If you are reading this blog, then you are probably just a little web savvy. Congratulations. That makes you an expert. Because the web and social media is changing all the time, all is takes is a little reading and a lot of self-proclamation to deem yourself an expert.
Smirkiness aside, being web savvy means you can usually talk the talk. So you are probably on Facebook – either personally or professionally. Or you have looked into Facebook and just don’t see the point, or the value. The truth is there may not be a point or value to your business. But before you dismiss Facebook as an online spot for Gen Y to hang out, or for grown adults running around playing Mafia Wars, consider the value that Facebook may to your online presence.
First – a little history. Facebook was founded in 2004 by a Harvard college student. Yes, you read that right. It’s only been 5 years. And the growth on Facebook has been phenomenal. There are now more users in the 26-44 age group than the original 18-25. In fact, do a quick google on Facebook growth or stats and you will be overwhelmed.
Knowing detailed information about Facebook users can be a marketer’s dream come true. While Google ads target users based on their search terms and location, you never really know anything about the person who clicks through, or more importantly, doesn’t click through. With Facebook ads, you can target something as specific as all females, over the age of 18, residing in the Milwaukee, WI area, and engaged to be married. That’s exactly what happened, with encouraging results, in a Facebook Advertising case study. More importantly, they were able to discover new attributes about their target audience…like the fact that virtually all of them were fans of Grey’s Anatomy. Go figure.
Advertising aside, Facebook does offer another way to garner some free PR and exposure. By creating a business page, you can become a fan of your own company. You can invite your friends and family to become fans. And then the whole viral thing starts to happen – if you have something interesting to say. If your page becomes a walking advertisement for your business, forget finding any new fans. Focus on the content. Have some funny, or interesting things to say. Post a video or pictures. Or share exclusive information or deals with your fans. When someone becomes a fan, you now have the ability to directly send a message to them. And your updates appear in their News Feed. Or is it Live Feed? Or is it Status Updates?
One thing I forgot to mention. Just when you figure Facebook out, they’ll change it on you.
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