The “best” way to use social networks is always subjective because what works for me may not work for someone else. So I’ll say up front that this post is entirely based on my own preferences and experiences, although I suspect that there are others out there who feel the same…or maybe you think some of the things I do on Facebook are highly annoying. Weigh in with a comment below and maybe we can create an outline of best practices for using Facebook for business promotion.
Here’s what you should not be doing on Facebook (according to me) to promote your business.
Abuse Group Messages
I am a member of a handful groups on Facebook, and there are a few that send constant messages to group members. This isn’t bad by itself, but when the messages are entirely self-promotional, unrelated to the purpose of the group, or sent daily, it’s a major turn off. Unlike fan pages, messages to a group are treated as regular mail, so they hit members in their inbox and as an email notification if members have that option set in their preferences. This means it’s nearly impossible to ignore group messages that you have no interest in without leaving the group, which I have done in the past to end the annoyance.Use the Same (Really Long) Status All the Time
One of the best features about Facebook is the ability to easily share short updates with your friends. Not only does this microblogging feature give us a chance to get to know each other better, a little bit at a time, but it also provides an opportunity to direct friends to a website, news item, video or announcement in an unobtrusive way. It becomes almost offensive, though, when the status update is used for publishing mini blog posts, sales letters or other material that doesn’t really fit into the purpose of the status update. And even worse, using that same status update all the time. This is a quick way to get blocked from my news feed.Assume Everyone Is On Twitter
Many of us use both Facebook and Twitter, so there can be a lot of overlap between our friends and followers. And many of us also use separate apps or the new built-in functionality that lets us post status updates in both places simultaneously. This is great in many cases because it makes it a lot easier to share information. However, because Facebook and Twitter are very different animals, sometimes this double posting can be ineffective. For example, if you have your preferences set to publish everything you post on Twitter to Facebook, and if you tweet, retweet and/or use hashtags a lot, the value may be lost in the Twitter-to-Facebook translation.Friend Blindly
A lot about social networks, especially when used for business promotion, is a numbers game. The more people you are connected to, the more visibility you have and (hopefully) the more traction you will get when it comes to marketing. But, to me, this doesn’t mean you should blindly and generically friend everyone. Just because Facebook suggests that you may know someone who has some of the same friends as you, doesn’t mean you have to friend them. And if you do friend someone you don’t personally know, it’s really nice to add a note to your friend invitation. Don’t make me guess who you are and why I might want to connect with you. And extra points if your personal note actually addresses me by name. Those are my top four ways not to use Facebook for business. Now it’s your turn. What’s your advice on how to use Facebook for business without annoying your connections?Frequently Asked Questions about Promoting Your Business on Facebook
How can I promote my business on Facebook without being annoying?
It’s important to strike a balance between promoting your business and providing value to your audience. Avoid spamming your followers with constant promotional posts. Instead, focus on creating engaging content that your audience will find useful or entertaining. This could be tips related to your industry, behind-the-scenes looks at your business, or user-generated content. Remember, the goal is to build a community around your brand, not just sell your products or services.
What are some effective strategies for promoting my business on Facebook?
There are several strategies you can use to promote your business on Facebook. These include running targeted ad campaigns, hosting Facebook Live events, creating a Facebook group related to your business, and regularly posting engaging content. It’s also important to interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner.
How can I use Facebook Ads to promote my business?
Facebook Ads is a powerful tool for promoting your business. You can target your ads based on a variety of factors, including age, location, interests, and more. This allows you to reach the people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. You can also track the performance of your ads and make adjustments as needed to improve their effectiveness.
How can I use Facebook Live to promote my business?
Facebook Live is a great way to engage with your audience in real-time. You can use it to host Q&A sessions, give product demonstrations, or even give a behind-the-scenes look at your business. This can help to build a sense of community around your brand and keep your audience engaged.
How can I create a Facebook group for my business?
Creating a Facebook group for your business can help to build a community around your brand. You can use the group to share exclusive content, host discussions, and get feedback from your customers. Just make sure to set clear rules for the group and moderate it regularly to ensure a positive environment.
How often should I post on my business’s Facebook page?
The frequency of your posts will depend on your audience and the type of content you’re sharing. However, a good rule of thumb is to post at least once a day. This will keep your brand at the top of your followers’ news feeds and ensure that you’re consistently engaging with your audience.
How can I interact with my followers on Facebook?
Interacting with your followers is key to building a strong community on Facebook. This can include responding to comments on your posts, answering messages, and even commenting on posts where your brand is mentioned. Remember, social media is a two-way street, so it’s important to engage with your audience, not just broadcast to them.
How can I track the performance of my Facebook promotions?
Facebook provides a variety of tools for tracking the performance of your promotions. This includes Facebook Insights, which provides detailed analytics about your page’s performance, and the Facebook Ads Manager, which allows you to track the performance of your ad campaigns.
How can I improve the effectiveness of my Facebook promotions?
There are several ways to improve the effectiveness of your Facebook promotions. These include testing different types of content to see what resonates with your audience, using Facebook’s targeting tools to reach the right people, and regularly reviewing your analytics to identify areas for improvement.
What should I avoid when promoting my business on Facebook?
When promoting your business on Facebook, it’s important to avoid spammy tactics like posting too frequently or only sharing promotional content. It’s also important to avoid being overly salesy in your posts. Instead, focus on providing value to your audience and building a community around your brand.
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
