subject: 3 Tips to Getting Found With Facebook Search [print this page] 3 Tips to Getting Found With Facebook Search
While some say it is a "Google Killer" we would argue that it serves a totally different niche. You don't go to Facebook to search for "how to" or "best price on X product". Now don't think that Facebook wouldn't like you to do that type of search, but right now it doesn't happen.
Those who use the different search features on Facebook are looking for a different type of help. Some of the common searches that you can see that occur are:
Search for People
Search for Companies (and reviews)
While going into the patent(patent originated with Friendster) of the search and all of its intricacies is a bit beyond the scope of this post, we invite you to consider key tips that will give you the best opportunity to be found on Facebook when people are in need.
Get a Business Page/Fan Page - Facebook wants to help businesses be found as businesses spend money on ads. Give yourself the best opportunity to be found by creating a business page/fan page. Whether you are an individual sales' professional or have a physical store front identifying yourself as a business gives you the best chance to be found by others.
Get Connected to People - One part of the patent that Facebook identifies as being unique is the "degrees of separation" of the searcher compared to what is being typed. Think of the good old "6 degrees of separation". As you get connected to more people in your target market (think interests, locality, etc) the greater probability you have for ranking high in a search. The degrees of separation are what Facebook demonstrates as pertaining to relevancy of the search.
Share Relevant Information - While I didn't read through the entire length of the patent, Google has used what you share on a page as part of its formula for sharing the most relevant results. By sharing photos, notes, videos, status updates and more about your core topic you let Facebook find out more about what your page is about and as people interact they can judge the relevancy of your page.
Bottom Line: If you aren't putting up a presence on Facebook you don't have a chance to be found. Dive-in, share updates, create a business page, and push your Facebook marketing efforts to the max.
James Bridges speaks nationally on the subjects of Facebook Marketing Strategies, internet marketing, search engine optimization, and social marketing. With an emphasis on cost effective marketing strategies he shares methods for business owners and sales professionals that are designed to generate leads and increase sales. All aspects of business marketing and conversion are covered from Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click to Social Networking. Training programs are designed to help professionals discover what is needed, apply the methods, and see results monthly.
