook friends, expressing irritation with all the changes Facebook has been making. Many of the changes weren’t previously announced. Changes implemented this week are more than an annoyance, many will detrimentally impact the way businesses use Facebook.

Likes are changing. Likes are no longer on the main newsfeed. This includes business page likes and likes on friends’ posts. If you like content outside of Facebook, however this still shows up on the feed. Fewer likes mean fewer impressions and fewer opportunities to target your fans’ friends.

Newsfeed algorithms are now giving emphasis to relationships with friends over brand pages. Same holds true for pictures. Photos on the newsfeed have increased in size, but only for users, not for brand pages.

That’s not all. Rumor has it that at the end of the month Facebook will no longer publish business page updates to fans’ newsfeeds.

What can your business do? Continue to focus on using Facebook to build relationships. I’ve always touted this as the best intention, not hard selling! Also, allow the public to have the option to subscribe to your public feeds. Make business related updates viewable by the public.

One positive change is that business pages no longer need 25 likes before they can customize the URL. Just go to facebook.com/username to get your unique address.

Stay tuned for more updates from me, Social Media Marketing guru, Terra L. Fletcher. I love my job because it is never boring. There is always something to learn. Please share your comments below. How do you plan to use Facebook for business in the months to come? Are you looking forward to seeing what Google+ will come out with for business?

5 Easy Tips to Increase Your Facebook Fanbase

If your Facebook business page has stagnated, here are a few easy ways to get more fans and quality interaction. Use social plugins and email to your advantage. Be engaging. Add photos and videos. If you’re really stuck, Facebook pay-per-click ads can be highly effective.

Use Social Plugins

It should be easy for visitors to go from your blog or website to your Facebook business page. In addition to a simple Facebook logo or icon that links to the landing page, consider using social plugins. Add a Like Box with a live stream of recent posts and the first name and pictures of your fans. Add links, buttons, and badges to your personal Facebook profile, as well.

Email

Encourage your email list to like your page. Constant Contact has made this super easy. They have several templates just for this purpose. Be sure to add a link to your business page from your email signature.

Be Engaging

Consider contests, polls, and lively conversation starters. Remember that the more your fans interact, the more their friends will see your company, too. Use @ tags where appropriate and comment as your page on other business walls.

Photos and Videos

Most people are visually inclined and love seeing pics and vids. Be sure to take pictures at live events and encourage fans to tag themselves. Videos are a great way to get people engaged. Videos are more likely to be viewed and shared than other posts. I recommend loading videos to YouTube first, then use an application that autofeeds to your business page.

Facebook Ads

By now you know the rules of advertising; (1) the closer you get to your target market the higher your conversions and (2) know your return on investment. With Facebook ads you can narrow down your audience by age, location, and even interests. If you know your demographics and psychographics, this can be a highly effective way to get fans.

Additionally, be sure you are displaying the Facebook logo and your custom URL on any print advertising, commercials, and even mention it on radio. Don’t forget to use the Insights you get from Facebook. Track your audience and the interactions. Remember, what doesn’t get measured, doesn’t improve.

How to Integrate Social Media for Business, Part I

Corporate culture and specific marketplace conditions will impact social media success. Social media integration will happen in stages for both companies and consumers (and for some industries it’s easier than others). When you’re ready to immerse your business in social media take the following steps for an improved success rate.


First, Observe

Track what’s already going on. Eavesdrop a little before you walk into a circle of conversation and try to take center stage. Enlist the aid of Google Alerts, Twitter Search, or other listening devices. On Facebook, take some time to follow other businesses. Pick a few in your area. Pick a few in your industry (outside of your area). See what works well for them and be inspired. If necessary, devise a report for higher-ups to make informed decisions to proceed.

Your research should help you form an objective and a plan for your social media integration. Don’t just start publishing content. Create official presences. Use custom URLs, usernames, and/or page names that match your company name or brand. Track how quickly connections increase.

