How to Magnify Your Brand on Facebook

Facebook allows you to reach customers at home and at work.

Facebook, which is usually used as a social networking site, can also have valuable business applications. The site is free to join, making it a cost-effective marketing tool. By creating a business account on Facebook, you can create an additional way to connect with your customers and vendors. With regular attention, a Facebook page can increase brand recognition and awareness, creating a strengthened business image on a public platform.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Use copy that is similar in tone and style to your website and other marketing materials. If you use a lot of industry jargon in your marketing materials, stick with it on Facebook posts. Proofread all text before posting it to the page to make sure that typos do not send an unprofessional message to viewers. In doing so, you can reinforce the communication style customers have come to expect from your business.

2. Put out posts that promote your products and services. Mention new products, additional features or exciting news. Include a link to a press release or blog post to drive traffic to your website. The posts build brand awareness and educate people about your products.

3. Create relationships with customers through your interactions with Facebook friends. Encourage customers to ask questions and provide quick answers. Ask for feedback and prompt discussions with provocative posts. Because Facebook has high visibility, providing quick customer service can reinforce your brand's personal, responsive image. Assign a staff member to monitor the Facebook page and post replies as soon as possible; an inactive profile can do more harm than good.

4. Share posts to things that might interest your customers. Post links to articles around the Internet that add value to the reader's personal and professional lives. Choose smart, insightful pieces to position yourself as an expert. Keep in mind that the choice of links tells customers what your brand is about; post accordingly.

5. Maintain consistent brand imagery through the photos you post on your Facebook profile. Put a watermark on photos or photograph elements in your office or in front of materials in your brand colors. If you use pictures of employees, have them wear branded clothing whenever possible. Even if customers don't realize it, they will be making connections with your visual brand aspects.

References

• Forbes; No Contest: Twitter And Facebook Can Both Play A Role In Branding; Allen Adamson; 2009
• GigaOm; 32 Ways to Use Facebook for Business; Meryl Evans; June 2009