Virtual Assistant Extraordinaire Blog

Facebook has always been a great free social media tool, and has become part of the must have list when putting together your marketing plan. The best part is its free and viral if done correctly.You may have noticed Facebook has undergone a slew of changes recently, many of which has left us in a quandary about what it is we need to do next. The new changes are beneficial in the business aspect once you understand how to work with it. The new updates on how business pages are setup really make it even more inviting.

How do I get started?

Big tip as you get started….If you use Facebook for personal reasons keep your personal and your business pages separate. You need to first create a personal account and then create a “Fan” page. There is a small worded option for “Create a Page” on the bottom of your Facebook homepage.  Make sure to pick your correct category going in.

Why do a Fan page and not put everything on my personal page?

The business page can always be deleted or suspended if needs be and it will not affect your personal account. You can also create several pages as needed if your business has separate arms that are very specialized. Once created you can control these pages all from the same homepage, which is a huge time saver. There is an easy option to switch the active “user” as well when doing your postings to make it even more simple to use.

What is different about the Fan page setup?

The page setup is very unique.  It now provides banner space, a better way to layout any pictures you post and highlights your most recent postings. Your page needs at least 25 fans to have an easy to find username as well that can be used in your marketing and advertising. If you have any sister businesses or associates with their own page you can link them as favorites as well.

Tap into the power of social media today. If you have not yet delved into the world of Facebook get started!

This time of year is a goldmine of sales for small and medium size businesses who properly relay their terrific deals that can’t be commerially accomplished. Most of my clients have small businesses and need to get that information out there and fast. I find utilizing free social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin have proved to be effective and easy to use methods of relaying quick to the point word of mouth advertising. If you want to have results your posts need to be interesting and easy to understand. Social Media investment is not a waste of time and truely does work if implemented correctly with a solid marketing campaign.

Images Capture the Eye if it can be used!

A catchy image that relays your text information as well is key to a great social media post about your specials and services. There are some social media services that are just text based. If so, upload the image to your website and link to it as part of the text. Depending on the type of service you provide and your clientele how “funny” or how “serious” it can be will vary. But remember, this is the holiday season, and even a little bit of frivolity can go a long way. 

Don’t be Commercial

The biggest benefit of being a small and medium size business owner is the ability to market however you want without having to uphold to commercial standards large chain stores are tied to. Be unique, creative and catchy all around. The more family oriented and local the business, the more support and interest by your surrounding community you will have. The community first needs to know what it is you do and what you have available! Every social media base has a unique quality about it service. Utilize the special features that most forget about to get your message across.

Be Consistant

Most social media sites let you post up one message at a time, but it takes multiple views of your message for it to actually be read by those that need to see it. Do not be afraid to repost or utilize one of the free pre-post setting sites that will send out scheduled posts as you direct. It maximizes your efforts with little waste of time.

The bottom line….give your holiday specials constant CPR when it comes to social media and you will have results!

C…..reativity

P….rominence

R….eposting