Facebook has over 400 million active users and growing daily. That's an immense potential market. It's free to tap into and also has available the option for purchased ads to targeted audiences. It's very multi-media friendly and can be used for video content, and audio, as well as articles, text and links. Best of all, it is "real time". More and more small businesses are marketing themselves using Facebook. It's a smart way to go if it can be done smart.
Most of these are simple common sense strategies and tips to make the most of Facebook for a small business.
First you need a personal profile as a business profile is against Facebook Terms of Service. Make your profile as complete as possible but make full use of the privacy settings. If you aren't comfortable having your relationship status visible, it can be hidden. Avoid any risky personal content or photos.
Set up a fan page. Provide the information about the product or service offered. You can add an RSS feed from your blog, add your Twitter or embed your youtube videos (fantastic for musicians!) Keep it neat and attractive then post links on various groups that are related or of interest.
Join and create groups. Groups can be formed anything... as long as there is a common interest. You can use bulk invitations to your group and those you invite can invite people in their network who may be interested. When one person joins a group, it will show on their page that they joined it and frequently their friends will look and perhaps join as well.
Don't be pushy, no one likes pushy sales people. Remember that Facebook is a social media first. Be patient. Anyone jumping into Facebook expecting quick sales will be disappointed, like anything else success takes time and work.
