News flash, the online networks are increasing daily through social media outlets such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Well this is not exactly breaking news in fact these social media gorillas have member increases by the minute. Each day the number of users worldwide that login to Facebook and LinkedIn are increasing. It was estimated not long ago that Facebook had over 350 million users, probably closer to 400 million by now and LinkedIn with over 50+ million users to date. If your business is global you can sure bank on increasing foreign numbers as well considering roughly 70% of Facebook users come from outside the US.
There are many reasons to set up a Facebook Fan Page or a LinkedIn profile to act as a bridge to contacts, consumers and friends all over the world. Setting up a business fan page on Facebook and creating a LinkedIn profile allows at the very least for people to find you or your website through back linking. When you’re able to create an online presence and marketing buzz you create momentum and drive traffic to your website. This is a goal that can be reached when you use these social media tools. Depending on your target market or your business you can determine which one works best but you should certainly set up both accounts. Here are some reasons you should consider.
1. A Facebook Fan Page creates a platform to provide prospects, contacts and customers to connect with your business. You can provide company news feeds, sale information, set up a calendar for upcoming events. Another communication bridge is always a positive.
2. When you set up a fan page you can invite friends and colleagues on Facebook to join your page. When they subscribe they will be informed of company happenings which also creates word of mouth buzz. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
3. The most important reason to set up a Facebook Fan Page is it creates brand recognition and awareness. You can explain your business and or services for anyone on Facebook to view. These are just three proven reasons for creating a fan page and for reasons on using LinkedIn are discussed below.
1. LinkedIn can be described as the formal version of social media. LinkedIn is a business network for educated and connected people that can help bridge the gap for job opportunities, networking, job postings and just a great way to connect with industry leaders.
2. A LinkedIn profile can be used as a running resume, so to speak, that can help keep your contacts up to date with current projects or recommendations. Another great feature of LinkedIn is you can request recommendations from previous relationships or jobs that act as your own review source.
3. Visibility. If we haven’t emphasized it enough, if you stay active in social media you’re staying active with your community.
There are many reasons to use Facebook and LinkedIn and the applications and way we search the web are changing with each passing month. Social media is a great platform to promote, help, correspond, advertise and educate.
Successful Business Uses for Facebook and LinkedIn (GF202)
If you’re one of the millions who have set up a Facebook or Twitter account, congratulations and welcome to our modern day mixer. Even though you have established these accounts you will have to maintain them and provide relevant information in order to use these tools effectively. Here are some tips from Inbound Promotions that may help your small business.
1. Get a Social Media Marketing Budget Established – This is a broad statement and could mean a number of things depending on the size of your company. If you’re an established company you may have the ability to outsource (Inbound Promotions) or you nominate someone on your workforce to handle this aspect. If you are a one man or woman show you will certainly need some time set aside each day to maintain these accounts.
2. Developing a Strategic Marketing Plan – Among the many factors that come into play, who is your target market? What will you say to them? What interests them? What is your company’s goal? The more you learn social media the more you’ll understand that you just can’t “sell” in fact social media is more about listening to your customers than selling to your customers.
3. Location – Depending on your companies reach and if you’re nationwide or local, you’ll always want to engage your local customers. Even better, if you are able to meet you local customers face to face, this will play a big role in establishing your “brand”.
4. Customer Support – If you are able to integrate customer support through social media you are a step ahead. Having someone on your team to do daily searches regarding your company to see what people are saying is half the battle. If you are able to reach out to these people and solve any issues or problems they may have with your product or company it will go a long way. Isn’t that what being professional is all about?
5. Finding a Balance – We touched on this in #2 and you must be able to find the balance between work/friendship/message/brand. If you are “tooting your own horn” too much to take notice of your customer’s needs or wants, you will be cast off. People don’t want the hard sell every day with no customer interaction. Make your customers realize that you are human and you do have a life outside of your “work”. Don’t use social media as an exclusive selling tool! Very important, yet very overlooked.
