Virtual Assistant Business Outsourcing

Fan pages have become an effective part of a business’ strategy these days. Because of them, connecting to customers on a large scale has been easy. Small and large business owners have turned to this new-found business tool in growing their following, sending real-time updates to their fans, and keeping their company in focus.

Fan pages, such as that of Facebook, haven’t been in existence that long. They’re new, and they’re doing very well. Many people think that since they’re new, they come with new rules. But I beg to disagree. Their presence does not discount the established rules of marketing that have been tested and proven over time. They are still very much useful.

Yes! Social media is in but old-school rules are not out yet. Using social media is about dealing with your customers on a more personal level. It allows you to get through to them with their language and style of communication. With that in mind, old school rules can come in; you can make use of their effectiveness in delivering clear-cut communication.

Let’s go over some old-school rules that can help your fan page become more appealing and attract more fans.

1. Plug your page. The ‘build-it-and-they-will-come’ principle does not really work all the time. If you’re serious about making your Facebook Fan page known to people, nothing can be more effective than telling them personally about it. Place the link to your fan page in the most visible spot in your website or blog, like its masthead area or the top of the right or left column. You may add the Facebook icon as an attention-getter.

2. Send invites. There’s nothing wrong with it. Open your email contact list and blast out an invitation to them. Some people may think it’s too pushy if you tell them “Join our fan page and be a fan!” but hey, why should you be ashamed of asking people to follow your social network account?

3. Popularize your Facebook brand. Establishing an identity on Facebook is like establishing a name for your company as well. Whatever you’re doing with popularizing your brand, do the same with your Facebook page. Include it on brochures, email signatures, advertisements, business cards, direct mails, promotion materials. Even on packing slips. Let it be known to your target audience wherever they may be.

4. Share information about your company. Don’t hesitate to share information about your company on your page. The very reason why you are establishing an online presence is that you want people to know your company. Fan pages always have a spot for an overview of your company, and your mission, vision, and other general information on your products or services. It would be best if you add the link to your company website so your fans can take a closer look at your products and services.

When filling in some company information, don’t go for what you just see on the template. It’s time to get creative and add other important details. A good example of which is by adding the links to your sign-up form or information guide on your products and services.

5. Post lots of content. Content is king, so they say. Experts have known how powerful content is in marketing. And the same holds true online. People will go back to you if they can get something beneficial. It is therefore imperative that you post something educational and informative every now and then.

Allowing friends to post comments, photos, videos, etc on your page can also help in maintaining a good relationship between you and your customers. There are many things can be done on Facebook, so there’s no way for you not to retain them if you only know how to use these tools.

6. Create a link to a page with a call to action. This is a good strategy if you want to attract other people’s attention, especially those who aren’t fans yet. Why bring them to your home page where you can see a lot of posts and comments? Instead, create a landing page specifically designed to make them do what you expect them to do. The more interesting it is, the more likely will they become your fans.

7. Flaunt your web address. Often, business owners use their logos for them to be identified from other businesses. However, now that internet marketing is in, you can’t afford to forget including your web site address in the logo area. Since it is likely that your address in the Info area could not be clicked, it will help if you post the link to your URL in big and bold font style.

8. Announce offers, shows, events, and more. It’s time you consider your fan page a part of your main website. As such, post some special offers, rewards, events, announcements, job openings, or even a shopping area on your page. But be sure to read Facebook’s guidelines regarding this, if you don’t want your account deactivated.

9. Market directly. What’s good with Facebook fan page is that you can have an unlimited number of fans to communicate with, unlike groups that limit you to have only up to 5,000 members. Send information to them about your upcoming events, promos, etc. That’s one great way of driving traffic to your page. Be careful that you do not overdo it. Remember, online customers hate it when you sound too pushy.

10. Analyze your competitor’s page. If you do research on your competition everywhere else, why not do it on Facebook as well? Take a look at their activities – what they do to promote their fan page, how they engage with their fans, what kind of content they post, how often they post, what features they use, and so on. This is not copying; this is just learning how to make your own fan page successful.

Facebook is such a helpful web tool for your business. There are so many things that you can do with it that can help boost your company. If you’re serious about using this to your advantage, then make use of all its features. All it takes is learning how to play the rules of social networking and your knowledge of your targeted audience. Customer behavior is changing now. And so should you!

Do you want to establish your identity on social networks? Hire our virtual assistants who are well-trained in the rules of social networking.