There are many social media platforms that you can join today like MySpace and linked In, and they all have their good and bad. The best way to choose a community to join is to check out the people who hang out there. For me, Facebook is certainly one of the best sites for networking, both personally and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is the best place 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 plan. Following are 10 things you can do on Facebook to generate leads for your business for FREE!
1. Build an Excellent Profile: This is absolutely the FIRST thing that you must do to get noticed on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your marketing campaign. A powerful profile will include a picture 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 really important), education, work history and your personal interests. A complete profile is the only way to go.
2. Add Friends: This is what makes Facebook a great platform - the ability to make friends, build relationships and watch them grow. The more relationships you build, the more meaningful your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to find friends that are already using Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for kindred spirits. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One great feature on Facebook is that you can see friends of your friends. This will help you build a huge network in no time.
3. Join Groups: You can join online groups within Facebook that are associated with what you do. There are groups for chiropractors, writers, and teachers. Almost every conceivable type of professional service provider has some kind of an online group. I belong to many groups and have made hundreds of 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, trigger some memorable discussions, and surely meet quite a few new people. 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 own blog on your Facebook profile page. This essentially means that every time you make a post, it will automatically show up on your profile page. More Exposure = More Readers = More Leads = More Business. And the bonus is the back links to your site. I syndicate headlines from my three blogs on Facebook.
6. Reach OUT: Are you a follower or devotee of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Lots of my business contacts check their Facebook messages more constantly than their email. They are also more likely to respond to Facebook messages. Don’t feel quite right sending a message to someone you don’t know? No worries! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “You Rock!” message on their wall. All Facebook profiles come with “virtual walls” where visitors can leave a message. The more comments you leave on your friend's Facebook profiles the more exposure you get!
7. Add an Event: Hosting your Own Seminar? Create an events page and invite all those you know. You can even see who RSVPed and get feedback from your attendees. Marketing doesn’t get much simpler (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 Diamonds to a potted plant that actually sits on the your friends profile and grows over time (plus many others). With all the 3rd party applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a cool way to build long lasting relationships!
9. Use Some Cool Apps: Facebook has literally dozens 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 cool mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to stay in touch with your friends on Facebook. Again, this helps you maintain long lasting relationships.
10. Create a Community: Perhaps Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to create a community. It intoduces you to a group of people who are constantly connected to you, and these friends are open to hearing what you have to say. Write on people’s walls, have conversation, and introduce them to each other. Start building your brand and leveraging Facebook for marketing!
Facebook is a fantastic place to introduce yourself to many 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 marketing 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.
