It seems like almost every brand and company is jumping on the Facebook bandwagon. Smart move. With more than 800 million active users, it is smart for companies to be where their customer are. Do you have a favorite Facebook brand? I know I have my favorites.
Why follow a brand? Personally, I follow certain brands to be notified of sales, offers and coupons for their products. For me, an example of a brand page that does this well is LOFT. Other brands have developed such a social media personality; I like to follow them because they’re simply hilarious. Great example here is Skittles – I don’t even like Skittles but I do on Facebook! Professionally, I follow pages such as Mashable, PRSA, Help a Reporter and The Next Web to stay up to date with the industry. Finally, I follow many of the local and national news agencies as I seem to use social media to follow current events.
Every Facebook user has their own reasons to follow a brand. So as a brand, what can you do to make your page attractive and gain “likers?” Here are some tips:
- Do not use Facebook as a platform to just push out messages. It’s called social media, so use it to interact and engage with your followers.
- Don’t be afraid to go off topic. By being real and going away from your line of work, your followers will see your personality, and not just your product.
- Get to the point and write what you mean. Then, ask for feedback and be prepared to respond.
- Use Facebook Insights to get to know your audience and what kind of posts they respond best to.
- Make sure you have the time and dedication to do the job right.
- Utilize sweepstakes, promotions and offers to encourage people to like your page. Once you have them, make sure there is a reason for them to continue.
- Integrate your Facebook page into all other forms of advertising. Social media is now a part of an integrated marketing campaign so don’t forget to integrate it!
- Monitor your Facebook page daily – it is a conversation and you must be engaged. Add value to the conversation by providing meaningful comments.
- Social media is successful when authentic stories are told that provide a personal connection to a brand.
- Facebook ads are a great way to build brand awareness of your page and your brand.
What do you like most about the brands you follow on Facebook?