Facebook is a social networking platform that is beyond pokes, jokes and friend finding – it is boosting marketing and sales.  The top five ways Facebook can boost business follow!

#1 – Facebook Builds Awareness
Facebook offers very affordable, targeted cost-per-click advertising options that can be laser-targeted to the city you do business in, the age range you want to reach or the interest groups you want to tap.  Think about when you set up your Facebook profile…you added your age, gender, interests, location and more – you can advertise to people based on geographics and psychographics!  You only pay per click with Facebook ads, so costs are minimal.  Also, a Facebook page or group can be created to help get the word out about your organization -my favorite approach and is free!!

#2 – Facebook Brilliantly Distributes Information
Businesses need to affordably communicate events, news, products and services. Facebook allows you to leverage your personal and professional contacts to share information — for free. One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara, The Wine Cask, closed last year. I learned that it re-opened because one of my Facebook friends messaged all his personal contacts to share the news that he took over as the General Manager.  He earned lots of business and boosted awareness by one easy (and free) message.

#3 – Facebook Creates Community
Social networking serves to bring people together. Your can brand, build, and boost business by creating a Facebook page or group so your local contacts can converse with each other. Let your community become your best sales people and free focus group. Listen to the conversations and allow raving fans to share and get in on the conversation.  Seth Godin talks about Tribes, tools like Facebook allow you to bring your tribe together and create community.  Companies do not sell, PEOPLE sell.  Put the power in people’s hands and go where they are – on Facebook!

#4 – Facebook Can Offer Additional Low Cost Customer Service
Through Facebook, you can answer questions, receive free feedback, promote events, and provide news to be of additional service to your audience. Facebook gives your prospective and current customers an additional web option to find and connect with you.

#5 – Facebook Can Boost Sales
Let’s face it, businesses have to fight harder than ever to survive in this tough economy, but your business (for profit or non profit!) can have a competitive edge with Facebook.

When you use Facebook to SERVE (not push propaganda and sell, sell, sell) you will do well

Tapping free social networking tools like Facebook to build awareness, share information, educate, build community, increase connection, and enhance customer service will all work in unison to make sales.

When used with the right intention and managed regularly, Facebook can be a no-cost marketing tool to help organizations gain a competitive edge. Converse directly with customers, create a community of conversation — learn, share, and connect — all in a fun way.

Facebook has over 350 million users; your local audience is waiting.

Web Marketing Therapy Related Links:

• How Facebook Can Build Your Business
• What I Learned About Facebook Business Fan Pages
• Building and Branding Your Facebook Identity (Part One)
• Building and Branding Your Facebook Identity (Part 2): Know Your Target Audience

Categories: Local Web Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Marketing

Tags: facebook, five ways facebook can boost business

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