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Should I Use Facebook to Market My Business?
About a week ago, I had a chance to talk to a client about web marketing for the traditional business. I could clearly see that he studied the subject of web marketing and was on the right track. However, he turned his nose up when I mentioned the idea of using Facebook as a marketing tool. In reality, I should be writing an article on ‘HOW To Use Facebook For Your Business’, but it has come to my attention that some of you business owners still aren’t sold, and that is why I decided to write an article on WHY your business should leverage Facebook as a marketing tool.
First, let’s throw some facts around. Facebook has around 400 million users at the time of this writing, and on average, its users login at least once a day for about 55 minutes.
Now that is a gold mine of a customer base! Chances are, if you did some research, you would find out that a large part of your customer base probably uses Facebook or will in the future. That means you could wait for them to come to your store or visit your website or get your coupon out of the paper, or you could send your information directly to them. Did you hear that? You can send your information directly to them and no longer have to wait for them to come to you. What an opportunity!
Another great reason to use Facebook is to find out what your customers want and to build loyalty with them. Let’s say you own a company that engraves tiles with quotes and sayings. You could post two tiles on your fan page and asked your customers to choose which one they like the best (with a link to the product). This engages your audience, gives them a say, and gives them a way to buy that product with just a few clicks. On a deeper note, you are not only finding out what your customers want, but you are building a sense of loyalty with them, because they are a part of what you are doing. You are engaging them and building community!
Next, people are talking about your business. Whether you think they are or not, they are saying good things and bad things. Now, you could ignore this altogether or you could be the ‘official’ voice of your company and join the conversation. By being the official voice of your company in social media, you stifle any rumors or bad press people might try to bring upon you.
Lastly, Facebook is just another avenue to get your product out. If you could use a free tool to reach and untapped market, why wouldn’t you do it? Really, this is a great opportunity to reach your customers from yet another angle. We believe that in order for you to be successful, you need to use everything in your arsenal. If Facebook is a free tool in your tool belt that you are not using, you are missing out on a great resource.
Let’s recap why you should use Facebook in your traditional business:
- Your customers don’t have to come to you; you go to them.
- You can find our what your customers want.
- You can build a sense of loyalty and community to your business.
- You can be a part of the conversation with your customers as the official voice.
- You can use Facebook as yet another avenue to get your word out for FREE.
I would love any comments you have on whether Facebook is right for business.
