10 Effective Steps to Increasing your Business Profits using Facebook

As an Internet marketing VA, I not only promote Facebook as an excellent marketing tool, but I use it myself.  Facebook is powerful when used as a marketing platform. The possibilities for reaching business success are endless when you learn how to effectively optimize your Facebook profile.

Mari Smith, a renowned social media coach and the world’s leading expert on using Facebook for business, has developed 10 steps for maximizing your business performance using Facebook. With these 10 steps, you will attract your target audience and establish a loyal following, build your brand and increase your business profits.

I would like to share these 10 steps with you and have included them below:

Optimize your Facebook profile

Be sure to use a professional photograph. It is best not to use a photo of you at last year’s New Year’s Eve party. Also include a biography with information relating to yourself and your business. Be sure to use keywords that will attract search engines. And insert links to your website as well as your blog.

Choose your Core Message

Your Facebook profile should be dedicated to a core message. You want to update your status, on a consistent basis, with information that is relevant to your business or industry. The purpose of your presence on Facebook is to establish yourself as a key leader in your industry. Provide thoughtful and professional information that your target audience will appreciate.

Create a Facebook Fan Page

A fan page increases your visibility on the Internet. Using SEO strategies and rich media, you can attract unlimited fans. A fan page can also be promoted on your website using a fan box (click here to learn more about the fan box). 

Add Friends Strategically

Congratulations if you are attracting friends to your Facebook and establishing meaningful relationships with prospects! You may be thrilled to see your popularity rising, however it is important to be strategic about who you allow to be your friend. Facebook does have a friending policy and the current limit is 5,000. Also be sure the friends you are adding are legitimate and not spam.

Relationships First, Business Second

Social networking is about establishing meaningful relationships. Not about pitching a sale. You want to let your friends know you care before making them see the benefit in your product or service.

Be Visible

Don’t just disappear from the Facebook radar. Be visible by posting (tasteful) photos, videos and status updates. Visit other people’s profiles and post to their walls with insightful comments and links. The goal is to be seen and heard everywhere, so when your products or services are required, they will think of you!

Promote Outside of Facebook

Let your website visitors and email list know they can find you on Facebook. Include a link to your Facebook profile in your email signature and add a Facebook badge to your blog and website titled “Find us on Facebook”.

Use Facebook Social Ads

Advertise your fan page and become a fan of other people’s fan pages.

Put a Time Limit on your Facebook Usage

Be aware of how much time you are spending on Facebook. Develop a strategy that works with you and your schedule to invest time in your social networking. If you find time is running short, outsource to someone who can dedicate more energy to this task!

Facebook Should be Part of your Marketing Plan

Don’t think of Facebook as only a social networking tool. Instead, think of it the same way you would think of running an advertisement; it is part of your marketing plan.