subject: Five Reasons to Get Your Business on Facebook [print this page] Five Reasons to Get Your Business on Facebook
Facebook is officially the world's biggest website, with more users than even Google. So you'd be a fool to not have your business listed there.
But in case you're still mulling it over, here's five fantastic reasons to set your business up with a Facebook fan page.
Your customers are looking for you
There's 500 million people on Facebook. Including potential customers for your business. And with every passing year, those users are more likely to turn to social networking sites for advice on companies, products and services before they choose to make a purchase.
That means that they're looking for your company. Not on Google. Not in the phonebook. On Facebook.
And if they can't find you, they're going to think that you're not making an effort, and they won't want to buy your products or services.
Your clients will handle your marketing
Marketing your business can be difficult, time consuming and expensive. You'll have to use radio, television and search engines to get your message across.
So wouldn't it be so much easier if someone would spread the word for you?
That's where a Facebook page comes in. If you provide value with your Facebook page and updates, your clients are going to spread the word. They'll share things with their friends, pass nuggets of information around, and do the hard work for you. They'll handle the marketing and you can handle providing great products and services.
You'll be able to talk directly to customers
How much easier would your life be if you knew exactly what your customers were thinking?
With a fan page, you'll be able to ask them. And they'll want to tell you. Social networking is all about conversations, and your page will let you talk directly to your clients. They'll let you know what they love, and what they hate. And you'll be able to adapt accordingly.
You'll be able to manage your reputation
See in the last paragraph where we said your clients will tell you what they hate?
Well sometimes that's you.
Luckily though, disgruntled clients shouting and bawling on your fan page is better than them shouting and bawling where you can't see or hear them. You'll be able to discuss their issues, resolve them and be seen to be resolving them by other clients.
Manage your reputation on Facebook, and your negative feedback will help you look like a great company.
You don't have to spend a penny
Setting up a Facebook page is free.
Mull that over. It won't cost your business a penny. You get all the advantages we've discussed above, and you won't have to put your hand in your pocket at all. Of course, you'll always have the option to invest in Facebook ads (the social media equivalent of an AdWords or AdSense campaign), but you'll be able to harness word of mouth and a bit of social buzz to promote your business for free.
So how do I get started?
Facebook itself has a number of walkthroughs to guide you through setting up a Facebook page, but you may need some additional advice when it comes to incorporating that page into your overall social media strategy.
However, the FirstFound Social Media Guide will provide you with all the information you need, and it won't cost you a penny.
