Tips, Tactics and Life-changing Links To Help You Use Facebook For Business
Mikyla Gilbert
?? I am the Ideas Chick with over 21,000+ Linkedin connections. I help businesses flourish by telling their stories, in print, online and through social media.
Are you like me and get easily distracted by the new shiny toy or sparkly gorgeous thing* then ignore what’s right in front of your face?
I spend so much time these days checking out the cool new social media platforms and tools, that think I’ve forgotten that many of my friends, colleagues and fans are still trying to figure out the mothership . . . Facebook.
*Note: I’m so in love with my new iPhone 6+. It’s huge but OMG that screen is a thing of beauty!
This week I have received several questions about how to better use Facebook for business.
In this blog post I will share with you some really awesome tips, effective tactics and life-changing links to help you use Facebook for business better.
I will also provide you with links to three superb blog posts and even an opportunity too attend a free webinar from Amy Porterfield (who in my humble opinion is the bees knees when it comes to Facebook marketing).
First things first. . .
- Yes! You should and need a Facebook page for your business.
- Yes! Facebook is still deserving of your attention. It’s the biggest and most used platform in the world.
- Yes! To effectively use Facebook you will need a budget (even as low as $40 per month can make a huge difference)
- Yes! Facebook advertising works – but here’s the kicker . . . only if you do it properly!
ideas #26 You should most definitely consider spending some money on Facebook ads or boosted posts these days to make sure your content can be seen in your community’s news feed.
I prefer using Facebook ads as I know it works out cheaper and can be more targeted and effective.
However, I understand that you may not be an expert in social media (and neither should you be, you’ve got a business to run) but you still want to use the Facebook platform to market your business.
So to dip your toe in the water maybe consider some boosted posts.
What does a boosted post look like?
See up near the top left hand corner, it will say Sponsored. This is what it looks like in the news feed.
You don’t need to boost and pay for every post you do on Facebook – just choose the best ones.
Remember to never boost someone else’s content through your page. Even if the post you’re sharing is top-notch, why would you pay to send traffic to someone else’s page or website?
To boost a post just click on the blue Boost button at the bottom right hand corner of your post and then you’ll see a window pop up just like this one.
Now, the form is pretty self-explanatory but . . . read and check the options carefully.
You can choose to either pay for the post to go to “People who like your page”, “People who like your page and their friends” or “People you choose through targeting.”
I would recommend you do not select the “People who like your page and their friends”. Your fans’ friends may not be interested in your business and you’ll most likely waste money sending your post to them.
If your goal is to drive valuable traffic to your website, then choose the third audience option when you select “People you choose through targeting”.
Or even the first option is a good one – at least it will make sure everyone who sees the paid boosted post is interested in what you have to offer.
To create a targeted audience you can select location, age, gender and interests. Interests are the key!
You can then select a budget** you are happy to pay for the ad to be boosted into targeted people’s news feeds as aSponsored post.
**Note: Please note you can type in your own budget, you don’t have to select one that Facebook has suggested.
Once you’ve done it a few times it’s relatively simple.
So what about Facebook ads?
Well, I think it is best to hand you over to some of the best resources available.
Social Media Examiner is where I go to learn more about social media.
In fact, I’m currently studying in their Social Media Marketing Society.
To save you time searching through hundreds of blog posts I have selected three that can help you understand Facebook advertising and get you headed in the right direction.
Then after all that, if you’re still hungry for more I recommend you sign up for this free (yep free!) webinar on How To Use Facebook For Your Business with the incredible Amy Porterfield. I listen to her weekly podcast and she’s great!
If this is your first time to my blog, please check out my other posts for some more ideas to help your business on social media here.
Keep the questions coming!
Remember the KISS principle and have fun.
Cheers
Follow me on Twitter @MikylaG – same on Periscope! Click here to +1 me on Google+. Connect with me on Facebook too!