How To Use Facebook to Market Your Small Business

Business owners have been loath to use Facebook as a marketing tool in the past. With the high instance of spam, Facebook had the potential to hurt a business much more quickly than it could help it. With the new revamping of business pages, Facebook has provided a safe platform from which businesses can market themselves effectively. Here are the top five ways to use Facebook to market your business.

1. Set Up a Page

The first step in using Facebook effectively is to set up a great page. Be sure to include your business's information including days and hours of operation, the services you offer and consider adding some photos of yourself and staff. Veterinary hospitals, for instance, can add pictures and brief bios of all of their doctors.

2. Keep It Updated

Nothing will hurt a business more than an outdated Facebook page. If your hours or services change, update your page! Too often businesses have old hours or services listed and, believe it or not, this simple lack of updating can turn customers off.

3. Advertise Specials

If you are a restaurant, hair salon or other business that offers discounts and coupons, promote them on your wall. You'll be surprised at how many people you reach. Consider offering a different discount each month specifically for your Facebook followers (fans).

4. Contact New Fans

Consumers appreciate individual contact and this doesn't have to fall by the wayside simply because you've gone viral. When you gain a new fan, contact them personally, thank them for becoming a fan and establish a conversation. You'll be surprised at how this small touch will gain you new fans simply by word of mouth.

5. Add Information

Treat your Facebook page as you would any other web site. Keep content fresh and educational. If you operate a cafe', provide information on the history of coffee (or any other beverage you sell) and combine that information with an incentive to visit your restaurant: a free cup of coffee with any meal, for instance.

Facebook can be advantageous for any small business if it is used correctly. If you aren't tech savvy, chances are that someone in your office is. Assign one or two people to maintain your Facebook page and stay on top of it. Keeping your page fresh and staying in contact with your fans will net you more business than you may think.

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