The word is definitely getting out to the business community that creating a Facebook Business Page is effective based on recent Facebook fan page growth stats. There are now more than 3 million active Pages on Facebook, nearly double the 1.6 million it reported less than 6 months ago in December.
When we share the above stats with businesses considering a social media marketing strategy, one of my favorite Facebook questions from business owners is “My business sells X Widget that is not social, why would I consider having a Facebook Business Page that no one would be interested in becoming a fan (whoops sorry liking me)?
Yes, I am sure there are some businesses that probably do not make sense to be on Facebook (please do share those in the comment area); however, with over 450 million users on Facebook there is a good chance someone is interested in what you have to say or offer.
With Facebook the focus should be on growing your fan base with quality not quantity. You should be attracting people that are interested in your product or service and not worry about the number of fans. To perform well on Facebook you want your fans interacting with your page, sharing your posts, commenting, etc. and those that are excited about what you have to write will be true fans and not just eyeballs seeing your posts. So even if you only had 30 fans of your business page this could be an effective strategy. If I told you that everyday you could sit in a room with your 30 best customers, share with them an opinion, ask a question, share a product update, etc. and you had the opportunity to hear their feedback and at no cost to you would you invest that time? Think of Facebook Business page the same way!
If you take it a step further imagine those 30 customers than leaving your meeting and instantly telling all their friends about your update. Again, think of your Facebook Business page the same way. If you share content with those that ‘like’ you they will share that with their Facebook friends as well and help increase your brand awareness and potentially generate new fans or customers.
So you are probably still not convinced, huh? Recently we came across 2 very unique Facebook pages from Mashable (one of our favorite sources) that might help give the confidence that you should consider adding Facebook to your online marketing strategy. The question you should be asking yourself (and we can help answer) is, If these businesses found success with their Facebook Business Page could yours?
1) Equine Dentist Builds Relationships Through Facebook:
As asked on Mashable, how do you turn a regional service business into an international destination for industry thought leadership? Answer – Facebook.
At least that’s what worked for Geoff Tucker, an equine dentist based in Palm City, FL.
In a business driven by relationships, Geoff says that Facebook allows him to build new ones. “People do business with people who they’re friends with. Period,” he says. “And Facebook is a great way to get to know people. It allows people to see that I’m a person.”
As he builds these relationships using social media, Geoff is also expanding his company’s reach. He says it was his blog, his Twitter feed, and his Facebook account that helped him win appearances on Horse Talk Radio and HorseGirl.tv.
So what’s this done for his business? Geoff says that over the last year, Facebook alone has generated about 100 leads and 10-to-15 customers.
2) Steel Building Manufacturer Uses Facebook To Connect With Customers:
As a manufacturer of prefabricated steel buildings, SteelMaster was initially hesitant to get involved in social media.
As reported on Mashable, “It’s steel buildings,” explains Michelle Wickum, director of marketing for the Norfolk, VA company. “How is that going to tie to Facebook? It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but when we looked at the growth in Facebook and social media, we felt we had to get our arms around it.”
About a year ago, SteelMaster put its first toe into the social media water. The company discovered two important applications for their business. First, they found that Facebook is an excellent way to post pictures of customers’ steel buildings. Not only do the pictures engage existing customers — they also demonstrate to prospective customers the range of uses for SteelMaster buildings. “Photography for us is the hook,” Michelle explains.
Perhaps more importantly, SteelMaster found that social networks like Twitter and Facebook gives it exposure to and create demand in specific verticals where it previously had little traction. Chicken farmers and woodworkers don’t typically think to use steel buildings, but when friends and colleagues share pictures of their SteelMaster buildings on Twitter and Facebook, the farmers and woodworkers become interested.
So there you go – 2 very unique businesses that are having success leveraging Facebook. Again, if these businesses found success with their Facebook Business Page could yours? Let us know if we can assist you with creating a Facebook Business Page plan.
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