The Facebook Formula

Looking to create a Facebook page for your business? Already have a business page but want some tricks to improve your page and increase your fan base? Check out these tips courtesy of LHT on some popular methods to navigating the Facebook realm. Included in these tips are some real life examples of local businesses that have successfully used these ideas to their benefit. Enjoy!

Invite participation. Is your business new to Facebook? Are you looking to increase your fan base? Call your fans and potential fans to action. Ask a thought provoking question that requires an answer. Create a contest that involves participation for a reward.

Ex: After creating a business page, New Leaf Construction set out to grow its fan base. To do this, they offered the chance to win a gift certificate to an upscale local restaurant just for “liking” the page.

Create a sense of community. Facebook is all about creating and online community with which you share and are given content to and for others. Through being part of the “community”, you are essentially creating loyal followers of your page and your brand. Tagging other businesses and fans in posts is a great way to do this. Thank customers for their purchase, tag clients in project updates, comment on fan posts, or mention other businesses you are working with. By tagging others they become aware of your online presence, and will also be likely to return the favor-thus spreading your brand.

Ex: The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce makes a point of addressing the businesses and people they work with. They frequently comment on their member’s posts as well as tag businesses for events and support.

Create a resource. If you offer a trade, there are people who need your advice! You are the expert on your services, so why not share some of this expertise with your online
community? Offer tips and advice in your industry, share products that are helpful and reputable. By becoming a resource for your trade, you are gaining the trust of your followers and showing them that you are not just out to make the sale. This advice is a great way to turn followers into customers!

Ex: Offering landscaping and property management services, The Harley Company is in the perfect position to offer advice. They regularly post seasonal gardening, landscape management, as well as product advice and tips for their followers.

Make use of pictures. Posting pictures is a great way to draw attention to your page. It is also a great way to show off your work and accomplishments. Post pictures of a project
progression or show other customers enjoying your services. By posting these pictures you are engaging your fans while also gaining their trust in your offerings.

Ex: All Aboard Trolley & Limousine Co. offers many events that are perfect photo opportunities. By posting a picture of a bride boarding an old fashioned trolley before her wedding or a group of laughing women enjoying a wine tour, the company is able to show its online community the benefits of its services while also drawing attention to those unaware.

Make it fun! People aren’t going to follow you for no reason, so make it interesting for them to do so! Post jokes for them to read, or take a funny picture of something
that happened at the office. Make people want to see what your company is up to, and you will find your followers a lot more engaged.

Ex: Everyone knows and loves Maine’s lobster. Crate to Plate, a lobster business, knows this and as part of their Facebook postings will offer fun lobster facts, cooking tips, and even jokes for their followers.