Part 2 of an ongoing series, discussing social media tips you can put to work right now.
Today’s topic is Facebook Posting/Liking/Sharing
Ahh, Facebook. You are like a fickle teenager. What you said yesterday may still hold true for today, or maybe not! Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that should hold true for the {near} future.
- Follow the 80/20 rule: posts that offer perceived value to others and are NOT self-promotions will garner the best fans. For every self-promo post, offer 4 posts that promote other businesses or community figures, events, etc.
- Like other Pages that are complimentary to your business and like what they are posting (again, use caution and do not “over-like:” one of the worst behaviors is to be perceived as “spammy”). Additionally, like Pages where YOU do business: the hairdresser, the coffee shop, the local newspaper, your church, etc.
- Be genuine and authentic. Tell YOUR story with your words, and be transparent whenever possible. If you have a customer service issue that starts online, address it tactfully and then attempt to resolve it privately. This is the time for your customer service skills to shine! Your honesty and authenticity will show all of your fans and followers that you are the “real deal.”
- Unless religion or politics is your business, keep your personal opinions off your business page. There is no reason to possibly alienate a current or potential customer just because of a difference of personal beliefs. Those who care to share their personal opinions online should do post on their personal profile, keeping in mind your privacy settings and that YOU are your personal brand, so be judicious!
- Share {selectively} your business posts on your personal profile. Your friends and family are interested in your business, but only just a little. If they really want to know what’s going on in your business, they will follow your business page!
- Use the post scheduler on the update status bar to make your life a little easier. You can schedule posts up to 6 months or more in advance.
- Thank your new fans: “Thanks to our newest fans Mary Smith, John Doe, and Sally SoAndSo! We hope you will tell your friends about us!” Pages sometimes can tag people, but don’t worry if you can’t. People still love to be recognized personally.
*sigh* I need a new assistant.
- Share a personal story from time to time. Nothing crazy, just a little tidbit for your fans to know there’s a real person here, not just some computer churning out automated posts. Example, “It’s been raining cats and dogs here at XYZ headquarters; any suggestions on where to get some good galoshes?” or “Working from home today, and my little doggy is snoring in the chair beside me.” And post a pic of the doggy.
- If you have the option, ask someone you trust to review your business.
- If you have video, post it! People LOVE videos. They don’t have to be professional: take a look at YouTube; it’s mostly videos caught on cell phones, and that’s ok! Just make it short and sweet and authentic!