subject: Discover How Facebook Helps Attract New Customers [print this page] Discover How Facebook Helps Attract New Customers
Why is it important to establish online presence through social networking sites particularly Facebook even when the company already has an official website?
Simple. Because Facebook is more accessible and to most, more user-friendly than any official website will ever be. It gives a sense of friendliness to companies that would seem too corporate for prospects to check out or a sense of credibility to starting companies who have no website to speak of. Aside from this, a Facebook page allows companies to be more interactive with present and potential customers, getting their feedback for everything from service to contest mechanics. While it may seem dangerous because you can be given both positive and negative feedbacks, companies should not be afraid because Facebook is a tool that can be easily moderated. You can retain the best feedback and just hide the rest. This way, most potential customers will be able to read the positive testimonials of previous customers. Such feedback adds a touch of authenticity to the company, and will most likely entice the potential customer reading it.
Furthermore, customers who are tired of traditional online marketing such as e-mail newsletters and web ads will look to the Facebook page to have their questions answered. Having a Facebook page will give your business access to over 500 Million users without even having to buy e-mail addresses like what traditional e-mail marketing resort to.
Interaction isn't limited to Facebook updates and wall posts though. One can also use the Photos and Notes page. When using the Fanpage which is the recommended page for businesses (instead of the more personal profile page), one can change the posting ability of fans which allow them to post photos, videos and links to the page. This way, potential customers will be able to see how other customers use the product or service. Again, this can engage the community to be more interactive as was successfully executed by Pampers' Facebook Fanpage. Other companies like Ben & Jerry's go as far as polling customers. This gives customers a sense of power with regards to their products, which in turn will give them a sense of ownership and acceptance.
Facebook is also a great tool to add audience to company promos, special prices and discounts as in the case of the company rushIMPRINT, who uses their page to feature their products for sale. The site easily leads back to their official website as well as their toll free number. Some even use Facebook to give exclusive deals to their customers. This is a good way to gauge the effectivity of your page. Various incentives can be given exclusively to Facebook users which aren't accessible by those who follow you through e-mail, Twitter or your official website.
Other companies such as Baskin Robbins develop and use a Facebook application to make their Facebook page more interactive and enticing to customers. Through their account, they're giving out a very enticing deal, a Buy One, get one promo that most enthusiasts will not surpass.
Facebook is an easy tool to master and can add just the right sense of fun, differentiating you and your company from the rest in the market.
