We’ve talked a million times about how important Facebook is for your business. By now, it’s probably obvious just how much we love Facebook for business. It can, often, be hard to know exactly how to utilize Facebook for your business in order to get customers to book with you. Gaining followers, and posting content are just the first steps. Once you have your social media account created, double check that you are following these simple things:
Use a Facebook Business Page, NOT a Personal Profile
Many people don’t know the difference between a business page and a personal profile on Facebook. It’s not uncommon for business owners to create a personal profile for their business. This makes it so hard for your potential customers and your followers to find the information they need about your business. Not only that, but you are unable to receive those positive reviews every business needs. It’s very important that a business has a page and not a personal profile on Facebook, so take a minute to double check! Customers can’t book an appointment, or even find the necessary information to do so easily on a personal profile, but they can on a business page. Find out more pros of a business page, here.
Use Your Branding
Branding is huge for any business. It helps you to be recognized, trusted and successful. When you are creating your Facebook page, stick with your branding. Use a recognizable logo for your business, and keep the message similar to your other marketing platforms. Customers are much more likely to book with a business they trust. It’s your job to make sure they recognize you quickly and easily online!
Add a Call-To-Action Button
That’s right! On a Facebook business page, you can add buttons that will instantly let your customer call you without having to search for the number and type it into their phone. Your call to action could include some sort of special deal for your Facebook followers, or it can just be a quick message prompting them to get in touch with you and set up a service. This is a huge benefit to you, that should definitely be taken advantage of.
Keep Up on Posting & Photos
When you’re running a Facebook page for your business, do your best to keep it up-to-date. You don’t want your customer to find your page and assume you’re no longer in the industry. Keep your photos fresh and allow them to showcase your best work. Post regularly, and in a way that is beneficial to your followers. If they see that you are actively using Facebook, they may even try to schedule an appointment with you right there through a private message or comment, which brings me to the next point…
Respond to Comments & Messages
When you receive a comment or message through your Facebook page, don’t let it go ignored! You are a busy entrepreneur, but it’s hard to be successful when you’re showing customers that you aren’t interested in their business, by not responding. Don’t stress yourself out about responding in the hour, however, as soon as possible is best.
Use Emoticons & Hashtags
This sounds silly to some people, however it’s proven that posts including emoticons receive much more interaction than posts without. Hubspot tells us that, “something as simple as a smiley face emoticon in your post can increase likes by 57 percent, comments by 33 percent and shares by 33 percent over posts without them.” Just add a quick laughing face, or emoticon that has to do with your industry, and watch your engagement increase! Hashtags are another great way to not only get more attention from current followers, but find new followers as well. People searching for something similar to your business have no chance of finding you through hashtags if you’re not utilizing them. Better brush up on those #hashtagskills.
Use these quick tips when you’re setting up your own Facebook strategy, and watch the business bookings you receive online increase!
For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, subscribe to the FreshLime Newsletter here. Connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. And last of all, if any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!