Join the Conversation

Start by responding to any early participation. Highlight events, activities, or announcements. Pay attention to the reaction of your audience. Respond and improve content over time by watching for emotional activity. Do your fans respond to humor? To what do they lend positive support? Do they have “hot buttons” to avoid?

Watch your analytics. Being aware of the number of fans, views per comment, and frequency of consumer engagement will help you gauge your effectiveness. If the network provides you with a chart of these metrics, note which comments of yours were at the peaks and the valleys. As you get more adept at understanding what your audience wants, you’ll be better equipped to humanize the content and let your personality (brand image) shine through.

Make it Count

Hear and listen, observe responses and mannerisms. Only by doing so are you able to understand points of pain, source ideas, foster innovation, gain inspiration, learn, and feel for your audience. Observe overall trends in social media to ultimate behavior. Look for answers to questions; where to concentrate activity, how frequent to comment, and with what tone?

Of course, you cannot do everything – nor should you. Focus your online presence where you would be missed. Search for places where influential dialogue transpires. Remember that the average person can have thousands of followers and a huge influence.

Remember your objective. Aimless chatter is not as effective as strategic communications. Building trust and loyalty takes effort. Captivating content will only come by shifting to purposeful, strategic communication with a persona worthy of attention and affinity. Only such communication will lead to action.

*Be sure to check out the business page Facebook.com/FletcherFreelance!

Facebook Landing Pages

A Facebook landing page is like a mini-website within your Facebook page. It doesn’t look like everything else on Facebook, it looks like you. Rather than just going to your wall, a landing page gives you a little more control. You gently guide your visitor to get to know you, to connect, and best of all… let you know they were there.


How to Add a Landing Page

First add a Static FBML app. From settings, edit. This will open up a standard text box. Use your HTML here. When on your wall, click on settings to make your new page the default landing tab.

Tips for an Effective Landing Page

Your page should be text heavy as landing pages are now indexed by Google. Some recommend using CSS. Use your landing page to gather information. Use an opt in form and invite visitors to click like. If someone stopped by, but you didn’t get any way to contact them again, it doesn’t matter that they were there.

Some sources don’t recommend linking to your website from the landing page so as to ensure receipt of contact info. A web address may encourage visitors to click your site, but will you gather contact info there? Encourage email list sign up by giving an attractive offer for the opt in. Follow up with an auto responder email that links to your website. Remember that your giveaway should be something of high perceived value. Keep it short and professional. Your email and landing page should align with your overall brand image.

For help with your Facebook landing page contact Fletcher Freelance today at (715) 584-6773 or terra(at)fletcherfreelance(dot)com.

Tips to Improve Your Facebook Business Page

1. Add more content. Consider adding a custom landing page. Use Static FBML, Facebook’s version of HTML, to create a custom page. Remember the attention span of searchers is very short. When a visitor comes to your page they will quickly decide if they “like” what they see. If not, they will simply leave.


2. Add an RSS feed from your blog or twitter account. Warning: facebook users may not appreciate too-frequent tweets. A weekly blog, however, will likely be well received.

3. Increase your fans. Suggest the page to your friends. Make sure your in-store/face-to-face contacts know you’re on facebook. Link to facebook from your website, blog, and from your email signature. Consider joining groups (online and off) that are related to your business.

4. Customize your URL! If you have over 25 fans and you haven’t done this yet, DO IT NOW! Simply go to facebook.com/username and change your username to something easy and memorable. Then tell everyone about it! For example, “Find me on Facebook at facebook.com/fletcherfreelance."

5. Regularly make quality status updates. Get your fans involved by asking questions. Post interesting tips. Be known as a resource. Facebook should be only a small part of your online strategy. Drive your fans to your blog or website, but do so gently. No hard-selling please.

6. Give away an occasional freebie, but do so as a "thank you" for participation. For example, use a discussion or update as a focus group and offer a gift to one random respondent.

If you're stuck, call me! (715) 584-6773 or email terra(at)fletcherfreelance(dot)com. I'll help you will all your internet marketing needs.