For most of us, Facebook is instinctively something that is personal … and definitely not an avenue you would use for business. If you’re finding it hard to wrap your head around the idea of using Facebook as an internet marketing tool, we’re here to show you that it is easier than you think. Get the actions right, and the attitude will follow.
Decide whether to post as yourself, or your business
The vehicle you use for internet marketing within Facebook will be completely different whether you are speaking as ‘Jane Doe’, or as ‘Jane’s Delicious Doe-nuts’. Use a personal page only if you expect that your customers will identify you with the brand – for example, if you’ve been blogging or podcasting for a while. Otherwise, set up a fan page for your business.
Connect with other people
If you’ve started a fan page, use your personal profile to invite people to become a fan of your page. If you are using a personal profile, send out friend requests to people that you know.
A note on friend requests – there are very few people on the site that deny them, no matter what they feel about you. Do you want your community to be apathetic about you, though? It is better only to connect with people you are certain you are friendly with.
Use the ‘Wall’ to communicate
Connect with either your fans or your Facebook friends by leaving posts on their walls. If you find something you know a friend would find interesting, post the link to their wall. You can also just say hello, or update them with news they might be interested in.
Update your status
Your status updates will vary in flavor depending on whether you are a person or a business (on Facebook!). These might be the most difficult thing to get right. If you have started a fan page, you will have to post on your own wall or to your description rather than actually updating your status. Be professional, be positive, and be unique.
Participate in groups
This is only applicable if you’ve chosen to use your personal profile. Read through the comments on a group’s wall, and post your own. These don’t have to be internet marketing or sales oriented … just be yourself!