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July 2008 
The Truth About Marketing Your Business on Facebook
Posted on Nov 22nd, 2007
by 
Lennie
Lennie
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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 pros and cons. The best way to choose a social network site to become a part of is to have a look to see what kind of people who have already joined. To me, Facebook is one of the best websites for networking, both socially and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is a gem when it comes to all around marketing and networking.
I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is an excellent marketing tool to add to your marketing strategy. Here are 10 steps to take on Facebook to generate leads for your online business for FREE!
1. Make an Outstanding Profile: This is the FIRST thing that you must do to make an impression on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your branding. A strong profile will include a photo of you. Don't use the one of you drunk at a party, unless that's what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. It should include your contact information, your web address (this is very 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 start, the more dynamic your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to find friends that are already members of Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for people with similar interests. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One cool thing on Facebook is that you can see your friends' friends. This will help you build a monster network in no time.
3. Join Groups: You can join online groups within Facebook that are related to what you do. There are groups for authors, writers, and trainers. Almost every conceivable kind of professional service provider has some type of group on Facebook. I belong to many groups and have made many new contacts this way.
4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can’t find a group that really fits? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, carry on discussions, and more than likely meet quite a few prospects. 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 personal 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 my three blogs on Facebook.
6. Comment on Other Peoples Profiles: Are you a follower or admirer of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Many of my business acquaintances check their Facebook messages more consistently than their email. They are also more likely to answer Facebook messages. Don’t feel quite right sending out a message to someone you don’t know? Don't worry! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “You Rock!” message on their wall. All profiles come with “virtual walls” where business associates can leave a message. The more comments you leave on your friend's Facebook profile page the more exposure you get!
7. List your Events: Launching your new Service? Create an events page and invite all those you know. You can even see who RSVPed and get feedback from your guests. Marketing doesn’t get much easier (or more inexpensive!) 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 hundreds of others). With all the Facebook applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a proven 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 fun mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to connect with your Facebook friends. Again, this helps you build important relationships.
10. Build a Community: More than likely Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to build a community. It provides you a group of people who are perpetually connected to you, and they 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 marketing!
Facebook is a awesome (can we still use that word) place to introduce yourself to 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 business plan. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.
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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.
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 pros and cons. The best way to choose a social network site to become a part of is to have a look to see what kind of people who have already joined. To me, Facebook is one of the best websites for networking, both socially and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is a gem when it comes to all around marketing and networking.
I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is an excellent marketing tool to add to your marketing strategy. Here are 10 steps to take on Facebook to generate leads for your online business for FREE!
1. Make an Outstanding Profile: This is the FIRST thing that you must do to make an impression on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your branding. A strong profile will include a photo of you. Don't use the one of you drunk at a party, unless that's what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. It should include your contact information, your web address (this is very 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 start, the more dynamic your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to find friends that are already members of Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for people with similar interests. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One cool thing on Facebook is that you can see your friends' friends. This will help you build a monster network in no time.
3. Join Groups: You can join online groups within Facebook that are related to what you do. There are groups for authors, writers, and trainers. Almost every conceivable kind of professional service provider has some type of group on Facebook. I belong to many groups and have made many new contacts this way.
4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can’t find a group that really fits? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, carry on discussions, and more than likely meet quite a few prospects. 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 personal 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 my three blogs on Facebook.
6. Comment on Other Peoples Profiles: Are you a follower or admirer of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Many of my business acquaintances check their Facebook messages more consistently than their email. They are also more likely to answer Facebook messages. Don’t feel quite right sending out a message to someone you don’t know? Don't worry! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “You Rock!” message on their wall. All profiles come with “virtual walls” where business associates can leave a message. The more comments you leave on your friend's Facebook profile page the more exposure you get!
7. List your Events: Launching your new Service? Create an events page and invite all those you know. You can even see who RSVPed and get feedback from your guests. Marketing doesn’t get much easier (or more inexpensive!) 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 hundreds of others). With all the Facebook applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a proven 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 fun mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to connect with your Facebook friends. Again, this helps you build important relationships.
10. Build a Community: More than likely Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to build a community. It provides you a group of people who are perpetually connected to you, and they 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 marketing!
Facebook is a awesome (can we still use that word) place to introduce yourself to 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 business plan. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.
----------
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.
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